What to do in Naivasha

What to do in Naivasha : The top activities at Hell’s Gate National Park are listed here. The only national park in Kenya that is accessible by foot is Hell’s Gate National Park, which is located just south of Lake Naivasha. The national park was dubbed “Hell’s Gate” when it was first created in 1984 because of strong forces that shaped it from below.

This park is worth seeing because of its striking volcanic rocky outcrops, water-gouged canyons, rock towers, obsidian caverns, and spitting geysers. For those seeking excitement, Hell’s Gate National Park is an excellent option. Activities offered include hiking, rock climbing, and mountain riding.

Day trip safari tours

Nairobi is less than two hours away from Hell’s Gate National Park. It’s perfect for an outing from your local hotel or camping, for a day trip, or for the astute backpacker looking to get away from the bustle of the city and see more of what Kenya has to offer. The animators of the musical film The Lion King drew inspiration from this location among others. A day trip could also involve going on a boat ride at the adjoining Lake Naivasha, going on a walking safari on Crescent Island, taking a tour of Crater Lake, experiencing a geothermal bath, going camping on Lake Oloiden, seeing the surrounding Mount Longonot, and taking a tour of Lake Nakuru National Park.

The well-known Maasai Mara in Kenya is also not too distant from Hell’s Gate. If you choose to get to the Mara by air, you can fly from the Mara to Lake Naivasha, or you can choose to take the picturesque route across the bottom of the Rift Valley. The best things to do at Hell’s Gate National Park are listed below.

Nature walks

The ability to ride a bike or take a stroll in the park while taking in the animals makes it special. Giraffes, zebras, buffalo, Thomson’s gazelles, and various antelopes are among the creatures visible. This park is a fantastic spot for birdwatchers as well. Even though this park doesn’t have any harmful animals, you should still use caution when exploring.

The stunning valley that is Hell’s Gate is surrounded by craggy, sheer granite cliffs. It starts close to Fischer’s Tower and extends across the national park. When the Ol-Njorowa Gorge’s water supply to Lake Naivasha stopped flowing through it, the gorge was created. This specific gorge is the one where a stampede of wild animals occurs in the Lion King movie. Additionally, Mufasa characterises it as the location where one encounters the “great circle of life.”

The Central Tower is visible in the distance as one approaches the Ranger’s Post, where the gorge walk starts past Fischer’s Tower. This is only the start of the journey. The Devil’s Bedroom is accessible only after passing by a few hot springs. Seeing and feeling the amazing rock walls is a terrific experience.

Rock climbing

Fischer’s Tower, a 25-meter-tall rock tower created by volcanic activity, is the usual location for this incredible activity. For those who are daring enough to explore, rock climbing is an absolute must. There is a variety of difficulty levels among the stunning granite faces. Enabling both novices and experts to take pleasure in this pastime, with qualified professionals on hand to assist you.

The assistance of a knowledgeable guide stationed in the tower is required to complete this task. They supply the necessary safety gear, including helmets, ropes, and more. It is possible to ascend the tower securely and spend a few minutes at the top taking in a fantastic view of the park.

It’s vital to remember that the cost of this activity is different from that of park admission. At the location of rock climbing, one pays the guides.

Cycling

It is recommended to start the half-day cycling course early in the morning before it becomes too hot. From Elsa’s Gate, the main gate, bicycles can be rented. The 9-kilometer ride to the gorge is primarily downhill from there. The beautiful ride passes by some of the park’s most popular sights, including the zebra, giraffe, and buffalo grazing areas, as well as lookouts and volcanic plugs.

You can walk down into the gorge once you get there. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete this walk, some of which are more of a scramble and entail rope climbing down the gorge. After there, you’ll cycle back uphill to the main gate. It takes roughly five hours total, and it is advised that you be in decent physical shape. Alternatively, the 6-kilometer round-trip to the obsidian caves offers a little easier and quicker approach.

Bicycle rentals range from Ksh1,000 to Ksh1,500, while bringing your own bicycle inside costs Ksh 200.Before the entrance, at the intersection, bike rentals are available. Even though they might demand more money, it’s usually possible to haggle a little to acquire a reasonable amount.

With plenty of Kenya safari activities like mountain climbing, camping, hiking, and canyon wandering, this park makes up for having fewer animals to observe than some of Kenya’s other parks. There are few Kenya safari experiences quite like being able to walk anywhere in the park at any time, surrounded by giraffes, zebras, and the best plains game in Kenya’s untainted wilderness. The park offers a number of trails to choose from, and while a guide is necessary, their knowledge of the area’s history, natural features, and fauna will only improve your visit. As of right now, employing a ranger in Kenya National Parks costs $11.

The park can get quite hot and has little shade, so you’ll need good walking shoes, binoculars, long sleeves, light trousers, sunglasses, a hat and lots of water. If at all possible, avoid going during the middle of the day when it’s the hottest. One of the numerous highlights of the walking and cycling circuit is Hell’s Gate Gorge, which winds through the park and was carved by an ancient lake that originally fed the Rift Valley.

Swim at Olkaria Geothermal Spa

The Olkaria Geothermal Spa, a set of three geothermal pools, is situated at the northernmost point of Hell’s Gate National Park. This is the ideal place to unwind and recover after riding or trekking in the park because of the stunning azure blue waters that are heated by the earth’s geothermal activity, sun loungers, and dining options. Only the third pool is cool enough to swim in, with temperatures between thirty and forty degrees Celsius. To ensure that the little ones don’t feel left out, there is also a baby spa pool.

After the revitalising dip, you can have a shower in the spotless restrooms. You can spend as much time in the pool as you want, and the spa shuts at 6 p.m.

Bird watching

Birders from all around the world should definitely visit the park. More than a hundred bird species call it home, and lammergeier vultures use it as a breeding ground. The nesting locations of vultures are concealed at great heights on cliffs to keep predators away. The vultures have the ability to soar as far as the Maasai Mara, return by afternoon, and feed. The African kestrel, Imperial eagle, Arrow-marked Babbler, Chinspot Batis, Golden-winged Sunbird, Yellow-rumped seedeater, and Jackson’s widowbird are among the other bird species found in the park. Throughout November through April, the park is home to migratory birds that travel from all over the world.

Go for Boat safaris in Lake Naivasha

Hell’s Gate National Park is about 2.8 km from Lake Naivasha. This is the ideal location for an unexplored boat safari. Take in the lovely views of the buffalos, hippos, and birds as you float around the lake. Ask the boat lads anything you want to know about the lake, the surrounding area, or the wildlife; they are quite knowledgeable. Another option is to take a boat to Crescent Island, which is home to an animal and bird conservatory that includes giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras.