Chyulu Hills National Park| Image Travel

The "Green Hills of Africa":The park's most iconic feature is its stunning, rolling green hills, which were made famous by Ernest Hemingway's book, Green Hills of Africa. These hills, a relatively young volcanic mountain range, are a verdant contrast to the arid plains surrounding them. During the rainy season, the hills are particularly lush, with grasslands and montane forests that create a visually striking landscape.
Kisula Caves / Leviathan Cave:The park is home to one of the longest and deepest lava tube cave systems in the world. The main cave, known as the Leviathan Cave (or Kisula Cave), is over 11.5 kilometers long. Exploring these caves is a major draw for geologists, volcanologists, and adventurous visitors.
Shetani Lava FLow: While technically in nearby Tsavo West, the massive Shetani lava flow is a prominent part of the Chyulu ecosystem and a striking visual reminder of the region's fiery past.

Hiking and Walking Safaris: The gentle gradients of the hills and the numerous game tracks make it an ideal location for hiking. Guided walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot, offering a different perspective and the chance to learn about the smaller flora and fauna.
Breathtaking Scenery and Views:The high altitude of the Chyulu Hills provides some of the most spectacular vistas in Kenya. On a clear day, you can enjoy magnificent, unobstructed views of Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the plains of Amboseli and Tsavo.
Water Catchment AreaThe porous volcanic rock of the Chyulu Hills acts like a massive sponge, absorbing rainfall and filtering it into an underground water system. This process is crucial as it is the source of many permanent freshwater springs in the surrounding plains, most famously the Mzima Springs in Tsavo West National Park.

Chyulu Hills National Park Wildlife Experience

From a distance, the Chyulu Hills look green and inviting, their jagged ridges rising from dusty plains. Up close, these mountains are a dark world of black volcanic soil, black rocks, ash cones and barren lava flows. The upper slopes are home to 37 species of orchids. Deep beneath the hills is a catacomb of mostly unexplored caves. Wildlife densities are low and animals are nervous. You’re unlikely to see much more than the occasional klipspringer, giraffe, zebra, baboon and Blue Monkey. To see what Chyulu Hills was once like, head for the western slopes (outside the park and accessible from the Amboseli region) where the Maasai, working with two upmarket lodges, help protect rhino, elephant and lion.

Best time to visit
The Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the dry months, from June to October and January to February. During the short rains (November) and the long rains (April and May), road conditions can be challenging. A sturdy 4x4 vehicle is required throughout the year. With heavy rainfall comes the risk of caves flooding.

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/144mi from Nairobi and 250km/155mi from Mombasa. Safarilink flies to ol Donyo Lodge (which is just outside Chyulu Hills National Park) from Nairobi-Wilson and Amboseli.

Chyulu Hills National Park Birdlife

Chyulu Hills National Park is a fantastic destination for birdwatching. Its diverse habitats, which include montane forests, open savannah grasslands, and unique volcanic landscapes, support a wide array of avian life. The park is home to a significant number of bird species, with some sources listing over 170 to 249 species. The park's birdlife includes a mix of resident and migratory birds. You can expect to see a variety of species, from colorful forest dwellers to powerful raptors. The best time for birdwatching is typically during the dry season (June to October and January to February) when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are also present.