Kyulu Hills
HEMINGWAY’S ‘GREEN HILLS OF AFRICA
A magical land of black frozen lava studded with blazing red-hot poker trees. Of shoals of extinct volcanoes wreathed in dense forest abs hung with Spanish moss. The Chyulu hills coil a sleeping dragon on the lion-gold plains of his treasure. The pink haloed peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rises to the west. And all around stretch the mirage miles of Maasai land. Dusty, dry and stalked by scarlet cloaked herders and dust plumed cattle.
The Park comprises the eastern flanks of Chyulu Hills including about half the forest area. The park boundary runs down the centre of the hills along the lines of the peaks. The remaining western portion of the hills is part of the west Chyulu Game Conservation Area and owned by several Maasai Group ranches
WHAT T0 SEE
The world’s youngest mountains
The narrowly arching, 80 Km long Chyulu are one of the world’s newest mountain ranges, the most recent volcanic peak having been formed only 500 years ago. They fascinated mix of volcanic ash cones and barren lava flows which combine to create a landscape of almost mythical enchantment Source of Tsavo West Mzima Springs
The park was established to protect not only its unique habitat, but also its vital role as water catchments are for Kenya’s coastal conurbations. The forested ridges create their own rainfall, the porous rock absorbs the water like sponge and the water percolates down i into fast -flowing subterranean rivers. These eventually join with the melt waters of Mount Kilimanjaro and feed 250 million litres of water daily into the lush oasis of Tsavo West’s most popular feature Mzima Springs
Exploring the Shetani Caves and Lava flows
lhe volcanic convulsion ofTsavo’s landscape are riddled with lava flows, the most spectacular being Shetani flow, coalesced tide of a tar like lava that spewed down Chyulu Hills as they burst out ofthe plains only a few hundred years ago.
The lava flow is threaded by a series of lava tubes caves many of which can be explored, through caution is recommended.
Rare Forest Birds
Bird watching is the best in the dense montane forest of the western sector of the park where Hartlaubs turaco, sunbird,speckled moosebird and white eared barbet are prevalent. Various swallos fly along the forest edges while deep in the glades you spot stripe cheeked greenbul, tropical boubou, white-eyed slaty flycatcher and silvery cheeked hornbill. The kyulu hills also mark an important stopping-off point for the globally threatened Abbott’s starling and hold endemic population of Shelley’s francolin, white starred robin and orange thrush.
ACTIVITY OPTION
Walking the hills and forest
The gently undulating grasslands, interspersed with dense areas of primeval forest and breathtaking views, make this excellent walking country. Due to presence of buffalo and elephant, however, a KWS ranger escort is necessary. If possible please contact the warden in advance to book the rangers.
WHERE TO STAY LODGES AND TENTED CAMP
While there is no accommodation within the park numerous accommodation options exist in nearby Tsavo West National Park and in ungazetted portion of the Chyulu Hills.
There is KWS self catering guest house outside boundaries locatedjust off the.
Nairobi – Mombasa road near Kiboko. The guest house is 59km from Kithasyo Gate and park HQ.
CAMPING
The park has three public campsites. The campsite at Kithasyo Park offers basic amenities. There is also a KWS campsite outside the park boundaries near the guest house at Kiboko.
WHEN T0 G0
The park is accessible all year round by 4WD.
WHAT T0 TAKE WITH YOU
Drinking water and picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight Also useful are: Camera, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebook.
HOW T0 GET THERE
By Road
from Kibwezi: turn right off the Mombasa Road (coming from Nairobi) at Kibwezi, onto a sign posted road that leads after 9 Kms to Kithasyo Gate and Park HQ. It is possible to enter the park from Tsavo West.
By Air:
The Park has two airstrips.
Open:
Daily 6.00 am -7.00 pm including public holidays. No entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15pm.
Current entry charges:
Obtainable via KWS HQ: Tel: (Nairobi) +254 (20) 6000800, 6002345
Fax: 6007024, Email: reservations@kws.go.ke – website: www.kws.go.ke
Smartcard required:
At present the park does not operate on the smartcard system. Entry is by cash only (KShs or US S) Note: if you are entering via Tsavo West National Park, you will require a smartcard (Which may be loaded at Mtito Andei Gate).
Contact: The warden, P.0 Box 458, Kibwezi. Tel 254 (45) 622483 or 622120
