subject: "A walk on the wild side"-Hells Gate National Park [print this page] "A walk on the wild side"-Hells Gate National Park
"A walk on the wild side"-Hells Gate National Park.
Hell's Gate National Park lies to the south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, North West of Nairobi. Hell's Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It received the name "Hell's Gate" by explorers Fisher and Thomson in 1883.
The park which is mainly comprised of savannah ecosystem habours a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the frequently observed animal species include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. There are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux's Eagles, augur buzzard, and swifts. African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle, and baboons are also common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chanler's mountain reedbuck.
ACCESS
By Road: This park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi (90kms) via Naivasha Town on the Lake Road South at a junction 5km south of Naivasha
By Air: Naivasha air strip
PARK GATES
The main Elsa Gate
Olkaria Gate
SIZE / LOCATION
68 Km2.
Naivasha , Rift Valley Province
CLIMATE
Temperature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm 700 mm
Two rain seasons: Long rains March & April & short rains Nov/ December
PERSONNEL ON CALL
The Warden
SAFARICARD REQUIRED?
At present the park does not operate on the smartcard system. Entry is by cash only (KShs or US $)
Citizens Valid Passport or National ID
Residents Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Elephant in Eden
Aruba Dam
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Game viewing
Raptor nesting in cliffs
Spectecular Gorge walk
Hot springs
The Olkaria Geothermal Station
The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
Fischer's Tower
Tourist circuits, nature trails and picnic sites
WILDLIFE
Buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle and giraffe, babooms, serval cat and klipspringer antelopes
Prolific birdlife features 103 species.
WHERE TO STAY
In - Park Accommodation
There is no accommodation in the Park ; although a wide range of accommodations options are available in Naivasha town and along Moi South Lake Road.
KWS Self Catering Accommodation:
There are no self-catering facilities at Hell's Gate National Park.
Camping Facilities
Oldubai campsite( on the cliff top south of Fischer's Tower)
Nairburta campsite
Endchata campsite (across the gorge on the northern cliffs)
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
Hiking
Camping
Rock climbing
Biking
Bird watching
Wildlife viewing
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking boots and guidebooks
