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.
Sarova Stanley Hotel
The Sarova Stanley Hotel, in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a wide range of accommodation and services with all rooms elegantly furnished with an ambience that remains as friendly and welcoming as it has always been since its humble beginnings in 1902.
One of the more classic options for anyone looking for a hotel in Nairobi, especially one with a long history.
Saruni Samburu
Perched on the top of the Kalama mountains with an all-round view of Northern Kenya all the way to snow-covered Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu is a design lodge that is introducing a fresh concept to a well-known safari destination.
Tortilis Camp
Elewana Tortilis Camp is a magical escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The safari camp is located just outside the Amboseli National Park in an unspoilt woodland.
Elewana Tortilis Camp offers up views out across the plains with Mt Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
Mara Nyika Camp
Mara Nyika Camp an intimate and luxurious tented camp tucked away in a quiet corner of the Naboisho Conservancy that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Five of the most amazing tented suites, all with excellent views, including two family suites, are on offer: Nyika Camp, one of the best in Africa.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
The Mara Serena is the ultimate safari destination, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa's most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.
The astonishing views out of the plains of the Masai Mara from the main guest area are a must-see.
Serian Camp
Alex Walker's Serian Camp, a small and private safari camp option found deep in the heart of the famed Mara North Conservancy.
Serian Camp, located within a forested area on the famous Mara River banks, has only five tented suites available, ensuring an intimate safari experience.
Mara Plains Camp
Masai Mara Plains Camp, one of only three Relais & Chateaux establishments in Kenya, offers guests a private and intimate safari experience within the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
The ultimate in luxury while paying homage to that classic tented safari that Kenya is so famous for.
Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge, a classy budget-orientated safari lodge situated in the heart of the Amboseli National Park, one of East Africa's most popular wildlife and nature parks.
The Amboseli Park is one of the best spots in the world to watch elephants with the backdrop of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is at Ol Tukai Lodge.