Aberdare National Park
National Park
Rift Valley Scenic Park
Hell’s Gate National Park
A walk on the wild side
A compact Rift Valley adventure park famous for cliffs, gorges, geothermal scenery, cycling, hiking and rock climbing.
Overview
About Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate combines wildlife with one of Kenya’s most accessible active-adventure settings. Towering cliffs, water-cut gorges, volcanic formations and geothermal features create routes for walking and cycling, while Fischer’s Tower, obsidian formations and Olkaria add geological interest.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Fischer’s Tower
Water-cut gorges and cliffs
Obsidian formations
Olkaria geothermal landscape and spa
Panoramic valley scenery
Walking and cycling trails
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Rock climbing
- Game viewing
- Photography
- Geothermal spa visits
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Plains game
- Raptors and other birdlife
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Public campsites
- Naiburta
- Oldubai
Special campsites
- Endachata
Private lodges & camps
- Elsamere Education Centre
- Enashipai
- Lake Naivasha Resort
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS states that Hell’s Gate was gazetted in 1984 and covers about 68 km².
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
From Nairobi, use the A104 toward Naivasha, then Moi South Lake Road toward Elsa Gate.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 50 | USD 25 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Hell’s Gate National Park FAQs
What is Hell’s Gate National Park best known for?
Hell’s Gate National Park is especially known for Fischer’s Tower, Water-cut gorges and cliffs, Obsidian formations, Olkaria geothermal landscape and spa. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Hell’s Gate National Park?
Road: From Nairobi, use the A104 toward Naivasha, then Moi South Lake Road toward Elsa Gate. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Hell’s Gate National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 50 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Hell’s Gate National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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Build a stronger safari route by combining complementary landscapes.