Kenya | Day 4: Navaisha (Hell’s Gate National Park)

We woke up at 0500hrs, had breakfast at 0530hrs and departed to Hell’s Gate National Park at 0600hrs. It was all worth it as we were able to catch the dramatic sight of a sunrise over Kenyan Savannas. Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell's Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. At only 68 sq. km, it holds 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. Park opens from 0600hrs to 1800hrs daily and the best time to visit will be from Jun to Feb. Avoid Mar to May as it will be the rainy season thus it will impede your touring. Entrance fee is at USD26/pax/non-resident.

The entrance to Hell's Gate National Park.

Signale before entering the National Park. 

Us walking the pathway. 

The beautiful and majestic sunrise. 

Dusk. (Photo credit: Adwait)

A zeal of zebras. (Photo credit: Adwait)

That morning ray shining on you.  (Photo credit: Adwait)

A warthog spotted! (Photo credit: Adwait)

The early morning view at Hell's Gate National Park. 

Known also as the only national park where visitors are allowed to wander around outside of the vehicles in locations other than designated picnic, overlook and toilet area, we took the advantage to hike along the main road from the Elsa Gate to the gorge. After conducting our university’s survey, we continued a brief hike through the Hell’s Gate gorge, which is notable for, among other things, having been featured in one of the Tomb Raider films and also the inspiration behind “pride rock” from the Disney movie “The Lion King”.

Hell's Gate Gorge entrance.

Grasshoppers spotted at the gorge. The colours are just vividly green. 

Such a stunning view of the gorge.

A view looking over the horizon from the gorge. 

We ended the night at the lakeside bar before our next trip to Lake Nakuru and beyond.