Towering Spire of Hells Gate
Towering Spire of Hells Gate
Hells Gate National Park, located in Kenya, is a spectacular showcase of dramatic landscapes and geological wonders. Highlighting its rugged beauty is the towering Fischer’s Tower, a striking volcanic plug that stands as a sentinel over the terrain. Carved by volcanic activity millions of years ago, this iconic rock formation offers both a stunning vista and a thrilling challenge for rock climbers.
Famed for its extraordinary landscapes and geothermal activity, Hells Gate features gorges, cliffs, and a variety of wildlife. This is one of the few national parks where visitors can walk or cycle among zebras, warthogs, and giraffes, experiencing the natural world in an up-close and personal manner. The park's geothermal hot springs and steamy vents are a testament to the Earth’s lively inner workings, making it truly unique.
Delve into the myths surrounding this place; it is said that Fischer’s Tower represents a young Maasai girl who was turned to stone because she disobeyed her family. Whether you come for the legends or the adventure, Hells Gate is a place where memories are made.
Adventure Guide to Hells Gate National Park
Rock Climbing at Fischer’s Tower
- What Makes It Special: Challenge yourself by scaling this impressive volcanic plug, honoring the spirit of adventure.
- Local Insights: It’s a popular spot for both novice and experienced climbers.
- Visitor Tips:
- Best visited during the dry seasons: January-February and June-September.
- Bring climbing gear or rent from local operators.
- Approximately a 2-hour drive from Nairobi.
Cycling through Wildlife
- What Makes It Special: Cycle next to giraffes and zebras.
- Key Features: A 22 km route showcased by paved and dirt roads.
- Visitor Tips:
- Rent a bike from Naivasha for convenience.
- Early morning rides offer cooler temperatures and active wildlife.
Hiking the Ol Njorowa Gorge
- What Makes It Special: Explore sculpted canyons and stunning rock formations.
- Local Insights: Guides can share stories of the local culture and history.
- Visitor Tips:
- Wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain and possible water crossings.
- Keep an eye on weather conditions to avoid flash floods.
Rating:
8.7
Hells Gate National Park is renowned for its unique geological formations and up-close wildlife experiences. While not as globally famous as some other landmarks, its adventurous spirit and rare activities provide visitors with memorable encounters worth experiencing.
Recommend Local Adventure Experts
Reviews
Ken Shaw
a week ago
Hell's Gate near Lake Naivasha is a great place for hiking. There are canyons and mountains. The guide will lead you through the entire valley. This is also the filming location of The Lion King Simba. During the mountain climbing process, you will enjoy different scenery. There are active volcanoes here, so there are geothermal resources and hot springs nearby. The geothermal eruptions make a sharp noise, like the sound from hell.
David Pinney
2 months ago
Well worth a visit for scenery, geology, gorge-walking, cycling or walking in a NP. Don't miss the Geothermal Spa at one end of the park near the Geothermal Power Station! There's also rock climbing at Fischers Tower. Consider a whole day for all of these! There's not much shade, so be prepared! See separate reviews of the Gorge and the Geothermal Spa.
jptovee
a month ago
Wish we spent an extra day here instead of Nakuru - mountain biking through the ridges next to giraffes etc. was a highlight of our trip to Kenya and the hiking through gorges was very unique. Guides will take you back on motorbike if you don't fancy cycling the return trip and the bikes were good even for older kids ~ 10 years. Highly recommended 👍
Mary Colbert
a week ago
Beautiful park with Buffalo and zebras mainly. Safe to go for a walking safari. Beautiful scenery of the rift valley and mountains. The thermal hot springs were abundant and puffs of white hot steam merged with the clouds. There were also some nice private places for a Picnic. The roads were perfect for cyclists too and rock climbing available as an activity for the adventurous .. What I found a let down was that to enter the park one could not use cash. You had to have an e citizen governmental app on your phone. It caused a bit of difficulty and time wasting. The cost was 37/40 euro per person. Also, the pass was for 24 hours only and if you left the park, they would not let you re-enter within the 24 hours. That disappointed me as we arrived in the afternoon and would have liked to come back the following morning. .. Also, if you wanted to swim in the geothermal spring Spa pool, there was an extra 12 eurocharge per person . The parks are not cheap. ... but the gorge walk inside Hells gate was great fun and not to be missed. You can pick up a local Masai guide there quite easily. ...
thekman
a month ago
Good choice for a day trip out of Nairobi. Biking along giraffes and zebras was real nice. So is the gorge. Had to tip the guide $20 to let us in the narrow forbidden dead end. Also saw baboons and the rock hyrax and ended at the lake. Day well spent.