Snuggled between the popular Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West National Park is Chyulu Hills National Park, one of Kenya’s most spectacular national parks endowed with stunning and diverse landscapes. This park is a rugged wilderness still exhibiting signs of its volcanic origins and rewards visitors with some of the outstanding views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Chyulu Hills National Park is a jagged mixture of ancient Volcanic Craters, Cones and the longest lava tube in the world. This park covers an area of 741 square kilometers (or 286 square miles).
LOCATION.
The Hills of Chyulu are a mountain range within the Makueni County, in south-eastern side of Kenya. This range forms a 100-kilometer long volcanic field in the elongated North-western and South-East direction. It is also part of the Tsavo Conservation Area that also comprises of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks as well as Kibwezi Forest.
Chyulu Hills National Park is situated about 150 kilometers East of the Kenyan Rift, 30 kilometers north-east of Kibwezi Town and its main entrance gate is at Kibwezi, within Makueni County in Kenya. This Park also includes the eastern flank of the hills and forms a north-western continuation of the Tsavo West National Park.
HISTORY.
Chyulu Hills National Park was gazetted in 1983 and is currently managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The Hills of this area are made up of a number of cones and small flows, formed by volcanism dating back to 1.4 million years ago. These Volcanoes are still believed to be active although the last eruptions happened in 1856.
ATTRACTIONS IN CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK.
Breathtaking landscapes and Views.
Breathtaking rolling hills of endless green, amazing blue skies and jaw-dropping landscapes as well as views are what the Chyulu Hills National Park offer to nature and safari lovers. Caves here include the Levithian tube (also referred as Kisula Caves) of about 11 kilometers long and is one of the longest Caves in the country and Africa as a whole.
Wildlife.
Besides the jaw-dropping landscapes and Views, Chyulu Hills National Park is haven to wide array of wildlife species including Coke’s hartebeests, cheetahs, bush pigs, bushbucks, Gerenuk, African Bush elephants, Oryx, Sykes monkeys, Cape buffaloes, leopards, Grant’s zebras, Mountain Reedbucks, Common elands, Masai giraffes, gazelles, Olive baboons, Steinbok, Klipspringer, giant forest hogs, lions, impalas, zebras, wildebeests in addition to several reptile species such as puff adders, African rock pythons, Monitor Lizards and black mambas that inhabit the hills.
Birds.
There are a number of bird species on the Hills of Chyulu totaling to over 300 species, some of which are endemic to the area, Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Jipe in the south-western side of Chyulu Hills National Park is a bird watcher’s Paradise.
Expect to see the Bateleur, Crown eagles, helmeted guineafowls, brown snake eagles, Abbott’s starling, Shelley’s francolin, African harrier hawks, white-backed vultures, Cinnamon bracken warbler, Scaly francolin, Long-crested eagles, the white-starred robin, Verreaux’s eagles, secretary birds, the martial eagles, Orange ground thrush, Ayre’s hawk eagles,
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK.
Mountain Biking.
Get a chance to bike the rugged Rock and Hill landscapes of Chyulu Hills National Park. Visitors staying within one of the locally owned and managed ranches have the opportunity of relishing one of the numerous mountain biking trails within the area. This rugged hills of Chyulu are covered with volcanic craters and cones in addition to 500-year old volcanic peak. These Hills are also popular for their jaw-dropping views of Africa’s tallest mountain and the World’s highest free-standing mountain in Tanzania.
Bike along the stunning Chyulu Hills, extending for over 100 kilometers long on the volcanic field. You will be treated to views of flowing hills and fertile grasslands, the Leviathan Cave-one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
As you pleasantly traverse through the verdant mopane forests and rippling hills with peaks towering to 2188 meters above sea level while encountering abundant plains dotted with wildlife throughout the vast hills. Cycle in the midst of gazelles, Cape buffaloes, Coke’s hartebeests and Defassa waterbucks. Also race the numerous birds that fly overhead, while following their shadows over long and winding trails.
Hiking the spectacular Chyulu Hills.
You can hike the Chyulu Hills while on a safari to the National Park where you will be rewarded with the views of Mount. Kilimanjaro, the vast savannah plains, forests and Tsavo West National Park.
Bird watching.
Chyulu Hills National Park is undeniably a Birder’s Paradise and home to wide array of bird species, making bird watching more exciting and rewarding here. Visitors have the chance of enjoying sights and sounds of the silvery-cheeked hornbills, Abbott’s starling, Shelley’s francolin, African harrier hawks, white-backed vultures, Stripe-cheeked hornbills, speckled mouse birds, Cinnamon bracken warbler, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Scaly francolin, Tropical Boubou, Long-crested eagles, white-eared barbets, the white-starred robin, white-eyed slaty flycatcher, Verreaux’s eagles and many others. This thrilling activity can be conducted all year round.
Cave exploration.
You can also explore the Caves in Chyulu Hills National Park. The Volcanic eruptions on Tsavo landscapes, the most beautiful being Shetani that burst out several hundred years ago and formed Lava tube Caves. These can be toured although has to be done with great caution.
Horseback riding safari.
Roam the magical Chyulu Hills on a horseback, where you can choose between the remarkable day ride and the extensive 6-hour night ride with an experienced horse ride expert. This park is perfectly placed within the Masai-owned Mbirikani group Ranch. Enchant with a delicious breakfast at your place of stay before embarking on this horseback ride, then cycle in and around wonderful landscapes. This adventurous activity is conducted in areas set against the backdrop of the jaw-dropping Mount Kilimanjaro.
The hills of Chyulu were described by Hemingway as the “green hills of Africa” and extend across over 150 kilometers, towering at 2188 meters above sea level. These spectacular Hills are popular for sheltering the deepest Lave Tube Caves in the World, that wind and turn between the Chyulu Hills.
Riding on a horseback rewards Chyulu Hills National Park visitors with more natural and exceptional way of viewing wildlife species. These rides are conducted across magnificent and unspoiled wilderness areas with sceneries ranging from deep savannah plains, dense bush woodland, and clear springs to dense forests. Packages are designed for all levels of expertise and venturing into the deep wetlands of Amboseli introduces participants to giant elephants and giraffes browsing over edgy woodlands. End your horseback safari with a mouth-watering sundowner and watch sunset views behind the horizon.
Guided nature walks.
Walk along the different trails along the gently undulating Hills dotted with grasslands and forests. While here, expect to see elephants, bushbucks and buffaloes. Walks also lead to the Mzima springs within Tsavo west National Park.
BEAUTIFUL HOTELS TO STAY IN CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK.
Staying in some of Chyulu Hills National Park Safari Lodges or Tented Camps offer unforgettable experiences. These places include;
Campi ya Kanzi.
Campi ya Kanzi is a serene getaway property on private Masai land that extends from the Chyulu Hills to the foot of Mount. Kilimanjaro. The tented cottages and suites within this property were built from Stone, wood and Canvas with each having distinct and authentic character.
They also reward guests with breathtaking views over the Chyulu Hills, Mount Kilimanjaro and Tsavo Hills, on top of having private verandas that open out onto vistas filled with wildlife species. Meals served here are typical Kenyan and European accompanied with Italian and South African wines.
Ol Donyo Lodge.
Ol Donyo is a remarkable Safari Lodge perched within the foothills and cool shadows of the Chyulu Range and is one of the most exquisite Safari destinations in Kenya. It takes pride in its spacious Guest suites, with each of them being different. Each of these facilities features private plunge pool, rooftop terrace where a star bed can be placed for relaxation under the beautiful night sky.
Guests to this lodge are guaranteed of finger-licking meals, accompanied by a wide array of wines served in a stunning dining area. After an exciting game drive, cool off in the infinity swimming pool of unwind with a massage. Adventure activities to enjoy here are walking safaris, thrilling horseback rides, Masai village walks and day tours to Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks and game drives. Bush meals and sundowners are also offered here.
CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO VISIT CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK.
Chyulu Hills National Park has two seasons – dry seasons from May to September as well as late December to February. The wet season has long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to mid-December.
Given the landscape of this Park, spotting of wildlife is difficult, thus the perfect time to visit is the dry season because animals gather around water points during this time.
HOW TO GET TO CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK.
Chyulu Hills National Park is about 230 kilometers from Nairobi City, approximately 20 kilometers from Mombasa Airport and only 10 kilometers off the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
The Park can be reached by a 4WD from Mombasa and Nairobi or by air, and if you opt for the latter, the park is serviced by two airstrips from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Moi international Airport.
