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.
Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs
The luxurious Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs lodge offers up incredible views out over the 57 000 acre Loisaba Conservancy, a Laikipia Conservancy famed for its huge herds of elephants, large lion population, wild dog, leopard and cheetah.
Mara Toto Camp
Mara Toto Camp on the banks of the Ntiakitiak River within a thick forest is a small and intimate option in the heart of the Masai Mara National Park.
The wildlife and birdlife in this area are spectacular, with the annual migration being the highlight.
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge
Saruni Mara Safari Lodge, with accommodation for only 18 guests, is a small boutique safari lodge located with a private concession bordering the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering the thrill of a real African adventure coupled with the highest standards of style and comfort.
Early morning, late afternoon or full-day game drives are on offer.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort
One of East Africa's most exotic and best-known resorts, Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, is located in a dreamlike setting, on Bamburi Beach on the North coast of Mombasa, a fusion of Swahili interiors and Arabic architecture.
Whitesands offers up a beach holiday like very few others can, the perfect setting for family holidays.
Leopard Beach Resort
Situated on Diani Beach near Kenya's bustling port of Mombasa, Leopard Beach enjoys a position on Diani Beach with 158 comfortable and welcoming rooms. One of the more popular beach lodges near Mombasa.
Sea views, water-based activities and scuba diving are all exceptional, pair those with excellent service and location, and one will not be disappointed.
Taita Hills Game Lodge
Taita Hills Game Lodge offers a truly exclusive bush experience, being situated in the heart of the Taita Hills Sanctuary, a private conservancy of 28,000 acres at the foot of the Taita Hills and adjacent to Tsavo West National Park.
A more budget-friendly option in the Tsavo West one cannot find.
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.
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.