Throughout the year (except for March - May)
June - February
Buffalo, Zebra, Baboons
Hell’s Gate National Park is not the biggest park in East Africa. In fact, at just over 26 square miles or 68 sq km (about the size of Manhattan in New York City) it is one of the smallest national parks in the region. But what it lacks in size it makes up for by having one of the most evocative landscapes on earth.
Hell’s Gate is so named because it sits above a spot where two of the earth’s immense tectonic plates are pulling apart from one another. As a result of this activity, a geological hotspot has formed complete with hot springs and vents that emit steam. Water erosion which took place over millions of years has also created landscape features reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the US.
Due to the relatively high altitude, the climate is mild throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the mid to upper twenties, while it cools off at night. The main Wet season (‘long rains’) is from March to May while there is a shorter wet period (‘short rains’) peaking in November. The short rains aren’t as pronounced as in other places in Kenya.
General weather summary in April
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants, sneakers and Umbrella
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
71%
Amount
155 mm
Wind speed
12 kmh
Humidity
74%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in May
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants, sneakers and Umbrella
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
57%
Amount
114 mm
Wind speed
9 kmh
Humidity
76%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in June
Feel like
Mildly cool, humid but cool
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants, sneakers and Umbrella
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
68%
Amount
37 mm
Wind speed
8 kmh
Humidity
74%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in July
Feel like
Mildly cool, humid but cool
What to wear
Sweater, rain coat and rain boots
Daylight length
12.1 hours
Chance of rain
61%
Amount
23 mm
Wind speed
8 kmh
Humidity
72%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in August
Feel like
Mildly cool, humid but cool
What to wear
Sweater, rain coat and rain boots
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
55%
Amount
31 mm
Wind speed
9 kmh
Humidity
70%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in September
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants and sneakers
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
45%
Amount
27 mm
Wind speed
11 kmh
Humidity
64%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in October
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants and sneakers
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
48%
Amount
40 mm
Wind speed
13 kmh
Humidity
64%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in November
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
T-shirt, rain coat and rain boots
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
67%
Amount
67 mm
Wind speed
14 kmh
Humidity
75%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in December
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants, sneakers and umbrella
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
45%
Amount
60 mm
Wind speed
14 kmh
Humidity
72%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in January
Feel like
Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants and sneakers
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
24%
Amount
43 mm
Wind speed
10 kmh
Humidity
72%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in February
Feel like
Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants and sneakers
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
24%
Amount
43 mm
Wind speed
15 kmh
Humidity
59%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
General weather summary in March
Feel like
Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze
What to wear
Light clothing, rain pants, sneakers and Umbrella
Daylight length
12 hours
Chance of rain
42%
Amount
68 mm
Wind speed
15 kmh
Humidity
64%
Sunrise
06:29 AM
Sunset
06:34 PM
C°
Temperature
F°
30
20
10
0
86
68
50
32
Hell’s Gate is about an hour north of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi and thus is popular with both locals and international tourists. Hells’ Gate is renowned for the quality of its hiking trails and for having some of the best rock climbing in East Africa.
The park has also played an oversized role in popular culture being that its landscape was the inspiration for the 1994 blockbuster film “The Lion King”. In 2003 Hollywood came to Hell’s Gate once again when many scenes from the live-action film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life” were shot here.
“Every creature was designed to serve a purpose. Learn from animals for they are there to teach you the way of life!”
Edward Mathu
Senior Tour Guide
Hell’s Gate National Park History: Hell’s Gate was established in 1984. Besides its hot springs and water-carved landscape, the park is also known for its elevation of more than 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) and the variety of wildlife that calls the park home.
Hell’s Gate plays host to an abundance of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, African buffalo, hyenas, baboons and Thompson’s gazelles. In addition, it is one of the only places on earth where you can see the extremely rare lammergeyer vulture.
Things to do in Hells Gate National Park. There’s no shortage of things to do in Hells Gate National Park.
Located in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Giraffe, Buffalos and Zebra. Predators aren’t easy to spot, but there are cheetah, spotted hyena and black-backed jackal which can sometimes be seen at dusk.
Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, hiking and biking through the park’s stunning landscapes. And for those who are looking for a truly unique experience, the park also offers hot air ballooning and geo-thermal tours.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Hells Gate National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations. Get in touch today and start planning your safari, to Hell’s Gate and great other Kenya Parks with Flash McTours.
Game Drives
Bicycle Riding
Walking Safari
Bird Watching
Photography Safaris
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Hell’s Gate National Park can be found in southwestern Kenya, in Nakuru County. Close to Lake Naivasha, it is approximately 109 km (68 mi) northwest of the capital city, Nairobi. Relatively small, it covers 68 sq. km (26 sq. mi).
The park is best visited in the dry seasons, from January-March and June-September. At this time, dry conditions make roads and trails easier to navigate and wildlife easier to locate.
In our comfortable safari vehicles, FlashMc Tours will transport you to Hell’s Gate National Park in around 2 hours. There are public transport options, like buses and taxis. No flights service the park.
Yes. As long as you are respectful of wildlife and heed the instructions of guides and authorities, your visit will be safe. Take standard travel precautions, like securing your valuables.
Three of The Big 5 are resident (lion, leopard, and buffalo). Other game species include zebras, giraffes, eland, hartebeest, and different antelope species. Over 100 bird species are recorded, with raptor sightings a highlight.
A key endangered species seen in Hell’s Gate National Park, is the Lammergeier vulture.
The landscape is dramatic; with towering cliffs, deep gorges, and geothermal features, such as hotsprings. In areas there are open savannahs and dense thickets.
Various adventure activities are on offer at Hell’s Gate National Park. These include hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Visitors can explore on foot or bicycle, even spotting some wildlife along the way. The towering cliffs are a great place for birdwatchers to spot birds of prey.
Yes. Your FlashMc Tours guide will facilitate child-friendly activities like shortened nature walks.
Although not essential, with FlashMc Tours, your guide can accompany you on your chosen activities.
Yes. The rugged landscape and interesting wildlife make this a worthwhile destination for photographers.
This will depend on your choice of activity. As a popular day-trip destination, you could spend the whole day hiking, or a few hours watching birds.
Hell’s Gate National Park only offers campsites for self-sufficient campers. Should the park be included in your itinerary, FlashMc Tours will provide you with various accommodation options outside the park, to suit your preferences and budget.
Visitor facilities include visitor centers, picnic sites, viewpoints, and well-maintained hiking and mountain biking trails.
Hell’s Gate National Parks management aims to protect and preserve the wildlife and habitats of the park. This is done through law enforcement, habitat restoration, and ecological monitoring. Community-based conservation programs foster goodwill with the adjacent population.
By visiting the park, respecting the rules and regulations, supporting community and conservation projects, and donating resources to related causes, visitors can make a conservation contribution.
Sustainability practices such as the use of green energy, careful water use, and eco-friendly waste management, along with encouraging community involvement through outreach, revenue sharing, and employment all combine to make the park viable for the future.
Hell’s Gate National Park has a Maasai Cultural Center, providing education about the Maasai people’s culture and traditions
Historically, the land was owned as a hunting ground of the Maasai. Today, the Maasai maintain their connection to Hell’s Gate National Park through employment and involvement in projects funded by tourism revenue.
Hell’s Gate National Park has a Maasai Cultural Center, providing education about the Maasai people’s culture and traditions. Your FlashMc Tours guide might also arrange a visit to a traditional village near the park.
As hiking and mountain biking are the two main activities at Hell’s Gate, pack your preferred gear. Otherwise, pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will protect you from the sun. Bring a camera and binoculars, personal medication and a small first-aid kit. Check more details on our Safari Packing List.
When traveling with FlashMc Tours, entry fees are included in your package price.
The main rules and regulations for visitors to Hell’s Gate National Park are that they stay on designated roads and trails, do not disturb wildlife, do not damage the environment, respect local communities, and obey lawful instructions of guides and authorities. Littering and excessive noise are prohibited.
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