I must admit, when our guide informed us of our next day's optional excursion, I wasn't the most enthusiastic; cycling through a National Park was not exactly one of my top ten, not even close. I had visions of being trampled by buffalo, stalked by lions, or, given the extreme humidity and daytime temperatures, falling prey to one of the thousands of vultures who call Hell's Gate National Park their home. But our guide assured me that it would be fun, and more importantly, not too hilly, so I thought, why not? I'm usually up for trying just about anything once.
So after a quick breakfast, we left our camp and drove the few kilometres down the road where we met our Hells Gate Kenya guide, were sized and paired up with our bikes, and off we set on our approx. 8-kilometre cycle to the Ranger's post (also the starting point of our trek down into the Gorge).
Our first stop was Fischer's Tower, an ancient volcano (named after Gustav Fischer back in 1883), standing 25 metres tall, now a very popular climbing spot. According to Maasai tradition, our guide explained that the rock is a figure of a petrified Masai girl who was turned to stone after disobeying her family before her wedding!
After we had caught our breath (with no willing participants to try their hand at some rock-climbing), we continued our cycle through the park. We eventually arrived at the Ranger's post, where we enjoyed some much-needed ice-cold refreshments with the view of Central Tower in the distance before we started our descent into the Ol Njorowa Gorge. The first section is a bit tricky to navigate, with slippery rocks and such, so you have to mind your step and take it slowly (also not the best place to be in the wet season due to flash floods...which our guide very kindly told us at the deepest point on our hike!!). On our approximate two hour walk down in the gorge, we saw the most amazing scenery whilst zig-zagging through the corridors, including steaming hot water springs, unique rock formations, and even finding some natural pumice stones. I soon realised why it was the chosen location for some of the scenes from the movie Tomb Raider.
Exhaustively we started our ascent out of the gorge, hopped back onto our bicycles, and slowly made our way back to the Park entrance. With fresh air in our lungs, sun-kissed skin, we were all quite chuffed we had done it. All in all, a fantastic day out and a highly recommended experience!
Hells Gate Kenya by the team at Uyaphi.com, click here for more Kenya Safari adventures.
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Samburu Intrepids Camp with 30 tented rooms is located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, each tent sits on a raised deck overlooking the river where the elephants make an appearance or the crocodiles come out onto the river's banks.
Galdessa
The riverside location of the lounge and dining room of Galdessa Camp ensure frequent wildlife sightings without the need to leave camp, as the game seeks relief from the heat of the day in the cool waters of the Galana River.
Galdessa Camp, with its amazing swimming pool, is located in the Tsavo East National park on the banks of the Galana River.
Rekero Camp
Rekero Camp is set amidst the teeming mass of wildlife in the Masai Mara area, inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve; the Camp is set up seasonally (June - October, December - March) and caters for up to eighteen guests.
Rekero is most certainly one of the best safari camps for viewing the great wildebeest migration.
Governors Camp
With its 37 tented suites, Governors' Camp is situated on the banks of the Mara River in the west of the Masai Mara; this is undoubtedly one of our most popular lodges in the Masai Mara for good reason, location, location, location.
Serena Mountain Lodge
Located on the slopes of Mount Kenya and surrounded by an ancient rainforest, Serena Mountain Lodge offers guests a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience. With only 42 hotel rooms and suites, Mountain Lodge is perfect for single travellers, couples, honeymooners, small groups of friends and families alike.
Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including climbing to Lenana Peak, exploring the forest and moorlands, sundowners, exclusive trout fishing, Kikuyu dancing and cultural displays, and walking in the forest.
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge
Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience by means of game drives in the stunning Tsavo West National Park.
The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures, offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around.
Little Governors Camp
Little Governors Camp in the Masai Mara with just 17 tented suites casts its spell over all who visit, from honeymoon couples to Presidents, is reached by boat and the exquisite, romantic setting has a serenity all of its own.
A classic Masai Mara safari camp that can and does compete with the best in Kenya.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is located on a ridge that commands magnificent sweeping views of the Chyulu Hills at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilaguni was the first safari lodge ever to be built in Tsavo West National Park and has long been a favourite of tourists by offer outstanding game drives.