Hell's Gate National Park
Hell's Gate National Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Hell's Gate National Park
The area
Address
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Attractions
2 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Connor L3 contributionsBeautiful Scenery, Made Better with Guide!My sister and I visited in October and had a fabulous time. We saw some reviews that mentioned Robert the guide on here and I reached out to him. He was absolutely fabulous, very flexible and communicative, not to mention a great guide. Having someone tell you all the little tidbits of info and show you the coolest spots and angles for neat pictures really is invaluable here. I normally don't write reviews but felt obligated this time because I only heard about Robert through Trip Advisor and I wanted to pass on the good info. Hit him up at 254725894994 - you won't regret itVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 21, 2023
- RoamestroamerNairobi, Kenya53 contributionsHell's gate hike19 years after my last hike at the Hell's gate, it was time for a revisit. In a team of 25 from the Warrior's gym, also with the help of a tour guide, the climb was great until we got to the devil's bedroom. It never gets old. I'm the afternoon, a visit to the geothermal spa was a healing to the muscles and the entire bodyVisited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 28, 2023
- Matthews LincolnHonolulu, Hawaii1 contributionBest Moment made with the guideOur Hell's gate safari experience was exceptional and provided memories we will cherish for a lifetime. Our safari with our tour Guide Robert was truly the highlight of our life to date.Exceeded exceptions!!Anyway you can get in touch (+254725894994-robert,rthuo541@gmail.com)Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 31, 2023
- Fredrick OpoloNairobi Region, Kenya9 contributionsAwesome experienceThe place is Welly protected,,the fisher's tower which offers an amazing experience of rock climbing and Amezing park view makes it awesome to this place. Pride rock is another Amezing feature that makes Hell's gate unique, olnjorowa gorge and other gorges makes Hell's gate seems scary to activate mind function.. it's fantastic to this nation park. I therefore recommends Hell's gate for a tour Thanks you for your serviceVisited November 2023Traveled on businessWritten November 23, 2023
- Eliud SNew York City, New York2 contributionsHELLS GATE TOUR WITH AN EXEPTIONAL GUIDEI had an exceptional experience with Robert as my tour guide at Hell's Gate National Park. His extensive knowledge of the park's history and wildlife enriched the tour, making it both educational and enjoyable. Robert's passion for conservation and engaging storytelling made the trip memorable. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking a knowledgeable and personable guide at Hell's Gate. Contact Him (+254725894994 / rthuo541@gmail.com)Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 6, 2023
- Jeremy K.Austin, Texas4 contributionsA really wonderful experienceJoseph +254 748 847572 It was a wonderful experience. My guide, Joseph, a former Kenya Wildlife Service personnel, and I biked to the gorge and back. We got to see a variety of wildlife. Joseph, was really knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. He was also familiar with the local guides which gave me a unique experience.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten January 9, 2024
- Pallu R20 contributionsBest Guide you could haveI had looked up guides for Hell’s Gate and found Robert. He had excellent reviews. I touched base with him via email and had him connect with our safari driver. We finished the tour today. He was wonderful. I found him to be knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. When I could not take the heat on the return, he rode his bike and pulled mine, and had stopped a van driven by his friends to get me to my driver at the entrance. I was just feeling sick from the heat. I am grateful for his concern and kindness.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 19, 2024
- Kelly K1 contributionA Day with Guide Reagan at Hell’s GateOur guide’s (Reagan) expertise made our biking tour through Hell’s Gate not just a ride, but a journey through nature. His ability to spot wildlife and share fascinating insights enriched our experience. Despite the challenge of the terrain, his preparedness and skill ensured a memorable adventure. Highly recommended for an authentic encounter with Kenya’s wild beauty. * reagantours@gmail.com +254 768 810294 *Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 21, 2024
- Anisa C2 contributionsNaivasha is Beautiful!This was My second time at Hellsgate but this time it felt different, we met this young Man named Reagan by the entrance (reagantours@gmail.com) and he was all smiley and welcoming. He took us for rock climbing at the Fischer's tower for an hour then proceeded to our biking tour. The Fischer's tower ain't that big but it's amazing, we did biking and oh, my! It was amazing, the african birds, giraffe's, antelopes and gazelles, we even saw hares were in our vicinity. I guess with a right Tour guide you can maximize on your Hellsgate tour, would highly recommend Reagan the young guy just by the entrance to the park. He also suggested a boat ride tour around Lake Naivasha that was Fantastic, God bless Kenya! Such a Gem of a Nation with all these scenaries, can't wait to come back hoping everything would be more than it was!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 22, 2024
- Amelia A1 contributionNAIVASHA HELLSGATE WAS IT!Our Tour Agency asked us to ask for " Duba Gadaffi" when we got to the entrance of Hellsgate by the Moi Southlake road, the guy was so professional and even helped us pay for the park fee when our Visa cards acted up. Such a nice guide and smooth with everything he does* FYI he even speaks fluent Spanis that's so outstanding. Hell'sgate was our last spot on our Kenyan Tour but for next time I would rather have him around for my whole Kenyan tour. I can confidently recommend him to anyone visiting Kenya especially Naivasha. His Contacts {gtasteofnature@gmail.com +254 727 410337 }Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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952 reviews
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Sim0nMcC
Nairobi, Kenya292 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I drove up from Nairobi to visit this National Park, it is about a three hour drive each direction.
