Chyulu Hills National Park at a glance
Chyulu Hills National Park is a volcanic landscape of rounded green hills, black lava fields, forest and caves. It opened in 1983 and lies near Amboseli and Tsavo West in southern Kenya. You can add it to an Amboseli trip for hiking and scenery rather than the open plains.
The hills matter beyond the park. Their volcanic soils and forested slopes help feed the springs that keep the Amboseli swamps going. The park covers roughly 471 to 741 km², depending on the boundary used.
What to do in the Chyulu Hills
Landscape, hiking and caves.
Lava fields and green hills
The scenery is the main attraction. Dark volcanic rock sits below grassy green peaks, and forest covers parts of the slopes. It is a different picture from the flat plains of Amboseli.
Hiking
Hiking is among the park's activities. Do not set out alone on routes you do not know. Ask at the gate or your operator about routes and conditions on the day.
Leviathan or Kisula Cave
Leviathan Cave, also called Kisula Cave, is 11.5 km long. That is the length of the cave, not a visitor walk. Ask about access, age limits and any extra fee before you plan around it.
Combine it with Amboseli
You can add the Chyulu Hills to an Amboseli safari. Ask your operator for a realistic plan and driving times, because the route depends on the gate you use. Other options are compared under Amboseli tours.
Our pick: Amboseli plus the Chyulu Hills
This is the tour that visits the Chyulu Hills as well as Amboseli, with both park entries in the price.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Amboseli and Chyulu Hills safaris
Game drives and multi-day safaris in the Amboseli region, with live prices and availability.
How to get to the Chyulu Hills
Roads and airstrips.
The usual road access is from the Mombasa Road at Kibwezi and Manyanga. From there it is 9 km to the Kithasyo Gate and the park headquarters. You can also reach the park from Tsavo West, and the Tsavo West guide covers that area.
Mukururo and Kithasyo have airstrips. That does not mean scheduled flights, so ask your operator about transfers. No train goes into the park. Wherever you start, check road conditions before you leave and plan around daylight.
Chyulu Hills National Park entry fees in 2026
Daily entry fee per person, from the tariff in force since 1 October 2025.
| Visitor category | Adult | Child or student |
|---|---|---|
| East African citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Non-resident | $40 | $20 |
| African citizen outside East Africa | $20 | $10 |
The fee covers one entry and lasts up to 24 hours. Residents need a valid Kenyan residence permit. The child rate starts at age 5, while children aged 5 and younger are also exempt, so confirm the rule for a 5-year-old when you pay. Online payment through eCitizen can add extra charges. For most international visitors the non-resident column applies.
Public campsites are Kithasyo, Kisula and Satellite. The camping fee is separate from entry: for non-residents it is $20 for adults and $15 for children, and for East African citizens it is KES 200 for adults and KES 150 for children. Fees for Amboseli itself are on the park fees page.
Wildlife and rhinos
What the hills add to an Amboseli trip.
The rhinos of the wider Amboseli ecosystem have been recorded in the Chyulu Hills and Mbirikani area. That does not mean you will see one, so do not book a trip only for rhinos. For the animals of the main park, see the Amboseli animals page. The swamps fed by these hills are explained on the Lake Amboseli page.
Planning checklist
Short points to settle before you go.
Gate times
The gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. Overnight guests are an exception. Plan to be inside the park or on your way out before 18:00.
Fees
Bring a way to pay that works for your category. Park fees are paid through the eCitizen system, and cards or mobile money may carry extra charges.
Route and caves
Ask about the current state of the roads, hiking routes and caves. This page does not list closures, since they change.
Park rules
Use existing tracks only and stay at the speed limit of 40 km/h. Single-use plastic is not allowed, and you should take your rubbish with you.
More about Amboseli
Continue planning your visit.
Chyulu Hills National Park: frequently asked questions
Where are the Chyulu Hills?
In southern Kenya, near Amboseli and Tsavo West. The usual road access is from the Mombasa Road at Kibwezi and Manyanga.
How much is entry to Chyulu Hills National Park?
In 2026, non-resident adults pay $40 and children $20. East African citizens pay KES 500 for adults and KES 250 for children, and Kenya residents pay KES 675 and KES 350.
When are the gates open?
From 06:00 to 18:00, with an exception for guests staying overnight.
Can I camp in the Chyulu Hills?
The park has public campsites at Kithasyo, Kisula and Satellite. Camping fees are separate from entry.
Can I visit from Amboseli in one day?
Driving times and routes vary, so ask your operator for a realistic plan before you book.
Is this the official Chyulu Hills website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Kenya Wildlife Service, Kajiado County or any safari operator.