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    Chyulu Hills
    Ninara / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

    Kenya

    Chyulu Hills

    Point of Interest

    The Chyulu Hills are a chain of young volcanic cones, approximately 100 kilometers long, east of Amboseli. Grass-covered hills, mountain forest above 1,800 meters, and lava caves make them a destination for hikers and cavers.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Kenya
    7. Amboseli & Tsavo
    9. Chyulu Hills
    The Chyulu Hills are a chain of young volcanic cones, approximately 100 kilometers long, east of Amboseli. Grass-covered hills, mountain forest above 1,800 meters, and lava caves make them a destination for hikers and cavers.Inside lies the Leviathan Cave, one of the world's longest lava tubes at approximately eleven to twelve kilometers. The national park covers 741 square kilometers and borders Tsavo West to the northwest.

    Sights in Chyulu Hills

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Leviathan Cave (Kisula Caves)
    Attraction

    1Leviathan Cave (Kisula Caves)

    The 11-12 kilometer-long lava tube is one of the world's longest, consisting of an upper and a lower section. An entrance is about 15 kilometers from the park headquarters. You can only enter with a KWS Ranger, caving equipment, and park warden's permission.
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    Restaurants in Chyulu Hills

    Nature & Geology

    Young VolcanoesVolcanic activity commenced approximately 1.4 million years ago in the north of the hills and migrated southeast. The most recent eruptions, Shaitani and Chaimu, are dated to 1856, thus the volcanoes are considered active. The highest point is at 2,188 meters.The Leviathan CaveThe Leviathan Cave, also known as Kisula Caves, is eleven to twelve kilometers long depending on the source, and ranks among the world's longest lava tubes. It consists of an upper and a lower section.Regional Water StorageThere are no permanent rivers in the hills. The rain seeps away and feeds the Mzima Springs as well as the Tsavo and Galana rivers. Among the animals living in the park are buffalo, elephants, and Maasai giraffes, but wildlife is less frequently seen than in neighboring parks.

    Travel & Practicalities

    Getting ThereThe main gate is located at Kibwezi in Makueni County, accessible via the Mombasa Road. Kibwezi is also a stop for the Madaraka Express Inter-County train.The park directly borders Tsavo West; both can be easily combined in one trip.Hiking & CavesFrom the park headquarters, it's about 15 kilometers to an entrance of the Kisula Caves, a three to four-hour walk one way. The route is also accessible by 4x4 vehicle.You may only enter the cave with a Kenya Wildlife Service ranger, full caving equipment, and prior permission from the park warden. The ranger's fee is additional to the park entry fee.FeesEntry fees are paid via eCitizen. As of October 1, 2025, non-residents pay 40 US dollars per adult for 24 hours, children 20 US dollars.

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    Nearby

    Amboseli & Tsavo

    Amboseli & Tsavo

    Between Nairobi and the coast lie some of Kenya's most famous national parks: Amboseli at the foot of Kilimanjaro, the two Tsavo Parks on either side of the Mombasa Road, as well as the Chyulu Hills volcanic range and the Taita Hills near Voi. Elephants, lava fields, and clear springs characterize this dry savanna landscape.
    Tsavo West National Park

    Tsavo West National Park

    Tsavo West National Park extends west of the Nairobi–Mombasa road over 9,065 square kilometers. Volcanic cones, black lava fields, and the clear Mzima Springs characterize the park.At Mzima Springs, you can observe hippos and crocodiles from an underwater viewing chamber. The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary is home to rhinos, and from viewpoints like Roaring Rocks, the view extends to Kilimanjaro on clear days.
    Amboseli National Park

    Amboseli National Park

    Amboseli National Park, in southern Kenya bordering Tanzania, approx. 240 km southeast of Nairobi, overlooks Kilimanjaro across the border. Elephant herds against the peak, towering over the plains on clear days, define its iconic scene.Across 392 square kilometers, dry plains, the mostly dry Lake Amboseli, and green swamps alternate. From Observation Hill, you overlook swamps and plains.
    Taita Hills

    Taita Hills

    The Taita Hills rise northwest of Voi from the plains of Tsavo. Small remnants of cloud forest like Ngangao are home to birds found only here, and from Vuria, the highest peak at 2,228 meters, you gaze far across the savanna.At the foot of the hills lies the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Salt Lick Safari Lodge, whose stilt buildings stand over a watering hole.
    Tsavo East National Park

    Tsavo East National Park

    Tsavo East National Park, located east of the Nairobi–Mombasa road, covers 13,747 square kilometers. It is known for its elephants, which wallow in the red dust, giving them a reddish shimmer.Vast, dry bush savanna, the Galana River with Lugard Falls, and watering holes like Aruba Dam and Mudanda Rock define the game drives.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI