A Solo Adventure to Hell’s Gate National Park: Finding Solitude and Connection in Kenya’s Wild Heart

Cycling has always been my thing. There’s something about the rhythm of it-the way you can lose yourself in the steady pedal-push. Then feeling the wind whip past, can and does connect me with the world around. It’s been this way since I learned to ride my bike on the local estate. And so, Hell’s Gate did not disappoint, even if it was a bit touristy. The park itself is raw and rugged, a patchwork of rusty cliffs, grassy plains, and in the early morning theres a glow that paints everything in hues of orange and red. So there’s not much not to like especially if you’re in Nairobi and need an escape.

For me, the. biggest draw was that it’s a place where you can ride your bike right past zebras and buffalo, or watch as rock hyraxes and klipspringers scramble up rocky hillsides. Honestly it was fun and every turn of the crank brought a new surprise, a new reason to slow down and just. take. it. all. in… But then when I’d start to feel too relaxed, my amygdala would remind me that National Park in Kneya and maybe, just maybe, there is a Lion looking for some Brown British Beef.

Exploring Hell’s Gate: A Journey Through Kenya’s Wild Heart
Hell’s Gate is famous for its dramatic gorge, volcanic rocks, and hot springs. It’s a place where the landscape feels alive, every swirl of dust felt like a whisper from my ancient ancestors, guiding me. The Disney team supposedly found inspiration for The Lion King here (from their ancestors I guess), and it’s easy to see why. Standing in the shadow of the towering cliffs, you can almost hear Mufasa’s voice on the wind. Pride Rock might just be around the corner. Well to be honest it’s just on the right when you enter.