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Chyulu Hills · Luxury Safari

Chyulu Hills & Kilimanjaro Foothills Safari

  • Duration3 days / 2 nights
  • Group size1–12 guests
  • DifficultyEasy
  • AvailabilityOn request
From KES 155,000 per person
Book now Request a quote
Chyulu Hills & Kilimanjaro Foothills Safari

Overview

Chyulu Hills and Kilimanjaro foothills safari

The Chyulu Hills rise in a chain of green, relatively young volcanic cones between Amboseli and Tsavo West, forming a wildlife corridor that links the two larger parks. Managed largely through community conservancies rather than as a single national park, the area sees far fewer visitors than its famous neighbours, and its rolling grassland and forested slopes offer a quieter, scenic alternative for travellers who have already experienced a classic Kenya safari.

Landscape and wildlife

Unlike the flat plains of Amboseli, the Chyulu Hills are shaped by relatively recent volcanic activity, with cinder cones, caves formed by lava tubes and unusually green slopes for this part of Kenya. Elephant, buffalo, eland, giraffe and predators including lion and cheetah move through the conservancy as part of a wider ecosystem connecting Amboseli, Chyulu and Tsavo. On clear days, views stretch to Mount Kilimanjaro, though as elsewhere in the region cloud cover is common and cannot be predicted.

A conservancy model

Much of the Chyulu Hills area is protected through partnerships between local Maasai communities and conservation organisations, which fund anti-poaching and habitat protection through tourism revenue and lease payments. Staying here supports that model directly, and guides can explain how the conservancy works alongside neighbouring group ranches.

A relaxed, private safari

Because visitor numbers are lower than in Amboseli or the Mara, game drives here feel more private, and some lodges offer walking safaris or horseback riding, subject to availability and an additional cost. This makes the Chyulu Hills a popular add-on for travellers extending an Amboseli trip by a day or two rather than a stand-alone first safari.

Getting there

The area is reached by road from Nairobi in around four to five hours, or as a short extension from Amboseli itself, making it easy to combine the two.

Good to know

The price is a guide per adult sharing a room and depends on lodge tier and season. The final quote, including any conservancy fees, is confirmed in writing before payment.

Highlights

  • Rolling green hills between Amboseli and Tsavo
  • Views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days
  • A community-conservancy wildlife corridor
  • A quieter, less-visited alternative to the main parks

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 – Nairobi or Amboseli to Chyulu Hills

    Drive to the conservancy, check in and an afternoon game drive.

  2. 2

    Day 2 – Full day in the conservancy

    Game drives and, where available, an optional walking safari or horseback ride.

  3. 3

    Day 3 – Morning drive and return

    A final game drive before returning to Nairobi or continuing to Amboseli or Tsavo.

What’s included

Included

  • Return transfers from Nairobi or Amboseli
  • driver-guide
  • 2 nights full board in a lodge or tented camp
  • conservancy fees
  • game drives
  • bottled water

Not included

  • Flights
  • travel insurance
  • drinks
  • tips
  • horseback riding or specialist activities unless quoted
  • personal expenses

Practical information

Departure
Nairobi, morning; can also start from Amboseli
Pickup
Nairobi hotels and airports, or Amboseli-area lodges
Meeting point
Confirmed after pickup location is provided
Accommodation
Lodge or tented camp in the Chyulu Hills conservancy area, matched to your dates
Best time to go
June–October and January–February
Recommended age
All ages
Cancellation & changes
Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
How to book
Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.
Guide price basis
Per person sharing, 3-day / 2-night stay in the Chyulu Hills conservancy with transport, guide, full board and conservancy fees. This is an estimate based on current market rates; the final price is confirmed in writing before any payment.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Chyulu Hills different from Amboseli?

Chyulu Hills is a conservancy of green volcanic hills rather than open savannah, with far fewer visitors and a mix of wildlife moving between Amboseli and Tsavo.

Can we see Kilimanjaro from Chyulu Hills?

On clear days, yes, though cloud cover is common and views cannot be guaranteed.

Is this a good add-on to an Amboseli safari?

Yes, many travellers combine the two, since Chyulu Hills is a short drive from Amboseli.

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