Nestled between Tsavo West and Amboseli National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park is one of Kenya’s best-kept safari secrets. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, this park offers stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and a sense of untouched wilderness that appeals to nature lovers and travelers looking for a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
The Chyulu Hills are a range of volcanic mountains formed relatively recently in geological terms—just a few hundred years ago. Their rolling green slopes, covered with mist forests and savanna grasslands, create a picturesque contrast with the surrounding arid plains. On clear days, the hills offer spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it one of the most scenic landscapes in East Africa.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, although animal sightings are less concentrated than in other parks. Visitors may encounter buffalo, bushbucks, elands, giraffes, leopards, and occasionally elephants. The park is also known for its diverse birdlife, with species thriving in the forested highlands and open plains. What Chyulu lacks in dense game, it makes up for in solitude and the raw beauty of nature.
One of the park’s highlights is the Leviathan Cave, one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Exploring these ancient underground tunnels provides a fascinating look into the region’s volcanic history. The park also offers excellent hiking, horseback safaris, and nature walks, making it ideal for travelers seeking more active and immersive experiences in nature.
Because Chyulu Hills is less developed and rarely crowded, it provides a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for photographers, honeymooners, and those wanting to disconnect from the modern world. Eco-tourism is a growing focus here, with community-run conservancies and luxury eco-lodges working closely with the local Maasai communities to protect the land and wildlife while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Access to the park is typically via road from Nairobi (a 4–5 hour drive), or via charter flights to nearby airstrips for those staying in exclusive camps. It is often combined with visits to Amboseli, Tsavo, or Laikipia, forming part of a scenic and diverse safari circuit across southern Kenya.