Hell's Gate National Park
SUBARASHI-EXPEDITIONS
Overview of
Hell's Gate National Park
Hell's Gate National Park is situated near Lake Naivasha in Kenya. The 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 was established in 1984. The park is notable for its wide variety of wildlife and for its scenery.This includes the Fischer's Tower and Central Tower columns and Hell's Gate Gorge. The national park is also home to five geothermal power stations at Olkaria. The park features three basic campsites and includes a Maasai Cultural Center, providing education about the Maasai culture and traditions.
The slightly larger Tsavo East is generally flat, with dry plains across which the Galana River flows. Other features include the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls.
Hell's Gate covers an area of 68.25 square kilometres (26 sq mi).The park is at 1,900 metres (6,200 ft) above sea level.It is within Nakuru County, near Lake Naivasha and approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Nairobi.The park is located 14 kilometres (9 mi) after the turnoff from the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway, and has a warm and dry climate.
Olkaria and Hobley's, two extinct volcanoes located in the park, can be seen as well as obsidian forms from the cool molten lava.Within Hell's Gate is the Hells Gate Gorge, lined with red cliffs which contain two volcanic plugs: Fischer's Tower and Central Tower.Off of Central Tower is a smaller gorge which extends to the south, with a path that descends into hot springs that have rocks hot enough to cause burns, and sulfuric water
Wildlife in the national park includes lions, leopards, and cheetahs.However, the park has historically been an important home for the rare bearded vultures.There are over 103 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux's eagles, augur buzzards, and swifts.Hyraxes,African buffaloes, zebras, elands, hartebeests, Thomson's gazelles, hyenas, and baboons are also common.The park is also home to serval and small numbers of klipspringer antelope and Chanler's mountain reedbuck.
The park is popular due to its close proximity to Nairobi and lowered park fees compared to other national parks.Hiking, cycling, motorcycling and even camping are encouraged within the park,one of only two Kenyan national parks where this is allowed.