Hell's Gate gorge walk: into Ol Njorowa Gorge, Naivasha

Section by section

• To the gorge: from Elsa Gate, the main road runs about 8 km to the gorge, past Fischer's Tower, a 25 m pillar of volcanic rock. Most people cycle or drive this part; our map starts at the ranger's post and picnic site above the gorge.
• Down into the gorge: the path drops off the rim into Ol Njorowa Gorge. You clamber over rocks and bushes and cross a small stream or two.
• The riverbed: at the bottom you follow an almost dry riverbed past bubbling hot springs and hissing steam vents. Some rocks are hot enough to burn, so follow your guide.
• The narrows: further on, the walls close in until the sky is a thin strip overhead and the sunlight picks out the minerals on the rock. Our map follows the gorge path to where it ends, and you walk back the same way.

Terrain and how hard it is

The gorge walk is short but not a stroll. There are rocks to scramble over, loose ground, stream crossings and narrow passages, and it is hot and dusty in the sun. Anyone with reasonable fitness and good shoes can do it.

The real danger is water: in the rainy months the gorge is at risk of flash floods, so check the weather and listen to your guide.

On our map the gorge walk covers about 2.6 km one way.

Best time of year

The best time is Kenya's long dry spell, from June to October, or January and February, when the trails are quieter. Avoid the rainy months, especially March to May, when the paths are muddy and slippery and the risk of flash floods is highest.

Weekends and holidays are busy, as the park is a popular day out from Nairobi.

What to bring

• Shoes with good grip that you do not mind getting wet.
• Plenty of water and snacks: there are no restaurants inside the park, except at the geothermal spa.
• A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Clothes you can scramble in.
• A card or M-Pesa: KWS does not take cash at the gate.
• No single-use plastic: Kenya's national parks are plastic-free.

Getting there, entry and fees

Take the A104 from Nairobi to Naivasha, then the Moi South Lake Road towards Lake Naivasha. Elsa Gate is 25 km from the Moi South Lake Road junction, and public transport runs there. Bikes are for hire about 1 km before the gate. KWS says park gates open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm, unless you are staying overnight.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) lists these daily entry rates for Hell's Gate National Park, effective from 1 October 2025: East African citizens KES 500 per adult and KES 250 per child; Kenya residents KES 675 per adult and KES 350 per child; African citizens USD 20 per adult and USD 10 per child; non-residents USD 50 per adult and USD 25 per child.

A guide is compulsory for the gorge. Hell's Gate Community Guides, from the surrounding communities including the Maasai, are based at the bike hire area near Elsa Gate, and their fee is separate from park entry. Official page: kws.go.ke/park/hells-gate-national-park

Checked on 8 November 2026 against the official KWS website; confirm current fees before you go.

Keep the hike

We print the route on the real terrain, so the cliffs and the deep cut of the gorge stand out in 3D, with your path raised in colour along the bottom. Add the date and the names of everyone who walked it.