Chyulu Hills National Park

The Chyulus are among the youngest volcanic hills on earth, some of the lava flows only a few hundred years old, and they rise green and rolling between the dust of Amboseli and the scrub of Tsavo. Because the porous rock absorbs rain rather than shedding it, the hills feed the springs that emerge at Mzima in Tsavo West, so they are the water source for a huge area. Beneath them run lava tubes, and Leviathan cave in the Chyulus is among the longest lava tube systems in the world at over eleven kilometres, explored by cavers rather than casual visitors. On the surface there are cloud-forest patches on the higher ridges, elephant and buffalo, and long views to Kilimanjaro on clear mornings. Riding and walking safaris operate from the conservancies on the western side.

What you actually see

• Green volcanic ridges - rolling young hills with cloud forest on top.
• Lava tube caves - including the very long Leviathan system.
• Kilimanjaro views - the mountain across the plains on clear mornings.
• Elephant and buffalo - moving between the hills and the parks either side.

When to go

Dry seasons for the tracks, which are steep, rocky and demanding at any time. Mornings for Kilimanjaro before cloud covers it. The hills catch mist and rain more than the surrounding plains.

Honest expectations

Roads inside the park are rough enough to deter most vehicles and 4x4 with clearance is essential. Caves require proper caving equipment and experience; they are not show caves. Facilities inside the national park are minimal, with the comfortable options in the private conservancies alongside.

Nearby

Amboseli lies west; Tsavo West and Mzima Springs are east.