The Heavenly Sanctuary of Hell"s Gate National Park in Naivasha, Kenya
Here are some of the reasons to go to Kenya and book an accommodation in Naivasha: Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot National Park, and the place with the intriguing name of Hell's Gate National Park.
Contrary to its name, Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha, Kenya is a peaceful sanctuary that grants its visitors the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. Located in the center of the Rift Valley province and rising 1,900 m above sea level, this tiny 68.25 sq km park is teeming with life and attractions that exhibit the region's environmental wealth. The park is about 90 km northwest of Nairobi. It is accessible from the Kenyan capital via the tarmac road and is in proximity to Lake Naivasha, another of the region's ecological gems.
In 1883, explorers Fisher and Thomson found themselves defeated by the hostile Maasai warriors in one of the narrow beaks in the cliffs, earning the name Hell's Gate. More than a century later, 1984, it was established as a small natural park catering to tourists who wish to interact with the Maasai tribe, explore nature, and see glorious beasts and birds roaming this savannah ecosystem. Today, the place is famous for its geothermal station and scenery composed of cliffs, volcanoes, and gorges€"the aftermath of being buried under the ashes of Mount Longonot in an eruption that happened a little more than a hundred years ago.
Main Attractions
The Fischer Tower is a 25 m high rocky tower located near the park's main entrance. It was named after Gustav Fischer, a German explorer who was sent to find a route from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. According to the Maasai tradition, the formation is a disobedient Maasai girl who turned to stone. The tower has its own picnic area.
A larger version of the Fischer Tower is the Central Tower, also known as Embarta or The Horse. While it can hardly be seen from the road, the tower can be viewed from very far along the Buffalo Circuit.
Obsidian, a distinctive black volcanic glass, comprises the cave that has a fantastic view of the Fischer Tower and the Kedong plains around Mount Longonot. Like the Fischer Tower, the Obsidian Caves also have their own picnic sites.
After the Central Tower is the Ol Karia Geothermal Project, a power station standing over the lava flow of the extinct Ol Karia Volcano. The said lava flow is locked 1,500 m beneath the surface and provides 25% of Kenya's electricity.
These are but a few of the of the attractions that can be found in Hell's Gate National Park. Since the area is a popular tourist destination, it's not to hard to find a comfortable Naivasha accommodation. Naivasha Lake is also quite close by and has just as much natural wonders to explore.
Contrary to its name, Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha, Kenya is a peaceful sanctuary that grants its visitors the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. Located in the center of the Rift Valley province and rising 1,900 m above sea level, this tiny 68.25 sq km park is teeming with life and attractions that exhibit the region's environmental wealth. The park is about 90 km northwest of Nairobi. It is accessible from the Kenyan capital via the tarmac road and is in proximity to Lake Naivasha, another of the region's ecological gems.
In 1883, explorers Fisher and Thomson found themselves defeated by the hostile Maasai warriors in one of the narrow beaks in the cliffs, earning the name Hell's Gate. More than a century later, 1984, it was established as a small natural park catering to tourists who wish to interact with the Maasai tribe, explore nature, and see glorious beasts and birds roaming this savannah ecosystem. Today, the place is famous for its geothermal station and scenery composed of cliffs, volcanoes, and gorges€"the aftermath of being buried under the ashes of Mount Longonot in an eruption that happened a little more than a hundred years ago.
Main Attractions
The Fischer Tower is a 25 m high rocky tower located near the park's main entrance. It was named after Gustav Fischer, a German explorer who was sent to find a route from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. According to the Maasai tradition, the formation is a disobedient Maasai girl who turned to stone. The tower has its own picnic area.
A larger version of the Fischer Tower is the Central Tower, also known as Embarta or The Horse. While it can hardly be seen from the road, the tower can be viewed from very far along the Buffalo Circuit.
Obsidian, a distinctive black volcanic glass, comprises the cave that has a fantastic view of the Fischer Tower and the Kedong plains around Mount Longonot. Like the Fischer Tower, the Obsidian Caves also have their own picnic sites.
After the Central Tower is the Ol Karia Geothermal Project, a power station standing over the lava flow of the extinct Ol Karia Volcano. The said lava flow is locked 1,500 m beneath the surface and provides 25% of Kenya's electricity.
These are but a few of the of the attractions that can be found in Hell's Gate National Park. Since the area is a popular tourist destination, it's not to hard to find a comfortable Naivasha accommodation. Naivasha Lake is also quite close by and has just as much natural wonders to explore.