The park rangers at the Elsa gate entrance were unfriendly and surly, I thought given the lack of tourists and visitors they might be slightly more welcoming but that wasn’t the case. I would like to say however that this is an extremely unusual experience in Kenya where most people are absolutely charming and delightful.
I rented a bike, cost is KHS 500, please be warned that the quality and standard of the bikes for rental are extremely extremely poor so please don’t expect anything too grand
I was very keen to visit the park and in particular to see the gorge, there is no information on the national parks website nor on the HGNP website that says that the gorge is actually closed. It wasn’t until I cycled to the gorge that I found out that I could not go into it. The local guides are all there at the entrance of the gorge trying to get your business just to walk you down to look at the gorge.
Putting that huge disappointment to one side the park itself is extremely beautiful and it is the one place that you’re able to cycle through getting up close to quite a lot of wildlife. I saw a lot of zebra, some gazelle, a giraffe in the distance and one Eland.
The gravel tracks are pretty easy to cycle on, except where there are patches of loose sand but there aren’t too many of those. The tracks are relatively flat with only some slight undulations up-and-down which was fortunate because I don’t think the bike that I had would’ve made it up any slopes as the gears weren’t working!
The park rangers at the Elsa gate entrance were unfriendly and surly, I thought given the lack of tourists and visitors they might be slightly more welcoming but that wasn’t the case. I would like to say however that this is an extremely unusual experience in Kenya where most people are absolutely charming and delightful.
I rented a bike, cost is KHS 500, please be warned that the quality and standard of the bikes for rental are extremely extremely poor so please don’t expect anything too grand
I was very keen to visit the park and in particular to see the gorge, there is no information on the national parks website nor on the HGNP website that says that the gorge is actually closed. It wasn’t until I cycled to the gorge that I found out that I could not go into it. The local guides are all there at the entrance of the gorge trying to get your business just to walk you down to look at the gorge.
Putting that huge disappointment to one side the park itself is extremely beautiful and it is the one place that you’re able to cycle through getting up close to quite a lot of wildlife. I saw a lot of zebra, some gazelle, a giraffe in the distance and one Eland.
The gravel tracks are pretty easy to cycle on, except where there are patches of loose sand but there aren’t too many of those. The tracks are relatively flat with only some slight undulations up-and-down which was fortunate because I don’t think the bike that I had would’ve made it up any slopes as the gears weren’t working!
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anita346
London, UK20 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Hell’s gate is not worth the time and money in my opinion (Crescent Island is much better in this regard. Lots of animals on a small patch of land, you literally walk among giraffes. Amazing experience).
If you do decide to do Hell’s, don’t waste time doing it by bike (around 3h and we are sporty). Do it by car - you can always stop and walk out of the car when you spot animals. Gorge is closed but you still need to hire a local (on top of the park fee) to accompany you on a short walk (between $20 and $40 depending on the length), totally not worth it. The Pride Mountain is nowhere near what you see in the Lion King. Allegedly the tip has fallen down… Rip-off.
If you do decide to do Hell’s, don’t waste time doing it by bike (around 3h and we are sporty). Do it by car - you can always stop and walk out of the car when you spot animals. Gorge is closed but you still need to hire a local (on top of the park fee) to accompany you on a short walk (between $20 and $40 depending on the length), totally not worth it. The Pride Mountain is nowhere near what you see in the Lion King. Allegedly the tip has fallen down… Rip-off.
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nisha Jyoti S
21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We expected a walk in the Gorge as mentioned in trip advisor, but our guide said the visitors are not allowed in gorge since 2012! If we knew then we would have definitely avoid hell's gate and gone to crescent Island!
We had small and tired kids (as Naivasha is the last stop) so both hiking and cycling was not an option. So small walk till an area like Gorge and few souvenirs bought (which seems to be very cheap than highway curio/souvenirs shop.
PS# bring extra clothes for kids as they will be covered in dust during the steep walk.
We had small and tired kids (as Naivasha is the last stop) so both hiking and cycling was not an option. So small walk till an area like Gorge and few souvenirs bought (which seems to be very cheap than highway curio/souvenirs shop.
