National Park
Southern Kenya Special Interest Park
Chyulu Hills National Park
Green Hills of Africa
Overview
About Chyulu Hills National Park
Chyulu Hills is a green volcanic landscape of undulating ridges, forest and caves. KWS highlights the 11.5 km Leviathan/Kisula lava tube, the hills’ role as a water catchment feeding Mzima Springs, endemic butterflies, diverse plants and wildlife, and quiet terrain well suited to hiking, picnics and nature-focused travel.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Leviathan/Kisula lava tube
Water catchment feeding Mzima Springs
Montane forest
Endemic butterflies
Volcanic hills and hiking scenery
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Hiking
- Cave exploration
- Birdwatching
- Picnicking
- Game viewing
- Photography
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Elephant
- Forest and savannah wildlife
- Birds
- Endemic butterflies
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Public campsites
- Kithasyo
- Kisula
- Satellite
Private lodges & camps
- Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
- Severin Safari Camp
- Ngulia Safari Lodge
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS emphasizes the park’s volcanic geology and ecological importance as a highland water catchment between the Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
From Nairobi, turn off the Nairobi–Mombasa road at Kibwezi/Manyanga toward Kithasyo Gate; the park can also be approached from Tsavo West.
By air
Mukururo and Kithasyo airstrips serve the park.
By rail
SGR services to Kibwezi can be combined with road transfer.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceOfficial park reference
Park contacts
These are official park-reference contacts where available. For itinerary planning, accommodation coordination, transfers and safari quotations, contact Courtesywide Adventures directly.
Useful answers
Chyulu Hills National Park FAQs
What is Chyulu Hills National Park best known for?
Chyulu Hills National Park is especially known for Leviathan/Kisula lava tube, Water catchment feeding Mzima Springs, Montane forest, Endemic butterflies. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Chyulu Hills National Park?
Road: From Nairobi, turn off the Nairobi–Mombasa road at Kibwezi/Manyanga toward Kithasyo Gate; the park can also be approached from Tsavo West. Rail: SGR services to Kibwezi can be combined with road transfer. Air: Mukururo and Kithasyo airstrips serve the park. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Chyulu Hills National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 40 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Chyulu Hills National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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