Cycling Hell’s Gate National Park: the route, the gorge and safety tips

Hell’s Gate is one of the very few national parks in Kenya where you can leave the vehicle behind and cycle among wild animals. There are no elephants or lions here, so zebras, giraffes, buffalo and gazelles graze calmly as you ride between red cliffs. Here is how to do it.

Getting there and renting a bike

The park lies just south of Lake Naivasha. The main entrance, Elsa Gate, is about 15 minutes from the lake shore road. Bikes are rented outside the gate and from lodges around the lake. Check the brakes, tyres and saddle height before you pay, and ask for a helmet. Park fees are paid at the gate, electronically.

The ride

From Elsa Gate, a dirt road runs about 7 km along the valley floor to the gorge, climbing gently on the way in, so the ride back is easier.

• Fischer’s Tower: a tall column of volcanic rock near the gate, where you may see rock climbers and rock hyraxes.
• The valley: zebras, giraffes, Thomson’s gazelles, warthogs and buffalo, with vultures and eagles on the cliffs. Give buffalo a wide berth.
• Central Tower: another volcanic plug near the head of the gorge, with a picnic area.

The gorge

At the end of the road you leave the bike and walk down into the Ol Njorowa gorge with an official guide. The walls are smooth and curved, stained green, yellow and orange by minerals, and hot springs bubble out of the rock in places. Expect some scrambling and wet feet.

Safety

• Flash floods: the gorge fills quickly when it rains, even if the rain is far away. Never enter it in rain or when storms are building, and follow any closure.
• Heat: there is little shade. Start early and carry at least 2 litres of water each.
• Animals: keep your distance, especially from buffalo, and never get between a mother and her young.

After the ride

The geothermal spa near the park, heated by the Olkaria wells, is a good place to soak tired legs. Then spend the evening by Lake Naivasha, or read our guide to Hell’s Gate National Park.