A Walk on the Wild Side
Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell's Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.
Hiking and cycling are encouraged here, and we can do a bit of both. We’ll trek through Hell’s Gate Gorge, a steep, red sandstone formation cut by water and time. Walking through this narrow canyon, we’ll spot the unique volcanic remnants called Fischer’s and Central Towers. African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle and baboons are common. The park is also home to klipspringer antelope and Chandler’s mountain reedbuck.
Prolific birdlife – there are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux's Eagles, augur buzzard and swift.
