Chyulu Hills National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing in a pristine wilderness setting. The park is home to four of the Big Five, with the exception of rhinos. Elephants are abundant and often appear covered in red dust, standing out against the arid landscape. Among the big cats, lions are the most commonly seen, while cheetahs can occasionally be spotted on the plains. Additionally, you can expect to see buffalo, zebra, and numerous Masai giraffes.
Chyulu Hills is an excellent location to spot the elusive lesser kudu. The rocky terrain is ideal for observing klipspringers, often seen in pairs. You can also look for antelopes that thrive in arid conditions, such as the rare fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk. Leopard sightings are also possible. Additionally, the drive-through rhino sanctuary enhances your chances of spotting the elusive black rhino.
The best wildlife viewing in Chyulu Hills occurs during the Dry season (June to October), although the park is worth visiting year-round. During the Dry season, minimal vegetation and scarce water sources attract animals to the few available watering holes. The dry spell from January to February, between the short and long rains, is also an excellent time for wildlife viewing.
Chyulu Hills offers excellent bird watching year-round, with many of the park’s unique resident species visible at any time. Migratory birds, which are a major highlight, can be seen in the trees, waterways, and skies from November to April. If birding is your primary focus, be aware that November and April are peak rainfall months. The months in between are typically the best for bird watching.
450+
Nov to Apr
The coolest months are sunny with minimal rain, making warm clothing necessary for open-vehicle game drives.
> June & July – Afternoons are bright and warm, with temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Early mornings and nights are cooler, averaging 15°C (59°F).
>August & September – Temperatures gradually rise, with September seeing daytime averages of 27°C (81°F), though they can be higher.
>October – Both humidity and temperatures increase, leading up to the Wet season.
The Wet season consists of short rains followed by long rains, with a drier period between January and February.
> November & December – ‘Short rains’ – Although initial showers may start in October, the Wet season truly begins in November, characterized by afternoon storms. Daytime temperatures average 29°C (84°F), but the rain provides some cooling.
January & February – This period marks a dry spell between the short and long rains, with February being the hottest month, averaging 30°C (86°F) in the afternoons. The exact start and end of this dry spell can vary.
> March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – The long rains typically start in the latter half of March, with brief afternoon showers being common. April is the wettest month, often leading to deteriorating road conditions in April and May. Afternoon temperatures reach around 29°C (84°F).
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15km (9 miles) southeast of Nairobi, is the country’s largest transport hub. Kenya’s second international airport, Moi International Airport (MBA), is situated 9km (6 miles) west of Mombasa.
Chyulu Hills is often visited as a side trip from Tsavo West or as a stopover between Amboseli National Park, Nairobi, and the coast. It is 232km (144 miles) from Nairobi and 250km (155 miles) from Mombasa. Safarilink offers flights to Ol Donyo Lodge, just outside Chyulu Hills National Park, from Nairobi-Wilson and Amboseli.
You can book your flight to Kenya with any airline. Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and to compare ticket prices.
If you book your experience at Chyulu Hills National Park and stay at Campi Ya Kanzi camp, we will typically arrange charter flights for you in advance. Scheduled flights to Chyulu Hills can be challenging to secure, but Safarilink offers flights to Ol Donyo Lodge, located just outside Chyulu Hills National Park, from Nairobi-Wilson and Amboseli.
Please refer to our FAQ – Kenya page for information on passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
Chyulu Hills National Park is considered a very safe destination, particularly when visiting as part of an organized tour. Crime within Kenyan parks and reserves is extremely rare. However, it’s wise to take safety precautions in the cities and towns between parks (see ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below). Most visitors to Kenya experience no crime-related incidents during their stay.
For the latest safety information, consult government travel advisories (see the ‘Safety & Security – Kenya’ link below).
Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations before traveling to Kenya. The primary health concern for visitors is malaria, but the risk is significantly reduced if you take antimalarials. Additional precautions include covering exposed skin in the evening and using mosquito repellent with DEET. Malaria is most prevalent during the rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December.
Wildlife viewing is very safe as long as you follow the instructions provided by your guide. Incidents involving wild animals are extremely rare. For more details, please refer to the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ section below.
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