Exploring the Fischer’s Towers: Hell’s Gate National Park is a small national park in Kenya that is found in the Rift Valley province of Nakuru the nearest city. Hell’s Gate National Park was fully established in the year 1884 covers an area of about 68.25 square kilometers and is found within Nakuru County near the famous Lake Naivasha.
Hell’s Gate National Park is composed of several volcanic plugs that were the result of the hard igneous rocks during the volcanic activities and these towers include the central tower and the Fishers tower. It’s one of the greatest attractions at Hell’s Gate National Park that has greatly boosted the number of visitors to the park. The Fischer’s tower is found just at the entrance of the Hell’s Gate National Park while the central tower is found at the southern end of the main gorge.
The Fischer’s towers of the park have it is history attached to the people of the Masai Mara and their undisputable culture. The Masai believed that the towers were formed as the result of their girl who turned into this impressive rock and the story is o impressive given the time you can give them to illustrate this point. As the girl was heading to her future husband, she turned her back to her father which is an abomination within the Maasai culture, and as a result of this the girl turned into the Fisher’s Tower which we all see at the Hell’s Gate and this is according to the Masai beliefs.
Hell’s Gate National Park is home to the stunning Hell’s Gate Gorge, a deep valley that cuts through the heart of the park. This gorge is surrounded by striking, rusty-red rock walls that rise steeply upwards, creating an impressive landscape. One of the notable features within the gorge is Fischer’s Tower, a granite formation that stands about 25 meters tall. Visitors often climb this tower, guided by experienced safari leaders who make sure everyone stays safe during the adventure. Fischer’s Tower got its name from Gustav Fischer, a German explorer who passed through this area while traveling from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. Unfortunately, during his journey, many of his crew faced dangers from the local Maasai tribes.
What to do in while Exploring the Fischer’s Towers in Hell’s Gate National Park
Nature walks
One of the popular things to do is to take a walk along the Fisher Towers Hiking Trail. This trail is specially designed for hikers, so you won’t find any motorized vehicles or mountain bikes here. You’ll notice along the way that the path may not always be clear; that’s where you’ll see little rock piles called cairns. These markers will guide you, but if you ever feel like you’re off track or climbing down steep sections, don’t hesitate to backtrack until you find the trail again.
The trail itself is a single path made of dirt and rocks, making it simple to navigate. However, be mindful of the weather, as it has no shaded areas at all. If it’s particularly sunny, it’s a great idea to start your hike in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Always pack enough water to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Since there isn’t any water available along the trail, it’s crucial to come prepared. During the hot summer months, aim for at least a gallon of water for each person for the day. Good footwear is important too—sturdy walking shoes or light boots will help keep your feet happy on the rugged parts of the trail.
Exploring obsidian cave
Visitors exploring this park will also be able to enjoy the caves especially the obsidian cave which is found impressively within the park. The cave was found with obsidian rocks and it can be accessed while you’re on the two-kilometer track of the buffalo circuit. While entering the cave, you will witness a bushy rocket and a black rock that is comprised of the Rift Valley floor.
Filming and photography
Fisher Towers and the stunning landscapes surrounding the Colorado River might ring a bell for movie lovers. This picturesque area has been featured in over two dozen films, including classic Wagon Master, Against A Crooked Sky, The Comancheros, and Rio Conchos all featuring views of Fisher Towers. One scene with Richard Boone in Against a Crooked Sky was filmed next to the Fisher Towers Recreation Site parking area.
Interestingly, the vibrant landscapes of Fisher Towers even inspired the setting of the beloved 1994 film “The Lion King.” Several members of the film crew visited the park to soak in its beauty and learn from nature for their animated masterpiece. More recently, in 2003, parts of “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life” were filmed at this breathtaking park, showcasing its unique and dramatic scenery.
Birdwatching
Visitors to Fischer’s Towers in Hell’s Gate National Park will have the chance to embark on a birdwatching tour. The site is home to impressive bird species such as Mottled swift, Nyanza swift, Red-winged starling, Schalow’s wheatear, Verreaux’s eagle, White-rumped swift, yellow bishop, Yellow-rumped seedeater, Chin Spot Bastis, White-Rumpled Swift, Yellow-Rumped Seedeater, Golden-Winged Sunbird among others.
Rock climbing
Exploring the Fischer’s Towers in Hell’s Gate National Park offers a fantastic opportunity for rock climbing enthusiasts. One of the most popular and manageable climbs in the area is Fischer’s Tower itself. To ensure a safe climbing experience, it’s important to have the right gear and a knowledgeable guide, so be sure to check with your hotel beforehand. This impressive volcanic plug stands about 25 meters tall, situated near the park’s northeastern edge, making it an inviting challenge for climbers of all skill levels.
