Overview–kenya

Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park is located in southeastern Kenya, specifically in Makueni County. It is a relatively lesser-known park that stretches approximately 100 kilometers in a northeast-southwest direction and features a volcanic landscape with its highest peak reaching an elevation of 2,188 meters. The park is part of the Tsavo conservation area, which includes Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, as well as the Kibwezi Forest.

Geography and Volcanism

The Chyulu Hills are situated about 150 kilometers east of the Kenya Rift and consist of numerous small volcanic flows and cones. The volcanic activity in this region began around 1.4 million years ago, starting from the northern parts of the hills and gradually moving southeastward. Notably, the last eruptions occurred in 1856 at two volcanoes known as Shaitani and Chainu. Within this range lies the Leviathan Cave, which is approximately 11 kilometers long, making it one of the longest lava tubes in Africa.

The hills themselves do not have permanent rivers; however, they play a crucial role in feeding surrounding water bodies such as the Tsavo and Galana rivers through rainfall runoff. The geographical positioning of Chyulu Hills creates a natural division between the Tsavo and Amboseli plains.

Activities Available

Visitors to Chyulu Hills can engage in various activities such as game drives to observe wildlife or hiking excursions that allow for exploration of the diverse habitats present within the park. Caving adventures can be organized to explore Leviathan Cave along with other lesser-known caves scattered throughout the region.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time for visiting Chyulu Hills National Park is during the dry seasons from June to October or January to February when wildlife congregates around available water sources making them easier to spot.

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Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October and January to February

High Season

From: December to March and July to October (Not busy)

Size

From: 741km² / 286mi²

Wildlife & Animals

The ecological composition of Chyulu Hills varies with altitude. The lower regions are characterized by grasslands and thickets, while montane forests dominate areas above approximately 1,800 meters. This forested area is home to various tree species including Neoboutonia macrocalyx (soccerball fruit), African cherry, black ironwood, and African holly.

Wildlife diversity within Chyulu Hills includes several mammal species such as eastern black rhinos, Cape buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, Masai giraffes, wildebeests, Grant’s zebras, bushbucks, elands, mountain reedbucks, steinboks, and bushpigs. Additionally, various snake species inhabit these hills including black mambas and puff adders.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will find over 400 bird species recorded in this area with notable mentions being Shelley’s francolin and Ayres’s hawk-eagle among others.

General Wheather

Chyulu Hills National Park has a climate characterized by hot and dry conditions. During the day, expect temperatures around 28°C/82°F, while 18°C/64°F is typical at night. Cool mornings mean warm clothing is a good idea for early game drives. Rainfall peaks in April and November.

Dry Season –June to October

The coolest months are full of sunshine and have very little rain. Warm clothing is required for open-vehicle game drives.

June & July – Sunny afternoons see temperatures reach about 26°C/79°F. Early mornings and nights are cool at an average of 15°C/59°F.
August & September – Temperatures slowly increase. Although they reach far higher, the average daytime temperature in September is 27°C/81°F.
October – The humidity and heat rise, building up to the Wet season.

Wet Season –November to May

The short rains followed by the long rains comprise the Wet season. In between these two wetter periods is a drier stretch that falls in January and February.

November & December – ‘Short rains’ – Although the first downpours usually come in October, the Wet season starts in November. Afternoon storms often sweep through. It averages 29°C/84°F in the daytime, although the rain cools things down.
January & February – February is the hottest month: average afternoon temperatures are 30°C/86°F. These months represent a dry spell between the short and long rains. It’s not possible to know exactly when this dry spell will begin or finish.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – The long rains generally begin in the second half of March. Brief afternoon showers are normal. April is the wettest month, and road conditions often worsen in April and May. Afternoon temperatures climb to around 29°C/84°F.

Prons

Untouristy, off-the-beaten-track destination
Caving and trekking trips can be organized
Beautiful volcanic scenery
Excellent bird watching

Cons

There is very little wildlife
No lodges within the park, only a campsite
Roads are in poor condition

How To Get There

Chyulu Hills is usually visited as a side trip from Tsavo West or en route between Amboseli National Park or Nairobi and the coast. It is 232km/144 mi from Nairobi and 250km/155 mi from Mombasa. Safarilink flies to ol Donyo Lodge (which is just outside Chyulu Hills National Park) from Nairobi-Wilson and Amboseli.