“Green Hills of Africa” Verdant rolling hills of endless green, great blue skies, and spectacular landscape views are what the Chyulu Hills provide to nature lovers. Large mammals include buffalo, bushbucks, elands, elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, bush pigs, reedbucks, and giraffes along with various reptiles and insects. Horse riding, camping, mountain climbing, and bird watching can be enjoyed in this hidden part of paradise.

Chyulu Hills National Park is centered on its namesake mountain range. The volcanic rolling hills run 100 miles across south-eastern Kenya It is another alternative to the incredibly popular Masai Mara Safari. The hills are steep, dusty, and quite challenging to hike. Acacia trees are predominant with wetter species deeper into the hills, where there tends to be more rain. To the south, you get incredible views onto the plains, and 70 kilometers away Kilimanjaro looms over the whole area. In the south of the range is the Leviathan Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes.

All of the classic “big five” animals can be found here: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. With that said, the denser foliage and rough terrain make them harder to spot. Leopards and elephants favor the park, while buffalo are a rare sight.

Size of Chyulu hills national park

Chyulu hills are Approximately 741 sq. km

Location of Chyulu national park

Chyulu Hills National Park is located in Makueni County in South-West Kenya and lies between the Tsavo and Amboseli ecosystems.

How to get to Chyulu Hills national park

The park is a short 1-hour flight from Nairobi or a 6-hour drive from Nairobi for about 200 kilometers. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is absolutely necessary to get here; many of the roads are tricky, and the park has very limited infrastructure. Given its difficult access, it’s worth flying to this region rather than driving in. There are several tours in the area and lodges like Ol Donyo that offer pricey accommodation.

Things to do in Chyulu national park

• Game viewing
• Camping
• Mountain Hiking
• Horse Riding
• Bird Watching

When to visit Chyulu national park

Chyulu Hills can be visited year-round, but wildlife viewing is usually best in the dry months from June to October and January to February. Visits during the peak of the short rains (November), and especially during the long rains (April and May), might be challenging.

Where to stay in Chyulu national park

There are several tours in the area and lodges like Ol Donyo that offer pricey accommodation.

Important note

Small parties are not recommended.  Poachers are common in the area; the area is very quiet, even in peak season. Solo travel adds a certain risk factor, but if you travel with a group of other people and vehicles you will be in better stead.