PS# bring extra clothes for kids as they will be covered in dust during the steep walk.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim
1 contribution
Sep 2020
When we entered they charged for the car and for us. We expected that and it was not bad rates. But then when we wanted to ride a bike they brought us a bike and said you have to pay for the bike and you have to pay to take the bike into the park. That was unexpected. Just a matter of unexpected expenses. WE had a great ride and hike in the park with the beautiful scenery and wild animals grazing in the fields. Good opportunity to climb one of the rock towers. Unfortunately the famous Hells gate gorge was closed. We went to see what we could see at the gorge. When we arrived at the ranger station a Masai man came and told us we had to pay $15.00 to him because he was a leader of the community. This was not posted anywhere. Nor was a receipt given. So when we reached that area they took us on a hike around the top of the gorge which was fun. We were able to see lots of things and look down into the gorge.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Svetlana Olga
Moscow, Russia3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
I had an amazing experience on this bike tour! The ride itself was both fun and scenic, with plenty of great stops along the way. Our guide, Robert,(+254725894994,rthuo541@gmail.com) truly made the experience unforgettable. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and had a fantastic sense of humor, which kept the whole group entertained throughout. Robert also went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, no matter their biking skill level. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable way to explore the area. Thank you, Robert, for an unforgettable day!
Written November 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sfer00
Rome, Italy32 contributions
Jan 2023
Cycling in a natural park is fantastic. Ways better than traveling by car! You enjoy the silence, you do not scare animals as much. And you really feel you are in the place! the park is not grand, but is varied, and there is plenty to enjoy. Especially when you have a nice guide. I was lucky to find "Dustyboots" (dustyboots.ke@gmail.com +254708803364 )
The tour is doable also without a guide, but as a solo traveler it is just wiser to go with experienced people.
I found John mentioned in another review (thanks to the writer!). I was trying to organize a visit last minute from a hotel around Naivasha... an, believe or not, it is easier to find trips from Nairobi than from Naivasha (and here hotels charge really high prices for the trip!)
He responded promptly, he was very quick to arrange transport, to plan the trip to fit my needs. He did all this very professionally, smoothly and at a very decent price.Most importantly, he is really good at his job, and passionate about it. It was a pleasure to travel with him, and he certainly helped to improve the experience.
The tour is doable also without a guide, but as a solo traveler it is just wiser to go with experienced people.
I found John mentioned in another review (thanks to the writer!). I was trying to organize a visit last minute from a hotel around Naivasha... an, believe or not, it is easier to find trips from Nairobi than from Naivasha (and here hotels charge really high prices for the trip!)
He responded promptly, he was very quick to arrange transport, to plan the trip to fit my needs. He did all this very professionally, smoothly and at a very decent price.Most importantly, he is really good at his job, and passionate about it. It was a pleasure to travel with him, and he certainly helped to improve the experience.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loic R
3 contributions
Dec 2022
The entry price seems a little high to me if the gorge is closed, comparing to Longonot/Crater Lake, because the gorge is one main attraction there and it needs a longer walk. I was done with the whole visit in only 3 hours, which let me a bit disappointed.
Nice Park, I was there by bike plus a small walk, impressive landscapes, some zebras , buffalos etc. there.
Since the gorge is closed, I would advise to take a guide (2000 shillings plus tip) who would at least take you to a little walk (<1 hour), then you would see a little of the gorge and hot water sources. I also see it wiser to enter by Elsa Gate.
Nice Park, I was there by bike plus a small walk, impressive landscapes, some zebras , buffalos etc. there.
Since the gorge is closed, I would advise to take a guide (2000 shillings plus tip) who would at least take you to a little walk (<1 hour), then you would see a little of the gorge and hot water sources. I also see it wiser to enter by Elsa Gate.
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia A
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
Our Tour Agency asked us to ask for " Duba Gadaffi" when we got to the entrance of Hellsgate by the Moi Southlake road, the guy was so professional and even helped us pay for the park fee when our Visa cards acted up. Such a nice guide and smooth with everything he does* FYI he even speaks fluent Spanis that's so outstanding. Hell'sgate was our last spot on our Kenyan Tour but for next time I would rather have him around for my whole Kenyan tour. I can confidently recommend him to anyone visiting Kenya especially Naivasha. His Contacts {gtasteofnature@gmail.com +254 727 410337 }
Written March 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anisa C
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This was My second time at Hellsgate but this time it felt different, we met this young Man named Reagan by the entrance (reagantours@gmail.com) and he was all smiley and welcoming. He took us for rock climbing at the Fischer's tower for an hour then proceeded to our biking tour. The Fischer's tower ain't that big but it's amazing, we did biking and oh, my! It was amazing, the african birds, giraffe's, antelopes and gazelles, we even saw hares were in our vicinity. I guess with a right Tour guide you can maximize on your Hellsgate tour, would highly recommend Reagan the young guy just by the entrance to the park. He also suggested a boat ride tour around Lake Naivasha that was Fantastic, God bless Kenya! Such a Gem of a Nation with all these scenaries, can't wait to come back hoping everything would be more than it was!
Written March 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
Hells Gate is not worth visiting!
It is expensive and the gorge is closed which is the main attraction. They try to charge you to take a guide to walk to the area around the gorge (you don’t need a guide and this area is not remarkable)
There is nothing else to see in the park other than a few zebras close to the road which trucks drive down every 5 minutes throwing dust in your face.
Save your money and your time and go to Mt Longonot instead!
It is expensive and the gorge is closed which is the main attraction. They try to charge you to take a guide to walk to the area around the gorge (you don’t need a guide and this area is not remarkable)
There is nothing else to see in the park other than a few zebras close to the road which trucks drive down every 5 minutes throwing dust in your face.
Save your money and your time and go to Mt Longonot instead!
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi- what is the biking distance at Hell’s gate? Are there different trails for biking or one mai path.? Are there steep grades - uphill and downhill. Do people do walking safaris or are the distances too vast for this .
Written February 18, 2024
Hello, I can't really estimate the distance, but it's quite a long trail to walk. Riding is fun. There are different trails, some are steep downhill. If you get a good guide it'd be fun😊
Written February 19, 2024
No need to book earlier but always good to call to confirm that the spa is open if you need that service.
Written January 29, 2022
Hello, can someone tell me if the gorges are still closed or if it's now possible again to visit them? (Feb 2020) thanks in advance
Written February 11, 2020
i would advise you to first contact the KWS kenya Wildlife Services. for further assistance then you can proceed to book your Tour.
thank You
Written February 17, 2020
Hi there, how do I park the bikes in the park? Or is it safe to leave it unlocked or smth if I were to go hiking after biking?
Written October 26, 2019
You’re only allowed to hike in the gorge, at the entry you fan leave your bike, the Maasai will take care of it.
Written November 26, 2019
Hi! Is the park open now since the accident a couple of weeks ago? Is it possible to hike the gorges or it is only open for cycling?
Thanks!
Written September 23, 2019
Hi..dianatl7967LI..
Jambo...all is perfect here in Kenya.The safaris and expeditions.
For Hell's Gate only bikes and normal safari.
Going down the gorges is closed still and now the rains are around the corner.
Thanks and enjoy the magical destination KENYA.
Written September 23, 2019
I am a local tourguide from hellsgate how can i connect with travellers coming to naivasha
Written July 31, 2019
Maybe create a website for yourself? Before we travel we do research on the internet and if you are visible then people will find you. Also, as suggested, participate on the forums.
Written August 4, 2019
Hola, gracias por tus consejos. Fuiste solo o tomaste un tour? Yo tengo un dia libre sola en Nairobi y pensaba contratar un auto que me lleve a recorrer y luego que me permita caminar un poco como decis ... me recomendas eso o que? Mil gracias!!
Written June 13, 2019
Hi Sandra,
You can choose to go alone if you have a guide with you. Going alone instead of using a tour agency gives you more freedom to do more things within and out of the park. For instance, you could visit the Geothermal Spa, which is just a few minutes away from Hell's Gate. You can hire a car around. When you go to the national park, just have someone with you who has vast knowledge about Naivash and its environs. I would not advise you to use the park guides. They are too expensive. I hope I have answered in detail. If you need more clarifications, feel free to ask. Cheers!
Written June 25, 2019
Hi, I am going with a friend now in July.
¿how can we go from Nairobi?
Thanks
Written May 30, 2019
There are a lot of daytrips to Lake Naivasha and Hellsgate from Nairobi.
We did our trip with African landmark safaris.
Can really recommand them!
We did a cycle tour...1 word:
Fantastic!!!!
Written June 8, 2019
We are 2 adults and 1 kid (8 yrs old). We are visiting Kenya in Sep and taking a private Safari vehicle for the entire trip. We plan to stay overnight in Naivasha and go to Hells Gate National park early in the morning. I had a few queries:
1. We are interested in cycling and the exploring the gorge. Is it possible to rent the cycles and take the safari vehicle along too; just in case kiddo gets tired riding 7-8 kms? What are the charges if we decide to take both cycle and own van?
2. What happens to the bike when we decide to ride only till Ranger's post? Can we leave the bike there to be collected later?
3. Do we get a guide from the Elsa gate or Ranger's post? Are there any fixed charges for the guide that we pay or we negotiate?
4. Is the hike inside the gorge manageable with an 8 yr old? He is fit and we have done some not-very-difficult hikes a few times with him.
5. Lastly, how much time does it take to do these 2 things? The reason I am asking is - will it be possible for us to finish Hells Gate and drive to Lake Nakuru for an afternoon drive the same day?
Looking forward to responses.
Thanks in advance :)
Priyanka
Written March 12, 2019
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