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
ACCESS
Roads: 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. By road from Tsavo West: It is possible to enter the park from Tsavo West
By Air: The Park has two airstrips
PARK GATES:
- Main Gate
- Mukururo
- Kiboko
SIZE
Approximately 741 sq.km
LOCATION
The park is in Kibwezi District, Eastern Province
CLIMATE
- Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
- Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
- The altitude 1500 – 2160 meters above sea level
PERSONNEL ON CALL
The Warden
SAFARICARD REQUIRED?
At present the park does not operate on Safaricard system. Entry is by cash only (KSH or US$).
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Breathtaking views from the chyllu Hills,cave exploration,one camp site next to park headquaters
- Reptiles:Black Mamba, Puff Adder, Rock Python, Gecko, Tortoise, Lizard
- Insects/arthropods:Dung Beetles, Butterflies, Tsetse fly
- Common Animals:Buffalo; Bushbuck; Eland; Elephant, Leopard; giant forest hog ,bush Pig; reedbuck, mountain; Steinbok
WHERE TO STAY:
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
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
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
- Game viewing
- Camping
- Mountain Hiking
- Horse Riding
- Bird Watching
BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
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 6.15 pm
