Hell's Gate National Park

By road – Take the A104 Uplands Road from Nairobi to Naivasha and then take the Moi South Lake Road which leads to Lake Naivasha. Elsa Gate is 25KM from the Moi South Lake Road Junction and public transport services are in operation.

What to take with you

Personal effects, drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight in the camp.

Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses, appropriate hiking gear and reserve car fuel if intending to be in the park longer.

MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen  (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Special Services/Activities: Security/Guided tour per guide:

• Ksh. 2,000 - up to 4 hours

• Ksh. 4,000 - Over 4 hours

Cycling per day:

· EAST AFRICAN CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS Ksh. 3,000

· AFRICAN CITIZENS AND NON-RESIDENTS USD.10

 Vehicle charges per day

No. of Seats                       KSH.

• Less than 6 seats             KSH. 600

• 6 - 12 seats                      KSH. 1,500

• 13 - 24 seats                    KSH. 3,000

• 25 - 44 seats                    KSH. 4,500

• 45 seats and above          KSH. 5,000 

From panoramic picnic sites, spectacular scenic views, abundant flora and fauna, towering cliffs, water gouged gorges, rock towers geothermal steams from Olkaria Geothermal I power station located inside the park south-west of Naivasha, the park is a bundle of fun waiting to be explored.

Nature trails, picnic sites and two circuits loop around the park offering a variety of scenic sites and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are two walking nature trails at Hobley’s Volcano and the Ol Basta Rock Tower and some scenic picnic sites at Lake View Point, Moibeni, the obsidian caves, Hell’s kitchen and Kapartania View Point.

The park is characterized by diverse topography and geological rock formations. Christened “A walk on the wild side’’ the park allows walking and cycling activities (guided by KWS security on request or by local community guides at a fee) on the sprawling grasslands with well-maintained dust roads. Teeming with hundreds of wild flora and fauna this fact makes it ideal for game drives. Wild animals to see include; Zebra, eland, giraffe, buffalo, serval cat, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, klipspringer, antelope, leopard and so much more.

With an incredible record of over 103 bird species, the destination is ideal for bird lovers. The Mervyns Carnelley Raptor Hide is a unique bird viewing hide that incorporates a one-way window which allows visitors to view and take photos of birds at close proximity. The hide is located above Endachata campsite.

Standing at a dizzying 25metres, the Fischer’s Tower is a rugged mass of rock that is a remnant of the ancient volcano named after a German explorer Gustav Fischer who was in the park in 1883. Local Maasai community allege that the rock is a figure of a chief’s daughter who turned around against the dictates of the Maa tradition to take one last look at her home before leaving to be married. The rock offers a great climbing experience.

The Park hosts the OlKaria Geothermal Station and the Geothermal spa all products of power generation projects at Olkaria where Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen) owns and operates four Geothermal Power Plants. The spa is said to be rich in minerals such as sulphur and silica is believed to cure skin diseases and ailments. This is an ideal out of town plot to getaway and indulge in a wild swimming spree.

From panoramic picnic sites, spectacular scenic views, abundant flora and fauna, towering cliffs, water gouged gorges, rock towers geothermal steams from Olkaria Geothermal I power station located inside the park south-west of Naivasha, the park is a bundle of fun waiting to be explored.

Nature trails, picnic sites and two circuits loop around the park offering a variety of scenic sites and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are two walking nature trails at Hobley’s Volcano and the Ol Basta Rock Tower and some scenic picnic sites at Lake View Point, Moibeni, the obsidian caves, Hell’s Kitchen and Kapartania View Point.

The park is characterized by diverse topography and geological rock formations. Christened “A walk on the wild side’’ the park allows walking and cycling activities (guided by KWS security on request or by local community guides at a fee) on the sprawling grasslands with well-maintained dust roads. Teeming with hundreds of wild flora and fauna this fact makes it ideal for game drives. Wild animals to see include; Zebra, eland, giraffe, buffalo, serval cat, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, klipspringer, leopard and so much more. 

With an incredible record of over 103 bird species, the destination is ideal for bird lovers. The Mervyns Carnelley Raptor Hide is a unique bird viewing hide that incorporates a one-way window which allows visitors to view and take photos of birds at close proximity. The hide is located above Endachata campsite. 

Standing at a dizzying 25metres, the Fischer’s Tower is a rugged mass of rock that is a remnant of the ancient volcano named after a German explorer Gustav Fischer who was in the park in 1883. Local Maasai community allege that the rock is a figure of a chief’s daughter who turned around against the dictates of the Maa tradition to take one last look at her home before leaving to be married. The rock offers a great climbing experience. 

Walking and cycling in the park are allowed. Bicycles for  hire are available at the Elsa Gate at fee

The park hosts the Ol Karia Geothermal Station and the Geothermal spa all products of power generation projects at Ol Karia where Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen) owns and operates four Geothermal Power Plants. The spa is said to be rich in minerals such as sulphur and silica is believed to cure skin diseases and ailments. This is an ideal out of town plot to getaway and indulge in a wild swimming spree.

The park doesn’t offer any self-catering accommodation options though visitors can select from a wide range of accommodation options available in Naivasha town and along Moi South Lake Road, both within easy reach of the park.

Camping:

Public Campsites:

• Naiburta
• Oldubai

For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area. Public campsites do not require prior booking.

Special Campsites:

• Endachata

For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the special campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors have to bring with them personal effects, drinking water, source of fire and kitchen utensils.

*Reservation of special campsites is done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke

*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites exluding other park charges

Phone: +254 770 070 405

Toll Free: 0800 597 000

WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610508

Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke