We decided to cap off our trip to East Africa with one final day tour with Urban Adventures, what we thought was a walking safari through Hell’s Gate National Park. We had read that this was what the park was known for and between our desire to spend our last day with animals, and the park’s close proximity to Nairobi, the excursion was a no brainer.
So what was the problem?
The problem is that the more I travel, the more careless I seem to be about planning every detail and reading the fine print. So we didn’t realize until about a few hours in, and our guide made no mention of animals, that the tour wasn’t going to be a safari but rather a serious hike/climb/scramble through Hell’s Gate Gorge. Uh oh. Thankfully, I had decided to wear my hiking boots at the last minute, narrowly avoiding the embarrassment of plodding into the gorge wearing flip flops.This now marks the second time that I’ve “accidentally” gone canyoning.
Of course, with every unexpected twist in the story there’s often a great surprise around the bend. While not exactly prepared or equipped for the physical excursion, it turned out to be a beautiful day spent winding through an immensely photogenic gorge, beautifully painted and cut by the elements. Though the two nearby volcanoes are now extinct, you can practically read the area like a book, tell-tale signs of its past in the volcanic plugs, trails of color left by hot springs, and the ebbs and flows of sharply sculpted cliffs and walls.
Fischer’s Tower, one of two volcanic plugs in the park
Our guide, Patrick, who essentially had to haul my butt through the gorge. Hey, I had a bum ankle, and lacked coordination, and was out of shape, and..
Look at me, climbing on my own (nevermind Patrick’s hand in the left corner)
J climbing on his own. Show-off.
Geothermal hot springs
A dead end known as the Devil’s Bedroom
Did I mention Tomb Raider was filmed here? This is one of the cliffs they rappelled down.
A view of Hell’s Gate Park from a high vantage point within the gorge
Another volcanic plug, Central Tower
February 10, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Wow, I know the saying gets old sometimes, but those are some awesome photos! I have yet to visit Africa but more and more I keep hearing good things. And thanks for the Tomb Raider fact lol, I had no idea.. how wild.. Keep up the travels!
February 13, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Thanks so much- this was one of those places where photos really took themselves. You can’t go wrong with all of that texture and natural variations in light. There’s definitely a lot to see and experience in Africa, and I think a very worthwhile trip to make.
February 11, 2012 at 12:08 am
Beautiful, but I don’t think canyoning is for me
February 13, 2012 at 1:48 pm
It’s certainly not for everyone! I actually don’t mind it, but I was not prepared (again)!
February 11, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Fotos muy impresionantes, yo te admiro por la caminata en ese lugar. y con cuidado en los otros lugares.
Felicitaciones.
February 13, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Thank you much!
February 11, 2012 at 8:09 pm
What a beautiful place to explore – love the pics! Thanks for sharing & Have a Great Weekend:)
February 13, 2012 at 1:48 pm
It really was- and it was nice that it was just the two of us and our guide because we could stop and go and really explore at our own pace.
February 12, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Awesome pics! I would have loved a dip in the hot springs. Were you able to do that?
February 13, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Unfortunately, not- there wasn’t enough water and I didn’t realize we would be in a gorge so I didn’t bring the proper clothing anyway. But I have frolicked in hot springs elsewhere and I’ve enjoyed it! This would have been an incredible place to relax and take it all in.
February 12, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Looks breathtaking!
February 13, 2012 at 1:51 pm
It really was, and a remarkable surprise since I had no idea that this type of place existed outside of Nairobi. I had no expectations of this type of scenery, which made it all the more breathtaking.
February 14, 2012 at 3:52 am
Lovely pics and a great read, looks quite a difficult thing to do though, but something definitely to be remembered.
February 14, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Thanks so much- I’m not sure if it was very difficult for my boyfriend or for the guide, but a challenge for me to be sure!
Well worth it, though.
February 20, 2012 at 2:30 am
Had that been me walking through that gorge, the claustrophobe in me would have been screaming, ‘I need to get out of here now!’, haha. These photos are beautiful but this is one of those times when I am glad you’re doing the traveling (and telling us so eloquently about it).
February 23, 2012 at 9:39 am
You know, I was so worried about breaking a leg that I’d never considered the claustrophobia of it, but I can see it. When we went in Australia, there were some really tight crevices that we had to get through which was scary both for its claustrophobia-inducing and getting-stuck potential.
February 20, 2012 at 4:34 pm
I just wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog, and have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Congratulations!! And awesome pictures by the way
http://hurdlestohappiness.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/the-versatile-blogger-award/
February 23, 2012 at 9:41 am
Aww so that’s so kind, thank you!. That’s such a fun meme and I enjoyed reading yours.
February 23, 2012 at 9:54 am
No problem and thanks!