Introduction
Hells Gate National Park is located in a remote area of Kenya, about 110 kilometres from Nairobi. The park was established in 1986 and covers an area of 1,600 square kilometers (620 square miles). It’s famous for its rugged landscape and diverse wildlife, including lions and elephants. Hells Gate offers several hiking trails that wind through dense forest or lead you to waterfalls where you can swim alongside hippos. You can also take boat rides on Lake Naivasha–a popular destination for bird-watching enthusiasts–or go horseback riding along the Rift Valley Escarpment.
Geology and Topography
The park is named after the Hells Gate Gorge, which was formed by water erosion. The topography ranges from flat plains to steep cliffs and canyons. The park has been formed on volcanic rocks that were laid down millions of years ago when Kenya was part of Gondwana (a supercontinent).
Wildlife
- Birds
- Mammals
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Fish
Recreation
- Camping
- Hiking
- Filming
- Team building
Amenities
The Hells Gate National Park Visitor Centre is located on the western side of the park, about a kilometer from the gate. It’s open daily from 8am to 6pm and offers visitors information about the park, including maps and guides. There are also picnic areas with tables available for use by visitors who want to spend some time there before heading out into nature or after they’ve returned from their hike. There are washrooms at both entrances as well as inside the park itself; however there aren’t any showers or laundry facilities so you’ll have to bring your own supplies if you need them!
Conservation
The park is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA), a protected area in which birds are given legal protection. The park has been identified as a site for conservation of several mammal species, including the black rhinoceros, hippopotamus and elephant. The park also protects several plant species that are endangered or threatened with extinction in Kenya. These include Acacia kenyensis, Adansonia digitata (baobab), Aloe dichotoma and Euphorbia tanaensis
Visiting Tips
- What to bring
- Sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle (and a way to carry it)
- Best time to visit: The Park is open year round, but the best times are during the dry season (April through October), when temperatures are cooler and there’s less chance of rain.
Conclusion
Hells Gate National Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something off the beaten path. There are plenty of things to do and see, from hiking Mount Kenya or rafting down its rivers, to exploring caves and waterfalls. If you’re feeling adventurous, try climbing Mount Kenya!
SALEN MEDIA 