Chyulu Hills National Park
Set in Eastern Kenya, Chyulu Hills National Park boasts of its magnificent rolling hills which makes it an exceptional safari destination visitors on Kenya safari should consider a must-visit. The park is set in the montane range in Makueni County, Southeastern Kenya just between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks approximately 200kms from Nairobi, about 150kms East of Kenya rift and 30kms from Kibwezi Town.
The park derives its name from Chyulu Hills which stretches about 2188m high. It makes up the 100km volcanic field which comes with a breathtaking view. It was designated as a national park in 1983 and it is one of the best places to explore Kenya safari especially by visitors in need to have an in-depth exploration of caves. The caves to visit in this park include Kisula caves with a length of 11kms or visit Leviathan cave which features among the longest lava tubes on planet earth.
Attractions in Chyulu Hills National Park
- Wildlife
Chyulu Hills National Park is endowed with a variety of wildlife species which include among other bushbucks, zebras, black rhinos, elands, steenbok, bush pigs, elephants, cheetahs, monitor lizards, black mamba, puff adders, rock pythons, Masai giraffes, leopards, reedbucks, lions.
- Birdlife
About 300 bird species exist in Chyulu Hills National Park making it one of the best birding spots to uncover on Kenya birding tour. They include resident and migrant birds with the iconic birding spot being Lake Jipe. The birds to identify in this park include Ruppel’s robin chat, olive sunbird, amethyst sunbird, bronze sunbird, scarlet chested sunbird, African gray flycatcher, thrush nightingale, white-eyed slaty flycatcher, stephanotis coronatus, francolins Shelley and others.
On birding trips, make sure you have a pair of binoculars, cameras plus any essential gear to make your birding experience successful and memorable. Other attractions include Leviathan cave which is also famous as Grotte de Leviathan, scenery comprising of a mixture of volcanic ash cones, lush vegetation.
Safari activities to do in Chyulu Hills National Park
- Game viewing
Game viewing in this park involves sighting wildlife species such as cape buffaloes, antelopes, Masai giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, rhinos, birds, cheetahs, elephants and many more. You can choose to go for a morning game drive or afternoon game drive.
- Birding
Bird watching in Chyulu Hills National Park offers amazing bird sights. The numerous birds to look for in the park include Ruppel’s robin chat, bronze sunbird, scarlet chested sunbird, African gray flycatcher, olive sunbird, amethyst sunbird, thrush nightingale, white-eyed slaty flycatcher, stephanotis coronatus, francolins Shelley, and others.
This is one of the rarest safari activities visitors on Kenya safari in Chyulu Hills National Park can engage in. It takes you through the park’s breathtaking sceneries and the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.
- Camping
Camping is one best way to get close or interact with nature in Chyulu Hills Park. It allows you sight birds, wildlife and the best campsites to include Kathisayo and Kiboko. Camping in this park lets you indulge yourself in this park’s exceptional nature.
- Cave exploration
This park features the Leviathan cave in the foothills of Chyulu hills. It is rated 11th longest lava tube in the world with an upper length extending up to 9152m and lower part 2071m. It has a depth of 70m and a visit to this site is an unforgettable experience.
- When to visit Chyulu Hills, National Park
A memorable game viewing experience in this park is best got during the dry months of the year that is in June, July, August, September, October and January, February. The vegetation is short thus offering a clear view of the diverse wildlife of the park. Wildlife viewing in Chyulu Hills Park can also incorporate birding which makes your experience memorable.
- Accommodation in Chyulu Hills National Park
The available lodges or accommodation in Chyulu Hills Park include Savanna Paradise Hotel, Shushan Palace, Ol Donyo Lodge, Tawi Lodge, Kamboyo Guesthouse, Kanzi House, Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
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