Hells Gate National Park

The park offers a wealth of experiences, featuring panoramic picnic areas, breathtaking scenic vistas, rich biodiversity, towering cliffs, water-carved gorges, and impressive rock formations, including geothermal steam from the Olkaria Geothermal I power station situated in the southwest region of Naivasha. It is a treasure trove of adventure awaiting discovery.

Nature trails, picnic spots, and two circuits meander through the park, presenting a range of picturesque locations and opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitors can explore two walking nature trails at Hobley’s Volcano and the Ol Basta Rock Tower, as well as enjoy scenic picnic areas at Lake View Point, Moibeni, the obsidian caves, Hell’s Kitchen, and Kapartania View Point.

The park is distinguished by its varied topography and unique geological formations. Known as “A walk on the wild side,” it facilitates walking and cycling activities, which can be guided by KWS security upon request or by local community guides for a fee. The expansive grasslands are traversed by well-maintained dirt roads, making it an excellent location for game drives, where one can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including zebras, elands, giraffes, buffaloes, serval cats, hartebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, klipspringers, antelopes, leopards, and many more.

With an impressive record of over 103 bird species, this destination is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The Mervyns Carnelley Raptor Hide features a one-way window, allowing visitors to observe and photograph birds up close. This hide is conveniently located above the Endachata campsite.

Rising to a remarkable height of 25 meters, Fischer’s Tower is a rugged rock formation that remains from an ancient volcano, named in honor of German explorer Gustav Fischer, who visited the park in 1883. According to local Maasai tradition, the rock symbolizes a chief’s daughter who defied cultural norms to take a final glance at her home before her marriage. The rock provides an excellent climbing opportunity.

Additionally, the park is home to the Olkaria Geothermal Station and a geothermal spa, both integral to power generation in the area.