hell's gate national park

sharonjsmith1

We drove through in a van, but I would have LOVED to bike through. The access to wildlife was pretty remarkable. We came at 7 AM and there were tons of animals out feeding. We saw cyclists ride through the park; buffalo just moved aside to let them continue on the road (I was surprised). Lovely, easy, inexpensive way to see wildlife (about $30 entry fee) close to Nairobi, compared to traveling further on safari.

KasiaGie

Reading the reviews posted here by other travellers I really feel the need to write one myself. I can't understand, how anybody who has gathered at least basic information about Hell's Gate before the trip, could possibly be disappointed with this site. The Park itself offers monumental views, the same landscapes that inspired The Lion King. It also has great bike trails. It's one of a very few game parks in the world offering a possibility to a bike through - you can spend the whole day observing wild animals in their natural habitat. Zebras, antylopes and buffalows are all around, you can even spot a giraffe. In the end of the trail, after parking your bike, you enter a completely stunning world of carved by rivers and rains canyons. A local guid will tell you stories and tribal legends about this place, while you can give yourself some rest and slow down after a day of cycling.For me it's more than enough reasons to visit Hell's Gate.Visited in 2010 and again in 2013 (the earliest option on tripadvisor is April 2014, but it would be missleading)

eugene87

We'd planned to cycle through the park but due to time constraints we had to go with our driver. Rock formations were breathtaking, like a scene out of Jurassic Park, although this wouldn't be a place we'd come to in order to see wild animals. No predators (lions especially) are present here, making this safe for trekking and cycling, although small herds of impalas, gazelles and several giraffes were dotted around the park.The highlight should be the trek into the gorge, where we spent about 45 mins on the "short" trek, exploring the rivers and hot springs that still hint at the volcanic activity beneath the park. There is a longer trek that we could have gone for but being on a tight schedule, we had to miss out on that.Great place for a one-off visit and scenery, but certainly not worth sacrificing a trip to any of the other attractions in the region for.

barnskybeat

Not really that much wildlife if you have seen other places in Kenya, dusty, road traffic. Bicycles for hire are in a deplorable shape. Nothing really to miss there.

NoahM897

Hell’s Gate national park was one of the best attractions we have visited in Kenya so far. It’s ideal for a day trip for those based in Nairobi and the drive up north on the B3 highway was very scenic. Once in the park, you can rock climb, see some wildlife and hike through the magnificent gorges with a guide who charged a very reasonable fee. Initially I was surprised to see so much industrial activity in a nature park, but I later learned that Hell’s Gate is Kenya’s largest geothermal site.

morankenya

Hells Gate National Park about an and half from Nairobi is famous for its beauty and magnificent and cascading landscape. The valleys and winding gorges makes photographers salivate while the fact it is the only national park or game reserve where walking or riding a bicycle is permitted makes it an attractive destination for animal and nature lovers. The pictures I took of Hell's Gate during the last trip attests to the beauty of the park!

happyreturnguest

Loved the view and overall trekking experience. We got to meet with wild animals as we walked through the park with the guides who were well informed and knowledgeable about the surroundings. A bit thrilling and exciting.

I3336WWjamesw

I loved cycling on the rough terrain and seeing wild animals all the way to the Gorge. Visiting the Gorge was fantastic too.

royalp125

This is on of the very few parks in East Africa Where Walking Safaris are allowed. The wildlife is abundant, has great caves, home to geothermal power and a habitat for Maasai people .

grandmaf2014

We loved going early in the morning with our 'safari van' and saw plenty of animals very near to the road. We also enjoyed our hike in the canyon and learned much about the history/geology/geothermal activity in the area. James, our Maasai guide, did an excellent job of providing information whilst touring the canyon. We also liked seeing climbers on Fischer's Tower.

AleKahvileipa

Ride bicycles, but rent them from outside the gates. The ones KWS has are in a very bad shape. Also the gorge is incredible walk.

575loisc

The best way to see this park is to hire a bike and ride through it peddling past giraffa and zebra and other wildlife who just carry on as if you arn't there. i recently spent a morning in the park with my daughter where we hired bikes and a guide at the rangers station and then peddled through the park to the gorge then took a walk along the gorge to the Devils bedroom. it is better to get a guide and bike at the rangers station as the bikes are in better condition and the guide is registered. a very different and fun way to see wildlife and to get close to the environment. if you are visiting the area you must visit this park but don't drive go by bike and see this park as it should be seen.

andrewk741

A definite must-see spot. We viewed zebras, giraffe, herds of antelope and warthogs. Hiking through the cliffs was the highlight of the day. Take the longer hike offered by the KWS it is worth it!

Floris46

Great experience to go on a mountain bike and explore the park. Take some time to step off your bike and walk to the zebra's. Careful for hyena's though. I biked for about 4hrs without seeing anyone else. Closer to the gorge it gets more crowded. Make sure you take no guide here (little kids will try and walk with you and ask for a tip. Don't reward them for that). Easily reachable. Take some lunch and enough water and just explore yourself!

brilliantsafarisl

We recently visited Hells Gate with my friends; The guide did some basic briefing and we followed him down the gorge. Ideally at the start it was a little bit steep but we managed to go through with ease. We took the walk for nearly 45 minutes as we were taking pictures in the process and also being on the lookout for anything unusual. During this walk, we met 100s of people including school children, adults of all gender etc…Basically after Years of Erosion, the Gorge is quite deep.