Hell's Gate National Park in Moi South Lake Road, Naivasha: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Moi South Lake Road, Naivasha
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Hell's Gate is a KWS park south of Lake Naivasha, about 90 km from Nairobi, where you can cycle and walk among zebra and giraffe. Entry is KSh 500 per adult and KSh 250 per child for East African citizens, paid online through KWSPay. It is open daily 6am to 6pm; plan about half a day.
What is Hell's Gate National Park?
Hell's Gate is a Kenya Wildlife Service park of about 68 sq km south of Lake Naivasha, about 90 km from Nairobi. Because it has no large predators, it is one of the few Kenyan parks where you can cycle and walk among zebra, giraffe, buffalo and gazelle, and where rock climbing and gorge hiking are allowed. The park sits in a dramatic Rift Valley landscape of cliffs and volcanic features, with a geothermal station nearby.
Most visitors cycle the main track on a hired bike or walk the shorter trails. The Ol Njorowa gorge walk needs a guide and can close after rain because of flash-flood risk. Plan about half a day, or a full day with the drive from Nairobi.
Hell's Gate National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (5 to 17) | Under 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 500 | KES 250,517 | KES 5 |
| Non-resident | KES 50 | KES 25 | KES 5 |
KWS rates (2025/26 tariff): East African citizens KSh 500 adult / KSh 250 child; Kenya residents KSh 675 / KSh 350; African citizens USD 20 / USD 10; international visitors USD 50 / USD 25. Fees are valid for 24 hours. Cycling is an extra KSh 300 (East African citizens) or USD 10, and a gorge guide is about KSh 2,000 for up to 4 hours. Older pages still show the pre-2025 rates.
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💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Pay online before you go KWS fees are cashless and sold through KWSPay | Bring your own bike
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 years | Good | Short cycle or walk with an adult beside them | 10–12 years |
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Key details
- Address
- Elsa Gate, Moi South Lake Road, Naivasha, Nakuru County, Naivasha
- Opening hours
- Daily 6am to 6pm
- How long to plan
- About half a day
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
What to expect when you visit
Pay your KWS fee online through KWSPay before you arrive, and show the receipt and your ID at Elsa Gate. Hire a bike at the gate area if you don't bring one, then cycle or walk the main track past zebra, giraffe and buffalo.
The gorge walk needs a guide and may be closed after rain. Carry water and a picnic, as there are few facilities inside the park.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
The gorge can flash-flood after rain and needs a guide. Keep your distance from buffalo and other wildlife.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Cycling fee, bike hire, gorge guide, vehicle fee
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Dry weather; the gorge can close after rain (flash-flood risk)
- How to get there
Elsa Gate on Moi South Lake Road, south of Lake Naivasha, about 90 km from Nairobi via the A104 Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
- By car
- About 90 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi depending on traffic
- Combine with
Lake Naivasha boat ride | Crescent Island Game Sanctuary | Elsamere Conservation Centre
- What to bring
Water, hat and sunscreen, sturdy shoes, picnic lunch, KWS payment receipt and ID
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Hell's Gate National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 500 and resident children (ages 5 to 17) pay KES 250,517. Non-resident adults pay KES 50 and non-resident children pay KES 25. Children under 5 pay KES 5. KWS rates (2025/26 tariff): East African citizens KSh 500 adult / KSh 250 child; Kenya residents KSh 675 / KSh 350; African citizens USD 20 / USD 10; international visitors USD 50 / USD 25. Fees are valid for 24 hours. Cycling is an extra KSh 300 (East African citizens) or USD 10, and a gorge guide is about KSh 2,000 for up to 4 hours. Older pages still show the pre-2025 rates.
- What are the Hell's Gate National Park opening hours?
- Daily 6am to 6pm.
- How long do you need at Hell's Gate National Park?
- Plan for About half a day.
- What is the best time to visit Hell's Gate National Park?
- Dry weather; the gorge can close after rain (flash-flood risk).
- How do you get to Hell's Gate National Park?
- About 90 km, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Nairobi depending on traffic. Elsa Gate on Moi South Lake Road, south of Lake Naivasha, about 90 km from Nairobi via the A104 Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
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