Rising like a green wave between Tsavo and Amboseli, Chyulu Hills National Park is one of Kenya’s best-kept safari secrets. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbors, this park delivers an unmatched blend of volcanic landscapes, sweeping savannahs, and exclusive wildlife encounters.
Stretching across the eastern edge of the Eastern Arc Mountains, the Chyulu Hills form a rugged spine of ancient lava ridges and deep craters. Here, you’ll find Kenya at its wildest—untouched, dramatic, and hauntingly beautiful.
The park’s foundation is lava. Shetani Lava Flow, a striking black expanse formed 500 years ago, still dominates parts of the terrain. Below the surface, hidden lava tubes and caves stretch for miles, offering mysterious passageways once used by wildlife and Maasai warriors.
Above ground, rolling hills clad in green grasslands provide panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro to the west. Sunsets paint the hills in gold and deep shadows, perfect for photographers.
The contrast of fresh green slopes and black lava plains makes this a visual masterpiece. No other park in Kenya offers this kind of diversity in such a compact area.
Though less frequented by mass tourism, wildlife in Chyulu Hills is abundant and truly wild. You may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffalo, elands, and zebras wandering freely through open glades and hillsides. Predators like leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas roam here, though they are elusive.
Birdwatching in Chyulu Hills is equally rewarding. The mix of forest, grassland, and volcanic terrain attracts hornbills, sunbirds, raptors, and other unique species rarely seen in the savannah.
The park’s isolation means wildlife behaves more naturally here. This is where animals aren’t disturbed by vehicles or crowds—just the rhythm of the hills and the whisper of the wind.
Most travelers think of the Big Five and open plains when planning a Kenya safari, but Chyulu Hills National Park adds something truly different—adventure, mystery, and solitude.
It serves as a perfect combo safari with Amboseli or Tsavo West, providing varied scenery and activities in just a few days. Visitors get to explore volcanic caves, hike misty trails, ride horses across lava plains, and experience one of Africa’s most exclusive safari settings.
It’s especially ideal for those seeking privacy, nature photography, and walking safaris in less-traveled terrain.
Despite being remote, the park offers several exciting activities. Here are the top things to do in Chyulu Hills:
This is a park where nature rules and silence is part of the experience.
Chyulu Hills National Park accessibility is improving, though it remains one of the more remote parks in Kenya. It sits about 230 kilometers from Nairobi and can be reached by road via Mtito Andei, a small town along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway.
From Mtito Andei, it’s a rough but scenic drive into the park. A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended. Some luxury lodges offer private airstrips, making access possible by chartered flights.
Because of its position between Amboseli and Tsavo, Chyulu Hills is often included in multi-park itineraries.
The best time to visit Chyulu Hills is during the dry seasons: June to October and January to March. Trails are more accessible, and wildlife is easier to spot near water sources.
The green season offers misty mornings and lush scenery, which enhances hiking and photography. However, access roads may become more challenging.
No matter the season, Chyulu’s altitude brings cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes, especially welcome after days in hotter parks.
Though limited, Chyulu Hills lodges are among Kenya’s most exclusive. They blend seamlessly with the landscape and offer unbeatable views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
Top accommodation in Chyulu Hills National Park includes:
Most lodges include all meals, drinks, and guided activities. For budget options, travelers can stay in Mtito Andei and arrange day visits.
Park fees are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Below are the current Chyulu Hills National Park park fees:
| Category | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | $35 | $20 |
| East African Resident | KES 515 | KES 215 |
| Kenyan Citizen | KES 300 | KES 215 |
Extra charges may apply for vehicle entry, camping, or activities with private guides.
To make the most of your trip:
Because of its remoteness, the park is best visited with a reputable tour operator or through lodge packages that include transport and guides.
Far from the crowds, surrounded by rolling green hills and black lava plains, Chyulu Hills National Park offers an experience unlike any other in Kenya.
It’s wild, quiet, and visually stunning—a place where you can hike with elephants, sleep under the stars, and explore ancient volcanic lands without another vehicle in sight.
Add Chyulu Hills to your Kenya itinerary and rediscover what it means to be truly immersed in nature.
