Ever thought of exploring Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya? Naicef gives you the best and most precise guide on the Chyulu Hills national park map, Chyulu Hills lodges, and Chyulu Hills caves.
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Now let’s walk step by step together.
First, did you know that Chyulu Hills National Park is well known of having one of the highest elephant populations?
They migrate between the hills and the nearby Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s premium parks.
The park is located in southern Kenya primarily between two national parks which are Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West National Park.
It lies between the boundary of Kajiado county and Makueni County. The Chyulu hills are part of Chyulu national Park making the experience even more fascinating.
History of Chyulu National Park
Chyulu hills came to existence as a result of volcanic range formed by eruption from the Great Rift Valley long time ago.
The view of place consists of volcanic hills and lava flow such as Shetani lava flow which is one of the iconic features in the region.
Chyulu hills has a magical diverse ecosystem due to the combination of arid and semi-arid climate. This thus makes it rich ecologically by supporting diverse wildlife and plant life.
Chyulu hills is also a backbone of the Maasai people heritage. They have inhabited the area for a long time due to the favorable climate which aligns with their lifestyle of cattle herding.
In addition, features like Shetani lava flow are significant in Maasai mythology which tells stories about mystical occurrence in the region.
In 1983, Chyulu was levelled and has a national reserve under the management of Kenya Wildlife Service. Later in 2021, it upgraded and got officially gazetted as a Chyulu National Park.
This was a significant achievement making it to be a robust framework for conservation and sustainable tourism development.
Attractions in Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya
Chyulu hills national park is rich with flora and fauna hence making it remarkable and diverse in Kenya.
It consists of various species which are adapted to its volcanic terrain and seasonal water sources.
a) Wildlife
Some of the animals that are found in the park include: Elephants, Big Cats, Giraffes, Buffaloes and Antelopes, birdlife, reptiles and insects.
Chyulu hills ecosystem is a mix of arid and semi – arid climate. With this kind environment, the hills are rich ecologically hence supporting diverse animals and also plant life.
b) Springs
The ecosystem of the area relies on the seasonal water offspring mostly at shoe of the hills where animals and mammals gather during dry seasons. The natural water source is vital for sustaining the local flora and fauna.
The hills form the catchment of water springs and rivers. These springs and rivers include:
- Mzima Springs
- Umani Springs
- Mang’ellete Spring
- Kibwezi Springs
- Olpusare Springs
- Makindu Springs
- Tsavo River
- Galana River
- Kiboko River
- Makindu River
- Thange River
- Kambu River
- Mtito Andei River
c) Chyulu Hills Caves
Being renowned as the “Green hills of Africa”, Chyulu hills do contains one of the deepest lava tubes in the world. The Kisula Caves offers breathtaking views of the lava tubes especially of the upper Levathian that cover a distance of 11.5 km.
Activities To Do in Chyulu Hills National Park
1. Game Drives
Chyulu hills national park offers scenic views of the different kinds of species. One gets to enjoy watching the famous large tuskers, Elephants, as they migrate and move between two parks.
Other wildlife you are likely to encounter are such as; the Big Five members, Cheetahs, Baboons, Zebras, Giraffes.
Do you know the Big Five Members? They do include the Lion, Mighty Elephant, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo.
Look out also Tsavo East National Park a home also to the Big Five Members. However, you may also be interested to venture to Samburu National Reserve, a home to the Special Five members.
2. Bird Watching
From its breathtaking plains, the park is home to different bird species ranging from native to endemic species. Some of the birds that can be spotted are such as; Chestnut Weaver, Barn Swallow, long tailed Fiscal, African Stonechat.
3. Nature Hikes
The park offers one the chance to explore its hills that offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trails give one incredible views of different game encounters and they are fit to traverse through, for any kind of adventure lover.
Are you a hike lover? Then gear up and check out other hiking trails that fit for any nature lover with the help of Naicef.
4. Horseback Riding
The park also offers one the chance to explore the beauty of its entailment while riding on a horseback. Isn’t it amaizing! this makes the experience become even more unique.
5. Visit the Chyulu hills Caves
Get also to exploit one of the World’s ever recorded longest lava tubes which covers a distance of 11.5 km. The Leviathan caves are said to have had formed from the movement of the tectonic plates.
Chyulu Hills National Park Map
The park is located in Southern circuit of Kenya, being about 232 km from Nairobi and 250 km from Mombasa. It is located in Makueni County, and does have three gates; Kibwezi gate (main), Mukururo and Kiboko gates. It is an extension of Tsavo West National Park and is right next to Amboseli National Park acting as a migratory corridor.
Best Time to Visit Chyulu Hills
Chyulu hills national park can be accessed throughout the year but it is best to visit during the dry seasons. The dry seasons are; December to March and from June to October.
Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya Entrance Fee
The fee for entering Chyulu hills park are as follows;
Park entrance fee for Citizens and Residents
- Adult – Ksh 300
- Child – Ksh 125
Park entrance fee for Citizens and Residents
- Adult – USD 22
- Child – USD 13
Chyulu Hills Lodge Accommodations
The park does offer three public campsites for nature lovers to spend their nights which are; Kisula, Satellite and Kithasyo.
Some of other suitable accommodations near Chyulu hills national park suitable for visitors include;
- olDonyo lodge
- Kanzi House
- Outback Kenya Lodge
- The Hildana Lodge
- Sunview Lodge & Restaurant
- Shimba Hills Green Lodge
Conclusion
Chyulu hills national park is well renowned as the green hills of Africa. It is home to a variety of wild species offering aesthetic views of the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
It is a pristine place of viewing high populations of the Mighty Elephants among other species.
The park was established in 1983 and is under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Service. The Chyulu hills national park map, shows that the park is located in Makueni County, 232 km southeast from Nairobi.
Some of the attractions in the park do include the Wildlife species, the stunning springs, the Chyulu hill caves. The caves, more so referred to as Levathian caves, are considered as one of the longest lava tubes in the world.
Fun activities to carry out while visiting Chyulu Hills National Park Kenya, are such as;
Game views, horseback riding, camping, hiking, bird watching and exploring the Chyulu hills caves.
Some of the Chyulu hills lodges and suitable accommodation places to enjoy your visit to the park, are such as;
olDonyo lodge, Kanzi House, Outback Kenya Lodge, The Hildana Lodge, Sunview Lodge & Restaurant, Shimba Hills Green Lodge.
For more information kindly reach out to Naicef via email my@naicef.com or call +254799922277. Naicef gives you the best tours to various destinations being considered as the best blog in Kenya and whole of Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What animals are found in Chyulu National Park?
The park is home to various animals from the large mammals such as the big five members, different reptiles and insects.
2. How can one get to the park?
The park can be accessible from Nairobi via road, train or air. By road one can opt to use the Nairobi Mombasa Road and make a detour at Kibwezi which is 9km from the park headquarters. Via train one may use the SGR train from Nairobi and stop at Kibwezi Terminus. By air, the park does have two airstrips which are Kithasyo and Mukururo.
3. How high are the hills?
The highest peak of the Chyulu hills is 2188 m.
4. When is the best time to visit?
The park is best to visit during the dry seasons which are December to March and June to October.
5. What can I do in the park?
There are various fun activities one can partake in, while in the park such as game viewing, horse riding, bird watching, exploring the Levathian Caves.
