VISIT TO HELL'S GATE

You can visit on foot, by bike or by car. Even if you have your own vehicle, we strongly recommend that you do some walking. A walk among the animals provides a sense of freedom and space that would be a shame to miss. But be careful! It's often extremely hot at the foot of the cliffs, so it's best to set off early in the morning. A small information center at the entrance to the park can provide you with interesting information and a few basic products. At the park entrance, 4 or 5 ATVs can be rented for half-day or full-day rides. A few minutes after entering the park, you'll come face to face with Fisher's Tower. This astonishing 25 m-high column of volcanic rock marks the approximate site of the Maasai ambush of German explorer Gustav Fisher. The Twiga and Buffalo circuits start from this tower and join the central trail at the other end of the gorge. Unless you have a lot of time and courage, it's best to do these tours by car. The track then winds along the foot of the cliffs, through dry, stunted vegetation, before arriving near the geothermal station. Giraffes, zebras, warthogs and various species of gazelle can easily be spotted. Halfway along, a track on the left leads to another volcanic column - the Central Tower - and the spectacular Njorowa Gorge. You can park your vehicle at the picnic area and take the narrow path down to the gorge. At the bottom, don't hesitate to follow the little stream. After a very narrow and slippery passage, you come to a wider gorge. Continue straight on to the end of the main gorge. Allow 1 hour round trip, but beware: some passages are quite vertiginous. Alternatively, take the left-hand fork into a narrow canyon, the Njorowa Gorge, which you can visit in one or two hours, depending on your pace (this is where Tomb Raider II was filmed). In places, the 100 m-high walls are so narrow that it's hard to make out the sky. However, be sure to check the water level at the park office before entering the gorge.

Camping is the only accommodation option within the park. There are several sites on the higher ground. Ask at the park office.