Hellsgate base was situated in Northern KwaNatal/Natal, and was named after its dramatic location.

Hellsgate was a Training Area that fell under the Training Wing of 1 Special Forces Regiment

Hellsgate was primarily used as the location for the presentation of the Pre Selection and Selection courses in Special Forces, as well as for some of the other training courses during the Basic Operators Training Cycle, and some advanced courses.

With the closure of 1 Special Forces Regiment in 1997, Hellsgate base was, along with the Regiment, closed as a Special Forces base.