Chyulu Hills National Park

A range of volcanic hills with beautiful green landscapes, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro and a sense of wilderness. It's a vital corridor for...

Chyulu Hills National Park at a Glance

Location
Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-2.539155, 37.809315
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
July to October for the Great Migration in the Mara. January to February for dry season wildlife. Avoid long rains (April–May).

Getting to Chyulu Hills National Park

Nearest airport: Chyulus Airport, 9 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 128 km away.

Big Five in Chyulu Hills National Park

2 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Black Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Chyulu Hills National Park

The warmest temperatures in Chyulu Hills National Park occur in March, averaging 18.5°C (up to 24.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 15.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 4.9mm. Average humidity: 66.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 17.4°C (rainfall: 85.0mm)
  • February: 18.2°C (rainfall: 69.2mm)
  • March: 18.5°C (rainfall: 76.9mm)
  • April: 17.3°C (rainfall: 174.2mm)
  • May: 16.7°C (rainfall: 45.8mm)
  • June: 15.7°C (rainfall: 7.9mm)
  • July: 15.2°C (rainfall: 4.9mm)
  • August: 15.7°C (rainfall: 4.9mm)
  • September: 16.6°C (rainfall: 11.3mm)
  • October: 17.8°C (rainfall: 33.2mm)
  • November: 17.0°C (rainfall: 189.5mm)
  • December: 16.7°C (rainfall: 103.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Chyulu Hills National Park

The best months to visit Chyulu Hills National Park are February, March, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 17.35°C, rainfall 85mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 72.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.23°C, rainfall 69.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 68.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.51°C, rainfall 76.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 69.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 17.28°C, rainfall 174.2mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.71°C, rainfall 45.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 73.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 15.71°C, rainfall 7.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 68%
  • July: Great, temperature 15.23°C, rainfall 4.9mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 66.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 15.68°C, rainfall 4.9mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 65.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 16.63°C, rainfall 11.3mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 64.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 17.78°C, rainfall 33.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 64.8%
  • November: Good, temperature 16.99°C, rainfall 189.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • December: Good, temperature 16.71°C, rainfall 103.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 79.2%

Wildlife in Chyulu Hills National Park

Home to 116 recorded species including 47 iconic birds, 31 waterbirds, 21 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 4 antelope & gazelle, 3 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Chyulu Hills National Park

Based on average temperature of 16.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 71%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 17°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Chyulu Hills National Park

10 safari lodges available.

Other

ultra-luxury

Similar Parks in Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem

Visitor Tips - Chyulu Hills National Park

We love the Chyulu Hills for its dramatic, rolling green landscapes and the ever-present, majestic backdrop of Kilimanjaro. It offers a wonderfully uncrowded and wilder safari experience, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and spectacular scenery, especially with its vital role as an elephant corridor.

Gate Times

The park generally operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. We always recommend confirming these times with your specific lodge or the Kenya Wildlife Service, as seasonal variations or local conditions can sometimes affect access. Park entry permits are mandatory and can be purchased at the gate or pre-arranged through your safari operator.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a valued way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your safari guide, we suggest $15-20 per person per day. For general camp staff, a pooled tip of $10-15 per person per day, left in a central box, is appropriate. While discretionary, these amounts help ensure fair distribution and acknowledge hard work.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Chyulu Hills National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Chyulu Hills National Park for optimal wildlife viewing and those famous Kilimanjaro views?

The best time to visit Chyulu Hills National Park is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as they congregate around water sources, and the skies are typically clearer, offering unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

What kind of safari experience can I expect in Chyulu Hills, especially given its low crowding and wilderness feel?

Chyulu Hills offers a truly exclusive and wild safari experience, far from the crowds often found in more popular parks. You can expect unhurried game drives through rolling green hills, opportunities for guided bush walks, and a profound sense of solitude amidst stunning volcanic landscapes. The park's low visitor numbers ensure a more intimate connection with nature and wildlife.

Beyond elephants, what unique wildlife encounters can I anticipate in Chyulu Hills, given its role as a vital corridor?

While Chyulu Hills is renowned as a vital elephant corridor, you can also expect to encounter significant populations of plains game, including zebras, elands, giraffes, and wildebeest. Its diverse habitats support a variety of predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, offering exciting tracking opportunities in this less-explored wilderness.

What are the key practical considerations for visiting Chyulu Hills, particularly regarding malaria risk and typical costs?

Given the moderate malaria risk in Chyulu Hills, it's crucial to consult your doctor about prophylaxis and use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Park entry fees are standard for Kenyan national parks, but accommodation within or near the park, often in exclusive eco-lodges, can be on the higher end, reflecting the unique wilderness experience.

How do the volcanic landscape and Kilimanjaro views enhance the safari experience in Chyulu Hills compared to other Kenyan parks?

The volcanic origins of Chyulu Hills create a uniquely undulating, green landscape that provides a dramatic backdrop for wildlife viewing, distinct from the flatter plains of many other parks. Furthermore, the park offers some of the most breathtaking and unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, making for incredible photographic opportunities and an unforgettable scenic safari.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Kenya by Lonely Planet - In-depth guide to Kenya - Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and the coast. Detailed maps, accommodation reviews, and practical travel advice.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds by Joy Adamson - The true story of raising Elsa the lioness in Kenya and releasing her back to the wild. The book that started safari tourism culture and inspired generations.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann - International bestseller about a Swiss woman who falls in love with a Samburu warrior during a holiday in Kenya. A wild, unforgettable true story of cultural collision. Over 4 million copies sold.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) - The quintessential Africa memoir - a poetic and evocative account of life on a coffee plantation in Kenya. The book that defined the romance of East Africa for generations.
  • I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann - Classic memoir of an Italian woman's life on a Kenyan ranch - turned into a Hollywood film. A beautiful and heartbreaking love letter to East Africa.
  • West with the Night by Beryl Markham - Aviation adventure memoir set in Kenya - Hemingway called it one of the finest books he had ever read. A unique perspective on colonial East Africa.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.