Visit The Park That Inspired the Lion King Film; Hell’s Gate National Park.
Whether you first saw the original version back in 1994, are an aficionado of the new photorealistic computer-animated remake, or were dazed by the immensely-popular Broadway show, odds are that if you’ve seen a version of The Lion King, you’ve wanted to go to Africa.
With its stunning designs, enthusiastic tunes, and heart-pulling anecdote about a lion reclaiming his throne, The Lion King is not only a great film, but an incredible showcase for the African landscape and animals that are as beguiling in 2020 as they were in 1994. Before work started on The Lion King, the illustrators visited Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya to gain inspiration for the designs in the movie.
Although the park doesn’t have the Big Five animals, ironically including the Lion (Simba, Mufasa, Scar & Nala), it is nevertheless a gem.
Breathtaking landscapes that stir the soul
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the smallest National Parks in Kenya, but its unusual features and charm compensate for what it lacks in size. It covers an area of 68.25 square km and is situated in the environs of Lake Naivasha about 90km from Nairobi. The Park is 14 km after the turnoff of the old Nairobi- Naivasha highway.
It is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. The towering cliffs, water formed gorges, a variety of wild animals (such as African Buffalos, Zebras, Elands and Thomson’s Gazelles), over 100 bird species including Vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, Augur buzzards and unique flora give this park an almost magical feel.
Olkaria Geothermal Power Station
The Park is also home to Olkaria Geothermal Power Station, the first productive geothermal installation in Africa. Hell’s Gate has two gates – the main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria which serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station.
The Olkaria Geothermal Spa pool is massive, in fact, the largest spa pool in Africa. The water in the pool is hot but not scalding, infused naturally with minerals such as Sulphur and silica (which give the water it’s cloudy color). These minerals have untold benefits to your skin and body in general.
Wild Encounters Up Close
Hell’s Gate National Park is home to an array of wild animals including Hartebeest, Grant and Thomson gazelles, warthogs, monkeys, impala, burchell zebra, defassa waterbucks, giraffes, black-backed jackals and olive baboons. The drives in this park are much calmer, they are even more interesting considering the fact that one could, without fearing for their lives, get out of their cars and freeze the beautiful moments on the cam.
Wild animal lovers will have a blast at the park; this is mainly because the animals in the park are well habituated to vehicles and do not, therefore, run or hide on the sight of one. This allows you to get up close with them. Wildlife viewing at Hell’s Gate is at its best on June-October when the grass in the park is short. The scenery, however, is at its best during wet seasons of the year, March-May.
Safari on two wheels
Cycling is the most rewarding way to explore Hell’s Gate National Park. It is the only activity other than hiking which allows for really close interaction with the park’s flora and fauna. Relevant information about cycling trails can be accessed at the main gate, Elsa Gate, where you can also hire bikes. If you follow the buffalo cycling circuit look out for the breathtaking views of Lake Naivasha, Mt. Suswa and Mt. Longonot that are visible from the park.
Climb the Pride Rock of Your Dreams
Rock climbing is yet another popular activity in the park. Fischer’s tower is the most common for first timers but skilled climbers who are in it for the thrill can try out the Main Wall which is stiffer than Fisher’s Tower.
Hike through the wild side
Hiking is a favorite activity at Hell’s Gate National Park especially on the weekends when hundreds from the country’s capital Nairobi flock to break the monotony of their busy city life. Take a wondrous hike right from the park’s main gate, Elsa Gate, to the park’s main valley and get treated to the fantastic sight of a variety of bush life while at it.
If you are the type that is for the calming effects of water, then take the trail that descends from the Central Tower right into the Lower Gorge. A walk through the gorge is simply magical. While on the trail you get treated to the bewildering site of some of the world’s most captivating cold and hot waterfalls, hot springs and colored rocks
A haven & heaven for birding enthusiasts
The park is a must visit for birders. It is home to over 100 bird species and it’s known to be a breeding area for lammergeier vultures. The vultures nesting points are hidden high up in the cliffs to protect them from predators.
Other bird species in the park are African kestrel, Imperial eagle, Arrow-marked Babbler, Chinspot Batis, Golden-winged Sunbird, Yellow-rumped seedeater Jackson’s widowbird and many others. The park, in the months of November-April, houses migratory birds from all corners of the world.