The famous gate to 'hell'

The picturesque nature of the gorge was made internationally famous when it was featured in two world-acclaimed movies. In Tomb Raider 2, the gorge and the caves around it formed the scenes where part of the movie was shot on location. The gorge and the plains around it also inspired the main setting for The Lion King and the movie's animators actually visited the gorge for inspiration.

Situated between Lake Naivasha and the Longonot and Suswa volcanoes, Hell's Gate National Park is the only national park in Kenya that you can explore on foot. Unlike other national parks in Kenya, there are no predators here apart from the occasional leopard sighting. The appeal of this park, which is covered by ashes from the Longonot eruption, occurring more than 100 years ago, comes from the beautiful scenery formed by millions of years of geothermal activity.

Being located about 100 kilometers from Kenya's capital Nairobi, the park is an ideal venue for a day trip from the capital where, in addition to the biodiversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.

On the way to Naivasha town where the park is located, visitors from Nairobi can spend part of the less than two-hour journey from Nairobi by car admiring the Rift Valley escarpment.

The panoramic vistas of the Rift Valley at Limuru town viewpoint on your way to Naivasha from Nairobi are a geological wonder, which is nothing short of spectacular. The view from this point offers a glimpse into the Earth's incredible history and formation. Standing at the cliff of the valley, you can appreciate its vast expanse, its dramatic cliffs, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a deep connection with the Earth's geological wonders.