Chyulu Hills National Park, tucked away between Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Parks, Chyulu Hills National Park boasts striking and diverse landscapes. Chyulu Hills is primarily known for its magnificent bull elephants. It is also known for its picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro and exclusivity.
In addition, Chyulu is a rugged wilderness still showing signs of its volcanic origins. It boasts some of the best views of Kilimanjaro. The reserve is a rugged jumble of ancient volcanic cones and craters. It also includes the longest lava tube in the world. With an altitude ranging from 3000-7000 ft, the landscape is varied. It encompasses cloud forest, woodland, riverine forests, and open savannah.
In addition to the breathtaking landscapes and views, Chyulu is home to a wonderful selection of game. It includes buffalo, antelope, elephant, leopard, wildebeest and zebra. The bird watchers’ paradise of Lake Jipe lies in the south-west corner of the reserve.
Wildlife in Chyulu National Park
Despite the low density of wildlife in the park due to its high altitude, a diverse array of species flourishes in this environment, although they are often on the move. The optimal time for game viewing is during the early morning hours.
Among the mammals frequently seen on the park’s plains are buffalo, antelope, giraffe, wildebeest, and elephant. In the thick montane forests, one can encounter bush pigs and forest hogs.
Chyulu Hills National Park is home to the protected black rhino. The Maasai community, which resides on the park’s periphery, plays a vital role in safeguarding the endangered species found within.
This biodiverse area boasts 171 bird species, making it a true haven for bird enthusiasts. Notable sightings include martial eagles, southern-ground hornbills, and secretary birds in Chyulu. The primary birdwatching location in the park is around Lake Jipe.
Due to its small and secluded nature, visitors can embark on a game drive and enjoy the tranquility of the park without encountering another vehicle for an extended period.
Top Things to Do in Chyulu Hills
- Hiking: If you cherish breathtaking landscapes, the great outdoors, and untouched nature, then a hiking safari in Chyulu Hills National Park is your ideal adventure. The park, adorned with lush green vegetation, presents stunning views that are truly captivating.
- Wildlife Game Drives: Chyulu Hills National Park ranks among Kenya’s top spots for wildlife safaris, serving as a refuge for a diverse range of animal species that thrive in its savannah plains and dense thickets. Here, you can find elephants, wildebeests, steenbok, eland, various antelopes, giraffes, zebras, leopards, bush pigs, eastern rhinos, cape buffaloes, and cheetahs, to name a few.
- Bird Watching: With over 300 bird species, both migratory and resident, hailing from Europe and North Africa, Chyulu Hills National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. Lake Jipe, located in the park’s southwest region, is the premier site for observing avian life.
- Horse Riding: Experience the Chyulu Hills in an eco-friendly manner by horseback riding. This unique experience allows tourists to get up close with wildlife.
- Chyulu Hills Camping: For those eager to awaken to the gentle sounds of nature, a camping safari in the park is an excellent choice.
- Visit Kisula Lava Caves: Chyulu Hills is home to some of the most profound lava tube caves known worldwide, a feature that has garnered the park both recognition and intrigue from geologists and volcanologists alike.
- Nature Guided Walks: Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the Chyulu Hills boasts lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife, inviting adventurers to discover its wonders through bush walks and cave explorations.
- Mountain Biking: Chyulu Hills in Kenya provides an exhilarating opportunity for tourists to bike across a 100-kilometer volcanic expanse.
When to Visit Chyulu Hills National Park
The park remains accessible throughout the year. Yet, the optimal time to explore Chyulu Hills occurs during the dry periods, which extend from June to October and January to February. During June to September, temperatures can fall to 11 degrees Celsius.
The primary rainy season lasts from April to May, which is not suitable for wildlife observation. Brief showers typically occur in November, falling outside the prime safari period
How to Get to Chyulu Hill National Park
Chyulu Hills National Park is situated 232 kilometers (144 miles) from Nairobi and 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Mombasa. It is frequently paired with visits to either Tsavo West or Tsavo East parks.
By Road: From Kibwezi, take a right turn off the Mombasa Road (if coming from Nairobi) at Kibwezi, onto a clearly marked road that leads after 9 kilometers to Kithasyo Gate and the Park Headquarters. Entry to the park is also possible from Tsavo West.
By Air: The park features two airstrips.
Roads: A 4WD vehicle is recommended throughout the year.
