Kenya Wildlife Service closes Hell's Gate Gorge due to flood risks

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the closure of the Hell's Gate Gorge in Naivasha for the duration of the El Niño rainy season. The decision aims to protect visitors from the heightened risk of sudden flash floods.

KWS officials noted that heavy runoff from surrounding highlands, including Mount Longonot, Nairobi, and Suswa, can cause water to surge into the narrow Ol Njorowa Gorge within minutes, even if it is not raining directly within the park. The agency cited past tragedies to justify the preventive measure, including a 2019 incident where seven people were killed by flash floods.

While the gorge remains closed, KWS is promoting other activities at Hell's Gate National Park, such as bird watching, hiking, and visiting the geothermal spa. Additionally, authorities are working with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to address increasing human-wildlife conflicts, specifically hippo attacks near Lake Naivasha caused by rising water levels.