The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced that it will close the Devil's Kitchen, a popular tourist attraction at Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha, during the El Nino rains expected to begin this month. The closure is a precautionary measure to minimize casualties after several fatal incidents of flash floods sweeping through the gorge. In 2019, seven Indian nationals died in a similar incident, prompting KWS to close the site pending investigations.
The Devil's Kitchen, also known as the Gorge camp, is a world-renowned tourist attraction that offers scenic views of natural wonders. KWS Senior Warden for Hell's Gate National Park Nelson Cheruiyot stated that the gorge would remain closed throughout the El Nino season. He added that the agency had introduced pocket-friendly packages for local tourists visiting the park during the festive season, which includes bird watching, hiking, and camping.
Hell's Gate National Park continues to register growing demand from local and international tourists due to its unique attractions and wildlife. Cheruiyot mentioned that visitors can enjoy various activities, including bird watching and hiking, amid the scenery of the gorge and its surroundings. The park's geothermal spa is another major draw for tourists. KWS reported that it is working to address rising cases of hippo attacks around Lake Naivasha, attributed to a rise in water levels flooding pasture land.
The wildlife body is working with stakeholders to address the human-wildlife conflict along the lakeshore, including hippo attacks near Lake Naivasha. KWS Marketing and Development Officer Sammy Towett launched the "Nature Ndio Form" campaign to attract local tourists to the park. The campaign aims to welcome over 700,000 local visitors, who will see a wide range of wildlife. KWS has introduced a sustainability agenda to ensure the park continues to serve its purpose.
KWS has also ensured that people with special needs can access its facilities free of charge. Rafael Waweru, a director at the National Chamber of Commerce, commended KWS for entrenching inclusivity, noting that members of disability forums can attend the agency's various forums with ease. This move is part of KWS's efforts to make its facilities accessible to all visitors.
The closure of Devil's Kitchen during the El Nino rains is part of KWS's efforts to prioritize visitor safety. The agency has taken measures to prevent flash flood casualties, including closing the gorge during the rainy season. KWS is also working to address emerging human-wildlife conflicts in the area, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists.
The "Nature Ndio Form" campaign is one of KWS's initiatives to attract local tourists to Hell's Gate National Park. The campaign offers affordable festive-season packages, making it easier for local visitors to enjoy the park's unique attractions. With over 700,000 local visitors expected, KWS is working to ensure that the park continues to serve its purpose while prioritizing visitor safety and sustainability.
Key points
- The Kenya Wildlife Service will close Devil's Kitchen in Hell's Gate National Park during the El Nino rains to prevent flash flood casualties.
- KWS has introduced pocket-friendly packages for local tourists visiting the park during the festive season.
- The agency is working to address rising cases of hippo attacks around Lake Naivasha, attributed to a rise in water levels flooding pasture land.
