UNGSS Tour to Hell's Gate National Park

On March 28th, 2025, the Department of Geography, Population, and Environmental Studies, along with the University of Nairobi Geography Students Society (UNGSS), organized an exciting academic trip to Hell’s Gate National Park. Located in the Great Rift Valley, the park offered an excellent combination of learning and adventure, allowing students to explore the park’s geology, wildlife, and culture.

Objective of the Trip

The main purpose of this trip was to give students a chance to learn about the natural world, especially in areas like geography, environmental studies, wildlife conservation and outside class learning experience. Hell’s Gate National Park was the perfect place for hands-on learning, as it provided a mix of geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and local culture to the students.

Trip Highlights

1. Guided Educational Tour Two staff members from the Department of Geography, Population, and Environmental Studies joined us and helped make the trip even more informative. A professional tour guide also shared interesting facts and stories about the park’s features, including its geothermal areas, volcanic cliffs, and the Ol Njorowa Gorge. Students were able to learn about how these features were formed and their importance in the region.
       
    
2. Wildlife Observation Hell’s Gate National Park is home to a variety of animals, such as zebras, giraffes, and many bird species. Students had the opportunity to see these animals up close, which was a great learning experience. This part of the trip highlighted the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
    
    
3. Cultural Exchange with Maasai Women Maasai women were present at the park selling handmade jewelry and ornaments. This gave students a chance to learn about the Maasai culture and support local artisans by buying their crafts. It was a great way to combine education with cultural exchange.
                 
    
4. Support from Wildlife Clubs of Kenya The trip was made even better thanks to the support of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK), a group that UNGSS is proud to be a member of. WCK provided certificate and membership cards for all the students, which helped reduce the overall cost of the trip. Their support was a big help and made the tour more affordable for everyone.
   
   
5. Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha As part of the tour, all students were able to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. This gave students a chance to relax and take in the natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding areas, adding a peaceful and scenic aspect to the trip.
         
    
6. Sponsorship for Needy Students In line with University of Nairobi Geography Students Society  goal to ensure that all students have access to such experiences, we were able to fully sponsor five students who were actively involved in society activities but had financial challenges. This sponsorship allowed these students to participate and benefit from the trip, making the experience inclusive for everyone.
   
   

Student Feedback and Engagement

The trip received very positive feedback from students. Many appreciated the opportunity to learn in an interactive way, seeing and experiencing what they had studied in class. They enjoyed the chance to explore the park, observe wildlife, and learn about the geothermal features. The cultural exchange with the Maasai women and the boat ride on Lake Naivasha were also highlights for many students.

Summary

The academic trip to Hell’s Gate National Park was a great success, combining education, fun, and cultural experiences. Students were able to learn about the geological and ecological features of the park, see wildlife in its natural habitat, and engage with local culture. This tour was a perfect example of how learning can extend beyond the classroom.

We would like to thank the Department of Geography, Population, and Environmental Studies, the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, the Maasai women, our professional tour guide, UNGSS Patron, UNGSS Executive Committe and everyone who made this trip possible. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to more such academic adventures in the future.