Hell's Gate camping at a glance
Camping in Hell's Gate National Park is run by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Naiburta and Oldubai are the public campsites. Endachata is a special campsite with higher rates and a weekly reservation fee. For most visitors, a public site is the simple choice.
Pack everything yourself. KWS advises campers to bring their own camping equipment, food and drinking water. The park entry fee is charged separately, and you can find the rates on the entry fee page.
If a night in a tent is not for you, a Hell's Gate day trip from Nairobi covers the main sights in half a day to a full day. Rooms outside the park are covered further down this page.
Hell's Gate camping fees in 2026
Adult and child or student rates for the public and the special campsites.
| Visitor group | Public campsite (adult / child or student) | Special campsite (adult / child or student) |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KES 200 / KES 150 | KES 250 / KES 200 |
| Kenya resident | KES 300 / KES 200 | KES 350 / KES 250 |
| Non-resident | $20 / $15 | $35 / $20 |
| African citizen outside East Africa | $10 / $8 | $20 / $10 |
A reservation for the special campsite costs KES 10,000 per week and is not refundable. Child and student rates apply to children and to students on an organised visit with a recognised institution. A Kenya resident needs a valid Kenyan residence permit, and a tourist is not a resident.
Park entry is a separate cost, so add it to the camping fee. When you book, ask how the nights of your stay are counted against the entry ticket. For most visitors, Naiburta or Oldubai is the better value. Choose Endachata only if you want the special site and are happy to pay the reservation.
Hell's Gate tours and day trips
Cycling, gorge access and combinations with Lake Naivasha, with live prices and availability.
Camping rules in Hell's Gate
The park rules apply at the campsites as well.
Bring your own gear
A tent, food and drinking water come with you. Do not plan on equipment being available at the site.
Fires and waste
Never leave a camp fire unattended. Single-use plastic is banned in the park, and you take your waste with you when you leave.
Wildlife and driving
Keep at least 20 m from animals and never feed them. Stay on existing roads and tracks, drive no faster than 40 km/h and do not go off-road.
Gate hours
The gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. Overnight guests are an exception, so confirm your arrival and departure times when you book.
Payment
Park entry is paid in advance through eCitizen (KWSPay), and the gate does not take cash. Ask how the camping fee is paid when you reserve.
What to do from your campsite
Hell's Gate rewards an early start, and a campsite puts you in the park at the right time.
Cycling
A bike activity fee is charged on top of entry. Bike hire is a separate cost, and rental shops stand about 1 km before Elsa Gate, with day rates of KES 800 to 1,200. The gorge is roughly 7 to 8 km from the gate, and the Buffalo Circuit is 14 km long. See the cycling guide.
The spa
The Olkaria Geothermal Spa lies inside the park, and entry to the park is charged separately. Details are in the spa guide.
Time on site
A half day is enough for a bike ride or a walk. A full day lets you add other activities.
Hell's Gate accommodation outside the park
Where to look if you prefer a bed.
This page covers the campsites inside the park. For lodges, guesthouses and hotels, look around Lake Naivasha, which has its own accommodation guide: Lake Naivasha hotels. If you stay outside, check the road time to the gate before you book, and allow for the 06:00 opening if you plan an early bike ride. The getting there guide explains the roads and the gates.
Rain changes camping plans. Tracks are dirt roads, and heavy rain can affect the gorge, so read the Hell's Gate weather guide before you choose your dates.
Plan the rest of your stay
What to do once the tent is up.
Hell's Gate camping: frequently asked questions
Where can I camp in Hell's Gate?
There are two public campsites, Naiburta and Oldubai, and a special campsite called Endachata. Public and special sites have different rates.
How much does camping cost in Hell's Gate?
In 2026 a non-resident adult pays $20 at a public campsite and $35 at the special campsite. A Kenya resident adult pays KES 300 or KES 350, and an East African citizen adult pays KES 200 or KES 250. Park entry is charged on top.
Do I need my own tent?
Plan to bring your own. KWS advises campers to carry their own camping equipment, food and drinking water.
Can I pay in cash at the gate?
Park entry is paid in advance through eCitizen (KWSPay), and the gate does not take cash. Ask how the camping fee is paid when you book.
Where can I stay if I do not want to camp?
Look at lodges and hotels around Lake Naivasha. A day trip from Nairobi is another option if you prefer to sleep in the city.
Is this website run by KWS?
No. This is an independent travel guide and is not run by or connected to the Kenya Wildlife Service or any operator. Confirm current rates and rules with KWS before you travel.