Cycling Safari at Hell’s Gate National Park : Hell’s gate lies south of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, North West of Nairobi. Hell’s Gate National Park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs, once a tributary of a historic lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley. It was established in 1984. A small national park, it is known for its wide variety of wildlife and for its scenery. Hell’s gate national park covers an area of 68.25km2 (26.35 sq. mi) and the park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Cycling safari at Hell’s gate national park.
Hell’s gate national park is one of the most highlight thing to do in Kenya through cycling safari, and fantastic way to spend a day outside in playground, despite the intimidating name, the park is approachable and popular with the tourists, and can be reached in just a few hours’ drive from Nairobi. Hell’s gate national park is one of the of the few national parks where cycling, horseback riding and hiking are permitted. Here you can either bring your own bicycle or you can rent one upon arrival at the gate. It’s about 18km from the main gate to the Hell’s Gate gorge along murrum road. The early mornings are most recommended because they are always cool, but towards midday it gets hot so one should pack enough drinking water. Due to lack of the major predators here such as lions, leopards, Hell’s Gate national park is safe for you to access without a vehicle and this makes cycling safari very unique indeed in the park.
Cycling begins with pickups from in any place, your guide keeps you entertained with fun facts about Kenya during the drive to the park, when you reach there you get fitted with the helmet and bicycle and begin to follow your guide through the park while looking at the animal species like the zebras, gazelles and many more and variety of the bird species, then you start moving to the park’s famous gorges and pass by the Maasai community to learn about traditional life in the great rift valley, and then head to Naivasha Fishermen’s camp for lunch at your own expense.
If you want to proceed with the cycling you can ride on Lake Naivasha for a chance to spot the flamingos, hippos and many bird species. If you cycle your bike and hiking safari through Hell’s gate national park on a fully-day, private safari from Nairobi to the wildlife serve and Lake Naivasha includes the bikes, entrance fees, and round trip-transport. The customized safari offers you the rare chances to spot the wildlife outside of as safari vehicle while exploring a scenic part of the Great Rift Valley. Hell’s gate national park while cycling, visiting the Maasai Community, guided hiking trip through the gorges, round trip-transfer from Nairobi, guided hiking trip through the gorges, the private safari is operated with just your party and a guide.
The Gorge road, the main route through the park and a good example of the surface you will be cycling on, shortly after leaving Elsa you will pass the Fischer’s tower, the most popular rock climbing destination in Hell’s gate national park.
Price of cycling in Hells gate national park.
This depends on whether you’re a citizen or not, the following is the fee schedule.
| Visitor | Park Entry Fees |
| Citizen-Adult | Ksh 300 |
| Citizen-Child/Student | Ksh 215 |
| Resident-Adult | Ksh 600 |
| Resident-Child/Student | Ksh 300 |
| Non Resident-Adult | USD 26 |
| Non Resident-Child/Student | USD 17 |
Students must be able to produce a valid student ID and below the age of 23.
Then the hiring of a bicycle by the Elsa Gate costs Ksh 500. In the event you bring a bicycle from outside, fee 215 Ksh is charged. It is also important to note that the fees can be made through the bank transfer, mpesa or card.Cash is not allowed.
Best time to cycle in Hell’s gate national park.
Hell’s gate national park opens daily at 6:00 am and closes by 7:00 pm during which you can cycle to the fullest, and the maximum of 13 hours is allowed daily for one to cycle through.
Cycling Route.
The most common route follows the dirt/ gravel Gorge Road through the valley to the Ranger’s Post on the southern side. Vehicle traffic is very low, the surface is sometimes good and sometimes can be a bit rutted or rough. It’s slightly downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back, so you need to save some energy and extra time for the return. Shortly after leaving Elsa Gate you will pass Fischer’s Tower, the most popular rock climbing destinations in Hell’s Gate. Continuing through the valley, keep an eye out for zebra, gazelle, buffalo, and other animals as you pedal.
About from the gate you will reach pavement and shortly after, the Ranger’s Post at Hells Canyon Gorge. This is a perfect place to take a break from biking and stretch your legs with a hike. After the hike you will bicycle back the way you come. There is also another cycling route in Hell’s Gate called the Buffalo Circuit, which supposedly offers different views and better odds of seeing the giraffes.
