Hell's Gate National Park Entry Fees

Published on:
20th May 2025
4
Minutes Read

Hell's Gate National Park Entry Fees 2025

Hell's Gate National Park Entry Fees: Situated deep in the floor of the Great Rift Valley near Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate National Park is a must-visit haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers on a mission to explore Kenya's beautiful landscape. It covers just 68 square kilometers and stands between 1560 and 2187 meters above sea level.

Don't let the park's small size fool you, since it's a fascinating destination with plenty to offer. From different species of plants and animals to stunning scenic views to towering heights, you need a few days out of town to fully explore this magical destination.

Interestingly, it is one of the few game parks where walking and cycling are allowed. This is because, despite the park being home to dangerous predators such as lions and leopards, these animals are rarely seen on the pathways.

Hell's Gate National Park, established in 1984, got its name from a narrow cliff break resembling an underworld entrance. Let me tell you a secret: the park inspired the famous Disney movie 'The Lion King'.

With those remarks, let's dive into why you clicked on this article: Hell's Gate National Park entry fees.

How Much is the Entrance Fee for Hell's Gate?

Unlike famous game destinations like Masai Mara National Park and Samburu National Reserve, entry to Hell's Gate National Park is cheaper.

The entry fee to this popular tourist destination has been categorized into three, i.e., non-residents, residents, and citizens. International tourists pay entry fees in dollars while Kenyans and residents of East African Community countries pay in Kenyan shillings.

Similar to other parks, cash payment is not accepted at the gate. Visitors only make payments through M-Pesa, Electronic Funds Transfer, Visa Card, and RTGS. Below is a table showing Hell's Gate National Park entry fees.

Hell's Gate National Park Entry Fees 2025

1st Jan - 31st June

(Low & Mid Season)

1st Jun - 31st Dec

(High Season)

Non-Residents

Adult
USD 26
USD 26
Child
Under 3 yrs
FREE
FREE
Child/
Student
USD 17
USD 17

E.A. Residents

Adult
Ksh 300
Ksh 300
Child
Ksh 215
Ksh  215

Kenyan Citizens

Adult
Ksh 300
Ksh 300
Child
Ksh 215
Ksh 215

How Do I Get To Hell's Gate National Park?

Hell's Gate is located 90 kilometers from Kenya's capital, Nairobi. If you're in the capital, you can access the park by air or road.

By air, your journey starts at either Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Embakasi or Wilson Airport in Karen. From there, you'll catch a flight to Naivasha Airstrip, which serves Hell's Gate. It is essential to book your flights early to avoid delays.

If your choice is by road, be ready to board more than one 'matatu' on your way to the game park. You must board one of the matatus in Nairobi heading to Naivasha. While it may take some minutes before there are enough passengers for the matatu to leave, you'll have two hours or less to arrive in Naivasha. From there, Roamroar Kenya Safaris can help you create unforgettable memories at the famed Hell's Gate.

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What Animals Are In Hell's Gate?

Hell's Gate is teeming with hundreds of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for a game drive. Some animals found in the beautiful park include predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals. They are usually just a tiny distance away from their prey, which includes antelopes, African buffaloes, mountain reedbuck, and steenbok.

Besides the significant population of animals, Hell's Gate is also a perfect destination for bird watchers. This spectacular gem boasts over 100 species of birds, including the bearded vultures, which generally come here for breeding. The other species include:

The Yellow-Rumped Seedeater
African Kestrel
Egyptian Vulture
Golden-Winged Sunbird
Chin Spot Bastis
Yellow-rumped seedeater
Bearded Vulture
Red-winged starling
Verreaux’s Eagle
Schalow’s wheatear
White-Rumpled Swift
Verreaux’s eagle
Eastern Imperial Eagle
White-rumped swift
Africana Kestrel
Yellow bishop
Mottled swift
Nyanza swift

Apart from the wildlife and birding, Hell's Gate National Park also boasts fascinating natural formations that attract tourists yearly. This is where you can create the best rock climbing experiences and see remarkable caves and deep gorges. Below are the must-see splendid sceneries in the park:

1. Hell's Gate Gorge

Hell's Gate is a unique, beautiful natural formation in the center of Hell's Gate National Park. This enchanting area is the remnants of a lake that used to be here many years ago and has fascinating walls and stunning rock strata. Small waterfalls are here, so ensure you walk with a guide for the best experience.

During a guided tour, expect to hear names such as the Devil’s Mouth, Hell's Clinic, and Devil’s Sitting Room. Also, do not be surprised to notice familiar locations in Hell's Gate Gorge, as it inspired the movie The Lion King and was included in the production of Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life.

2. Obsidian Caves

Located at the end of Buffalo Circuit, Obsidian Caves is one of the most splendid sceneries in Hell's Gate that is worth exploring. The caves resemble shiny glass and were formed when molten lava cooled rapidly after coming across water on its path.

3. Fischer’s Tower

The famous Fischer’s Tower is at the Hell’s Gate National Park entrance. The tower, which is about 25 meters tall, got its name from German explorer Gustav Fisher, who was on his way to Lake Victoria while doing exploration. The Maasai people believe that the tower was formed after a girl who was heading to her future husband turned back to look at her father, which is an abomination within their culture.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Hell's Gate National Park?

Hell's Gate can be visited at any time of the year. However, for maximum adventure, you should explore the park during the dry months, usually June, July, August, September, and October. The grass is usually short during the dry months, so spotting wildlife on the property is easy.

Remember to carry all the essentials you'll need during a Hell's Gate National Park trip. Food, drinking water, and camping equipment are necessary if you intend to spend the night in the park. Other helpful equipment includes a camera, binoculars, a first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hiking gear.

How Much is the bike in Hell's Gate?

Hiring a bicycle by the Elsa Gate costs you Ksh 500. If you bring a bike from outside, a fee of Ksh 215 is charged. It is also important to note that the fees can be made through a bank transfer, M-Pesa, or card. Cash is not allowed.

Do you need a guide for Hell's Gate National Park?

The Hell's Gate National Park is the perfect destination for experiencing wildlife and wilderness by hiking, biking, or self-guided walks. It is not necessary to have a guided walk, however, this can be done if specifically requested.

Is Hell's Gate National Park worth visiting?

Hell's Gate National Park stands out for its many activities and picturesque settings. Visitors can enjoy hiking through scenic gorges, cycling along open trails, and witnessing geothermal phenomena such as hot springs and steam vents.

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