Infrequently visited Chyulu Hills National Park gained prominence as the setting for Ernest Hemingway’s ‘Green Hills of Africa.’ They are among the most recent mountain ranges on Earth, having been created by volcanic activity approximately 500 years ago. The Upper Leviathan Cave in the park is among the longest caverns globally. Regrettably, human encroachment and poaching are significant issues, resulting in a scarcity of wildlife.

Wildlife in Chyulu Hills National Park

Wildlife populations are few, and animals exhibit anxiety. It is improbable that you will encounter more than the sporadic klipspringer, giraffe, zebra, baboon, and Sykes’ monkey. To experience the historical essence of Chyulu Hills, visit the western slopes (located outside the park and reachable from the Amboseli region), where the Maasai collaborate with two luxury hotels to safeguard rhinos, elephants, and lions.

Chyulu Hills National Park Landscape

The Chyulu Hills appear verdant and alluring from afar, their rugged slopes ascending from arid plains. In proximity, these mountains present a somber landscape characterized by black volcanic soil, dark boulders, ash cones, and desolate lava flows. The upper slopes host 37 species of orchids. Subterranean to the hills lies a catacomb of predominantly uncharted caverns.

Activities in Chyulu Hills National Park

In contrast to the majority of Kenyan parks and reserves where animal observation predominates, Chyulu Hills offers the opportunity for caving. The Upper Leviathan Cave extends 11.5 km (7 miles) and is worthy of exploration; nonetheless, several unknown caves populate the surrounding hillsides. Ensure that your operator possesses the necessary skills and equipment prior to exploring this extraordinary subterranean realm.

Atmospheric Conditions and Climatology

The climate and weather of Chyulu Hills are analogous to those of Tsavo West National Park. Additional information:

Optimal Period for Visiting Chyulu Hills National Park

The Chyulu Hills are accessible throughout the year, with optimal visitation occurring during the dry season, specifically from June to October and January to February. Road conditions may be difficult during the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May. A robust 4×4 vehicle is necessary year-round. Intense precipitation increases the likelihood of cave inundation.

How to get to Chyulu Hills National Park

The Chyulu Hills is typically visited as an ancillary excursion from Tsavo West or as a transit point between Amboseli National Park or Nairobi and the coastline. The distance is 232 km (144 miles) from Nairobi and 250 km (155 miles) from Mombasa. Safarilink operates flights to El Donyo Lodge, located near Chyulu Hills National Park, from Nairobi-Wilson and Amboseli.