Hells Gate National Park: Full-Day Hiking, Biking, Climbing & Camping Adventure near Naivasha

Naivasha•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Full day (up to 24 hours)

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers with good baseline fitness—able to hike 3–6 km with some scrambling and cycle 10–25 km on mixed terrain.

Overview

Skip the safari van and move through Hells Gate on foot, by bike, and—if you dare—by rope. This full-day (with optional overnight) adventure threads Ol Njorowa Gorge, plains ridden with zebra, and an optional climb of Fischer’s Tower.

Hells Gate National Park: Full-Day Hiking, Biking, Climbing & Camping Adventure near Naivasha

Other

Wildlife

Climbing

Hiking

Bike Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You step through Elsa Gate before sunrise and the gorge is already speaking—steam drifting from vents, gullies cutting shadows into the volcanic rock, and a breeze that tugs at your cap like an impatient guide. The first hours are spent in the Ol Njorowa Gorge, a raw corridor of basalt walls and loose scree where the ground remembers fire and tectonic force. Your guide moves easily over the boulders, calling out zebra and gazelle ahead; the animals treat the cycling line like an open road.

Adventure Photos

Hells Gate National Park: Full-Day Hiking, Biking, Climbing & Camping Adventure near Naivasha photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring at least 2–3 liters of water

There’s little shade in the gorge and on the cycling sections—hydrate before you start and carry water for the whole day.

Wear sturdy, grippy footwear

Trails are rocky and volcanic; ankle-supporting hiking boots or aggressive trail shoes will make scrambling and bike dismounts safer.

Sun protection is critical

At ~1,900 m elevation the sun is intense—use broad-brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the plains and exposed trails.

Book climbing add-on in advance

Fischer’s Tower requires ropes and guide time; reserve the climbing option ahead to ensure gear and belay support are available.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Plains zebra
Thomson’s gazelle

History

Hells Gate sits on the eastern branch of the East African Rift; locals have long used the valley’s geothermal hot springs and the park’s landscape played a role in early geological study of the Rift.

Conservation

Visitors are asked to stay on designated paths and avoid feeding wildlife; the park balances tourism with pastoral land use and local community livelihoods.