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Ninara CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Chyulu Hills

National Park

These volcanic hills in southeastern Kenya offer lava flows, rolling ridges and a mosaic of forest and grassland; visitors hike, camp and explore Maasai‑landscapes and seasonal streams.

Chyulu Hills NairobiMaasai MaraMombasaAmboseli National ParkChyulu Hills
In this guide

Chyulu Hills essentials

Address: Chyulu Hills National Park, Taita-Taveta County, Kenya
Hours: Open year-round (guided access recommended for longer routes)
Admission: Park fees apply for guided hikes and camping in parts of the reserve
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When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chyulu Hills

The dry months (Jan-Mar, Jul-Oct) are best for hiking and clearer vistas across the plains.

Dry Season
Jan-Mar, Jul-Oct · 15-28°C
Easier trekking and wildlife viewing with lower river levels.
Short Rains
Oct-Dec · 18-26°C
Greener landscapes and fewer visitors; some tracks become slippery.
Long Rains
Apr-Jun · 16-24°C
Heavy rains can make trails difficult; avoid summit trails during storms.

Weather & Climate near Chyulu Hills

Climate

Chyulu Hills's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1053 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberFebruaryJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 13° - 25° 19° 80 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.1h
February Excellent 13° - 26° 19° 60 mm some cloud 62% 3.4 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.1h
March Very Good 14° - 25° 19° 145 mm partly cloudy 66% 2.8 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Good 14° - 23° 19° 202 mm overcast 72% 2.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
May Good 14° - 21° 17° 55 mm overcast 71% 2.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
June Very Good 12° - 20° 16° 8 mm overcast 66% 2.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
July Very Good 10° - 20° 15° 3 mm overcast 63% 2.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
August Very Good 11° - 21° 16° 5 mm overcast 62% 2.7 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
September Excellent 11° - 23° 17° 11 mm partly cloudy 60% 3.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
October Very Good 12° - 24° 18° 65 mm partly cloudy 63% 3.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
November Good 13° - 24° 18° 248 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
December Very Good 13° - 23° 18° 171 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Chyulu Hills

Chyulu Hills are accessed from Makueni/Taita-Taveta regions. From Nairobi it’s a long drive (about 4-6 hours) or an internal flight to nearby airstrips followed by road transfer. Most visitors arrange access through tour operators based in Amboseli or Mombasa.

Tips for Visiting Chyulu Hills

  • Hire a local Masai guide for multi-day treks - they know the landscape and weather patterns intimately.
  • Watch for river crossings during the rainy season (Apr-Jun).
  • Bring layers: highland nights can be chilly even after hot days.