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.
Sala's Camp
Sala's Camp, located on the Sands River and within 2 kilometres of Tanzania's Serengeti, is one of the most luxurious Maasai Mara Tented Camps options available today.
Sala's offers guests exceptional service, fine dining, stunning accommodation and an authentic Masai Mara safari.
Mara Expedition Camp
Mara Expedition Camp, a small, intimate and luxurious tented safari camp located in one of the best areas for wildlife in the Masai Mara region of Kenya.
When staying here one has access to not only the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve but also the private 70 000-acre Mara North Conservancy.
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge bordering that Amboseli National Park is framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro.
All 92 guest rooms at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge offer an uninterrupted view over the ever-changing vistas of the African plains.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive wildlife destination located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains within the stunning and wildlife-rich Solio Conservancy. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, spectacular wildlife sightings, sumptuous cuisine, and numerous safari activities.
Solio Wildlife Sanctuary is the most successful private rhino breeding sanctuary in Africa. Experience the best of Solio Lodge and all that it has to offer for a truly unforgettable African safari experience.
Voyager Beach Resort
The vibrant, shipwrecked resort is famous for hosting some of Africa's finest family entertainments and animation programmes, Kenya's most popular and dynamic beach resort overlooks the sparkling white sands of Nyali Beach.
One of the more popular beach resorts for those on a budget without wanting to sacrifice luxuries and location.
Cottars 1920s Camp
Cottars 1920s Camp is located far away from the maddening crowds of the Masai Mara.
Only 9 luxuriously appointed tented suites are available, including 2x honeymoon suites, 4x double tents and 3x family suites.
&Beyond Suyian Lodge
Wake up to the stunning landscapes of Kenya's Suyian Conservancy, where untouched wilderness extends endlessly. A stay at the luxurious &Beyond Suyian Lodge puts you in the heart of this pristine environment, combining comfort with adventure.
Suyian is surrounded by rolling hills, sparkling streams, and diverse wildlife, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers. From guided bush walks to exhilarating game drives, every moment is designed to connect you with the region's unique ecosystems.
ol Donyo Lodge
ol Donyo Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux property located in the heart of the 275 000 acre Mbirikani Ranch that borders Chyulu Hills National Park.
ol Donyo Lodge is located within wilderness area between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. A small luxurious safari lodge that offers it all.