- Address: Naivasha, Kenya
- Phone: +254 800 597 000
- Area: 68.25 km²
- Foundation date: 1984.
- Working hours: 8.00 - 17.00
- Ticket price: adults - $ 25, children and students - $ 15
The Hell's Gate National Park in Kenya is one of the most unforgettable places on the planet that deserves a specially planned visit. He was so named for his resemblance to the underworld because of the large number of hot springs with impressive pillars of steam rising to a height of several meters, as well as the presence of a narrow passage among the rocks, once a tributary of an ancient lake stretching in a rift valley.
The park is located in Nakuru District, in the Rift Valley Province, near the Naivasha Lake Nature Reserve . The distance to Nairobi is only 90 km. For this reason, and also because of the relatively small territory, the "Gate of Hell" is very popular with travelers.
History
Such a non-trivial name was given to the reserve by researchers Fisher and Thomson in 1883. In the 1900s, the "Gate of Hell" became the site of the eruption of the Longonot volcano, so here on the ground, at times, traces of ash are still visible. In 1981, the first Olkaria geothermal station in Africa was opened in the park, allowing the use of energy from hot springs and geysers.
What is interesting about the park?
In the park, all the delights of a warm and dry climate await you. Very original look two extinct volcano - Hobley and Olkaria. The famous gorge consists of red rocks, among which even from a distance are seen two stunning volcanic formations from the bismalite - the Central Tower and the Tower of Fisher. At the Central Tower, a smaller gorge begins, stretching in a southerly direction and descending to hot springs.
The variety of living creatures in this reserve is simply impressive. Among the typical representatives of the African fauna, for whom the "Gate of Hell" is the birthplace, deserve to be mentioned:
- zebras;
- gazelles;
- monkeys (mostly baboons);
- wild boars;
- Damans;
- African buffalo;
- antelope canna;
- Congonies.
If you are a fan of big cats, during a short excursion you can not see them: the lions, cheetahs and leopards that live here are very few. Also in the reserve there are servals and small populations of mountain Reducers and antelope jumpers. More than 100 species of birds nest here, among them Swifts, Kafrian eagle, rock buzzard, griffins and a rather rare bearded man.
In the park there are three comfortable camping sites and the Masai Cultural Center, where you will be offered to get acquainted with the life and traditions of this ancient tribe. There are also three geothermal power plants located in Olkaria on the territory. In addition, you can learn interesting facts about wild animals by visiting the center of Joy Adamson, who was studying cheetahs, and also to go boating on Lake Naivasha.
Behavior rules
- In this park, unlike many other protected areas, you can move not only by car or motorbike, but also by bike and on foot. It is during this walk you can see the unique waterfalls with hot water, which look very exotic. Around them are often scattered pieces of frozen lava.
- If you rented a car, your eyes will consistently open all the beauty of the reserve, when you will drive along the ring road that stretches across the park and has a length of 22 km.
- There are no shops in the park, so it is not possible to buy food or drink here.
- Tourists are given the opportunity to book a tour of the "Gates of Hell", and all the guides speak English rather well.
How to get there?
Since the park is located outside Nairobi , it can only be reached by car - a rented car or taxi. From the capital of the country, you should go along the Gorge Road to the intersection with Olkaria Ruth, where you need to turn right. Almost immediately you will enter the kingdom of African flora and fauna.
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