Naiburta Special Campsite, Hells Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park may sound cliché; it’s relatively well-known, not too far from Nairobi, and a classic destination for shorter safaris. However, if you're willing to see the park through fresh eyes, you'll discover why it has quickly developed its appeal. Far from cliché, it is a geological wonderland: sheer vertical cliff faces serve as a refuge for larger eagles and raptors, towering isolated rock formations dot the landscape and offer memorable challenges for aspiring rock climbers, dramatic gorges carve through the earth—providing educational and visually enriching hikes—and steam vents burst from the ground with such ferocity, size, and volume that they can be seen from hundreds of kilometers away.

Unknown to many, Hell’s Gate also offers a scenic (albeit bumpy) drive up to Ol Karia Mountain, which sits within the park's borders. At the peak, you are treated to uninterrupted views across the full length of Lake Naivasha and out toward the Aberdares Mountains. Combined with its abundant wildlife—and the opportunity to enjoy them outside of a vehicle on a bicycle safari along the main road of the park—Hell’s Gate is truly an excellent choice for any individual or family seeking an adventure close to the big city.

We recommend Naiburta Special Campsite. This exclusive campsite must be booked in advance, but it is well worth the effort. The site is thoughtfully located on a hill overlooking the main "channel" (bordered on both sides by cliff faces) through the park, allowing for ample wildlife viewing as animals roam the plains below. The campsite includes latrines and a fire pit.