After holding a successful two-week exhibition, we were in need of a quick getaway and relaxation destination as Onetouch. When Hell’s Gate was proposed, there was a resounding yes. So cameras were packed and we hit the road on Sunday 8th May 2016.

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of a few places in Kenya that give you a chance to roam freely with wildlife. Driving through Elsa Gate, we were welcomed by people cycling alongside zebras. This is one of the few parks where you can do this.

When we got to Endachata Campsite, we took some time to chill and enjoy the view from the top of the escarpment.

I also got to shoot this pan lapse using a GoPro and Movo.

After lunch, we got into our cars and went on our first game drive as we scouted for locations from where we would shoot the sunrise the following morning.

We followed this dung beetle pushing it’s load uphill for a while. When it noticed our cameras, it started burrowing itself in the soil.

Some of the roads in Hell’s Gate have been asphalted for ease of access to the geothermal wells.

Steam billowing out of one of the chimneys at a geothermal well.

The following morning, we were up at 5.40am chasing the sunrise. We’d seen a watering hole the previous evening and hoped to find animals to shoot at sunrise. When we got there, there were none. We didn’t sulk. As usual, we adapted and shot the beauty that asked to be captured.

The escarpment walls are such a work of art.

When we got back to camp, we had breakfast and chilled. Chilling is underrated I tell you.

We then broke camp and decided to visit Lake Oloiden. Being a Monday, there was very little happening there. This worked to our benefit as there was no visual clutter to the lake’s beauty.

To get here, you keep driving on South Lake Road past Crayfish Camp. Keep going straight onto the gravel road where the tarmac road turns left. Lake Oloiden will be on your right.

And with that, our moment of relaxation was over. We headed back to Nairobi and are now planning for the next excursion. This time to Mfangano Island.

Here’s a short video I shot and edited about our time at Hell’s Gate.