Chyulu Hills birding area forms the northernmost part of Tsavo West, an ecosystem characterized by savannah woodlands, solidified lava flows, and volcanic hills straddling Makueni and Taita Taveta Counties. The narrow arching, 100 km long Chyulu- a chain of small hills and cones, is the world’s newest mountain range, the most recent volcanic peak having been formed 500 years ago
The Chyulu Hills are a captivating range of volcanic mountains in Kenya, renowned for their unique geology, diverse ecosystems, and their critical role as a water catchment area.
The Chyulu Hills are relatively undisturbed and shelter indigenous vegetation and wildlife.
Mammals: The hills serve as a crucial wildlife corridor, particularly for Savannah Elephants, which use it to migrate between Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks. Other large mammals found include:
Reptiles: The most notable recent discovery is the Chyulu Hills Blade-horned Chameleon, which was “recently seen after nearly 40 years (and rediscovered in April 2018. Other reptiles include the Puff Adder, Black Mamba, and Rock Python.
Birding: The area is a “birder’s haven,” home to rare forest and endemic bird species. Some of the bird species mentioned are:
The Chyulu Hills are a vital water source for the region.
Notable Birds in Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills is a remarkable destination for birding tours in Kenya, birding trips in Chyulu can be any time of the year. The Hills are an important feeding point (when forest trees are in fruit) for Abbott’s Starling an endemic species in East Africa, as they move between forests on Mount Kilimanjaro and the central Kenyan highlands Chyulu Hills hold endemic races of Shelley’s Francolin. The Hills boast of a newfound chameleon called the Chyulu Hills Blade-horned Chameleon(considered extinct). Amazing and beautiful butterflies are encountered too while on the Chyulu Hills birding tour
Birds species in Chyulu Hills; Crested Guineafowl, Moorland Francolin, Shelly’s Francolin, Lemon Dove, African Green Pigeon, Purple-crested Turaco, Eurasian Hobby, African Emerald Cuckoo, Alpine Swift, White-backed Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Martial Eagle, Black Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill, Mustached Tinkerbird, Pallid Honeyguide, Eastern Black-headed Batis, Flappet Lark, Mustached Grass Warbler, White-eared Barbet, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, Mbulu White-eye, Siffling Cisticola, Long-billed Pipit, Common Buttonquail, Orange Ground Thrush, Abbott’s Starling, White-necked Raven, Peter’s Twinspot, Evergreen Forest Warbler.
Ruma National Park is a hidden birding gem for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of species and some of Kenya’s most picturesque scenery. This delightful birding hotspot boasts a sensational mix of habitats, making it one of the country’s finest birding destinations. It is the best place to spot the rare Montane Blue Swallow and the iconic Roan Antelope, alongside a wide variety of other species. Thanks to its mild climate and natural landscapes, birdwatching in Ruma is productive throughout the year. For an even more rewarding experience, a visit to Ruma can be seamlessly combined with nearby birding treasures such as Lake Victoria, Busia Grasslands, Mount Elgon, Kongelai Escarpment, and Kakamega Forest, forming part of Kenya’s western birding circuit.
