Chyulu Hills National Park was the inspiration and setting for Hemingway's "Green Hills of Africa," and its historic volcanic eruptions have resulted in the verdant rolling plains, ancient lava flows, and geological characteristics that give the park its natural beauty. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable safari experience with some of the world's most unique wildlife, Chyulu Hills National Park is the place to be. Don't miss out on the chance to witness Kenya's last endemic rhino population and Africa's last 'big-tuskers' in their natural habitat. Contact our team today to plan your safari in Chyulu Hills National Park.

Chyulu Hills National Park is a wildlife lover's paradise located in southeastern Kenya. It is home to a diverse range of mammal and bird species, making it an ideal destination for safari enthusiasts. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to see some of the most iconic animals in Africa, including elephants with large tusks and the elusive black rhino.

The African elephant is one of the most famous mammals in the park, known for its impressive tusks. Visitors can spot these magnificent animals wandering through the savannah grasslands and the dense forests, and may even catch them taking a refreshing dip in the park's streams and rivers.

Chyulu Hills National Park is also home to the critically endangered black rhino. These large, powerful mammals are a rare sight in the wild and are only found in a few select regions in Africa. Visitors to the park can spot these majestic creatures on guided game drives, along with other iconic African mammals such as leopards, cheetahs, and buffalos.

Birdwatching in Chyulu Hills National Park is another popular activity, with over 200 species of birds to be seen. Some of the bird species that can be spotted in the park include the African crowned eagle, the yellow-throated longclaw, and the Jackson's widowbird.

The "big tuskers" in Chyulu Hills National Park are not only a sight to behold but also play a vital role in the park's ecosystem. These animals help maintain the balance of the park's flora and fauna, and their presence is essential to the park's continued success as a wildlife conservation area.

Visitors to the park can learn more about the "big tuskers" and their importance to the ecosystem through guided game drives and educational tours. Chyulu Hills National Park is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a unique safari experience that can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Photographing Elephants in the Chyulu Hills National Park

To capture the perfect shot of these magnificent creatures, visitors to the park can go on guided game drives or opt for a walking safari. Experienced guides will take visitors to the best locations for photographing the "big tuskers" and provide tips and tricks for capturing stunning shots. Ol Donyo Lodge's photographic hide is also a superb way to get a great camera angle looking up at the park's majestic giants. 

The best time for a safari in the Chyulu Hills is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife. The dry season is also a great time to see elephants, as they gather around water sources to drink. This period is also ideal for a photographic safari, as the lighting conditions are excellent for capturing stunning wildlife images.

The wet season, from November to May, can also be a good time to visit the Chyulu Hills, especially for bird watching. During this period, the hills are transformed into a lush green paradise, and migratory birds flock to the area. The wet season is also a great time to see newborn animals, such as antelopes and zebras.

It's worth noting that the wet season can make roads impassable, so it's essential to check road conditions before embarking on your safari adventure.

It's also important to note that different wildlife species may be more active during different seasons. For instance, the dry season is a great time to see elephants, while the wet season is ideal for bird watching.

January:

This month experiences warm and sunny weather with average high temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and low temperatures of 15°C (59°F). It is a relatively dry month with an average of 6 rainy days and a total of 52mm (2.05 inches) of rainfall.

February:

The weather in February is similar to that of January with warm and sunny days and average high temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and low temperatures of 15°C (59°F). The park receives slightly more rainfall than in January with an average of 8 rainy days and a total of 67mm (2.64 inches) of rainfall.

March:

March is the wettest month in Chyulu Hills with an average of 16 rainy days and a total of 176mm (6.93 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures remain warm with average high temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and low temperatures of 14°C (57°F).

April:

This month experiences a decrease in rainfall compared to March, with an average of 14 rainy days and a total of 95mm (3.74 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures remain similar to March, with average high temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and low temperatures of 14°C (57°F).

May:

May is a relatively dry month with an average of 7 rainy days and a total of 32mm (1.26 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures begin to drop slightly with average high temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and low temperatures of 12°C (54°F).

June:

The weather in June is dry and cool, with average high temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and low temperatures of 10°C (50°F). The park experiences an average of 4 rainy days and a total of 12mm (0.47 inches) of rainfall.

July:

This month experiences a slight increase in rainfall compared to June, with an average of 5 rainy days and a total of 18mm (0.71 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures remain cool with average high temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and low temperatures of 9°C (48°F).

August:

The weather in August is similar to July, with an average of 5 rainy days and a total of 16mm (0.63 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures remain cool with average high temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and low temperatures of 9°C (48°F).

September:

September is a relatively dry month with an average of 4 rainy days and a total of 10mm (0.39 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures begin to increase slightly with average high temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and low temperatures of 11°C (52°F).

October:

The weather in October is similar to September with a relatively low amount of rainfall, averaging 5 rainy days and a total of 21mm (0.83 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures increase further with average high temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and low temperatures of 13°C (55°F).

November:

November is a transition month with an increase in rainfall compared to October, with an average of 10 rainy days and a total of 77mm (3.03 inches) of rainfall. The temperatures remain warm with average high temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and low temperatures of 14°C (57°F).

December:

December in Chyulu Hills National Park is one of the warmest months with average temperatures ranging from 14°C to 29°C (57°F to 84°F). It is also one of the driest months with very little rainfall and only a few days of rain, making it an ideal time for wildlife watching.