Explore Hell’s Gate, a Kenyan park home to grazing zebras, giraffes, impalas, and buffaloes that can be explored safely by bike or on foot. Large carnivores are rare in the park, making it a great spot to pedal and spot rock hyraxes. Additionally, visitors can hike the gorge or climb Fischer’s Tower for further adventure.

Self Drive Kenya - Hell's Gate National Park

Self Drive Highlights Of Hell's Gate National Park

  • Great park for Rooftop or ground camping
  • Day trip recommendation
  • Variety of lodgings for all budgets and preferences
  • Breath taking volcanic scenery
  • The park is usually not crowded

Self Drive Packages to Consider

From USD 1,400

14 Days Kenya Rooftop Tent Self-drive Safari

Activities in Hell's Gate National Park Kenya

Cycling

Cycling is our favorite way to explore the park, and the main Hell’s Gate Gorge is relatively flat; the distance from Elsa Gate to the Lower Gorge is around 7km. Bicycles are available at the park gates for a fee per day, or you can pay for bringing your own into the park.

Hell’s Gate GorgeHell's gate national park Kenya walks

The gorge that runs through the heart of the park is a wide, deep valley hemmed in by sheer, rusty-hued rock walls. Marking its eastern entrance is Fischer’s Tower, a 25m-high volcanic column which can be climbed with a guide. The tower was named after Gustav Fischer, a German explorer who reached the gorge in 1882. Commissioned to find a route from Mombasa to Lake Victoria, Fischer was stopped by territorial Maasai, who slaughtered almost his entire party.

Lower Gorge

Rising from the main gorge’s southern end is the large Central Tower, an unusual volcanic plug. A picnic site and ranger’s post are close by, from where a walk descends into the Lower Gorge (Ol Njorowa). In some places the riverbed is dry; in others, you’ll find yourself scrambling down a steep and slippery descent. Some steps have been cut into the rock and some parts may be perilous. We recommend taking a guide.

sights of Hell's Gate Kenya

Accommodation in Hell's Gate National Park Kenya

Naiburta Public Campsite

Naiburta, sitting on a gentle rise on the northern side of the Hell’s Gate Gorge and Commanding fine views west past Fischer’s Tower, is the most scenic site in the area. It has basic toilets, an open banda for cooking, and freshwater taps.