Hells Gate National Park

Interesting fact, this is the park where the timeless movie Lion King was filmed. Also The Tomb Raider was filmed in Hells Gate. This tells you about its popularity both for local and international tourists. It is popular for its wildlife, its huge cliffs and its gorges. When visiting, options are plenty. It is located in Kiambu county 134km from Nairobi CBD. You can choose to go for a game drive for a cost of 1800/= per cruiser, or picnics at 250/= per head or cycling which costs 1000/= per bike but if you bring your own bike, you’ll only pay 200/=. While cycling around the park you can pass by the zebras and giraffes. I remember my visit there on a class trip, we visited one of the water-gouged gorges and we got to swim in one. This is strictly under supervision when the water levels are low. I really enjoyed that particular experience. Although there is not much wildlife, you can take part in hiking, camping and canyon walking. There some places where the canyon is 30 meters high. The view there is mind blowing. But you have to be careful and always be accompanied by a guide. Its a remarkable and memorable place to visit.

Despite its name, the park has 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. When I visited it, I was not sure of what to expect. Park Entry includes 250/= for residents and 20USD for non residents. From the entrance, you feel so welcomed. My friends and I decided to try cycling. We used the route closest to Devil’s Tower and Elsa Gate. Within the first 10 km, we were able to see buffalos, giraffes, antelopes and baboons. After cycling, we were taken for bird viewing. The park boasts of over 100 species of birds and I remember not knowing the names of half of the birds we saw. But our guide was quite knowledgeable of the different species. Regrettably, I can’t recall most of them.There was also this gorge with a pond in it where we got to swim. It was so much fun. There were other activities including rock climbing and hiking through the gorge. Even though we didn’t partake in these activities, our guide kept telling us how this place is a hub for team building. I really enjoyed my time there.