Satellite Campsite, Chyulu Hills National Park

The Chyulu Hills are a volcanic mountain range in southeastern Kenya, located north of Tsavo West National Park. The region is known for its rolling volcanic hills, covered by grassland and interspersed with lush cloud forests. Interestingly, the Chyulu Hills consist of porous volcanic rock, allowing rainfall to soak into the ground and undergo years of filtration, eventually forming underground rivers. The most well-known outlet of these rivers is Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, where the water, said to have undergone up to 20 years of filtration, supplies the town of Mombasa via pipeline.

Camping at Satellite Camp in the Chyulu Hills is an unforgettable experience. While wildlife is sparse, there are stunning views in every direction, including uninterrupted vistas of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. The road to Satellite Camp from the gate has been graded in recent years, making access much easier (though a 4WD is still necessary). You can choose to camp in an open area on the hill, which offers more picturesque views, or in a more secluded cove within a small forest, providing better shelter from the wind. Beyond the latrines, there are no facilities, so come prepared!