Caves in Makueni
Kisula Caves: Spectral Unending Lava Tubes
Most travellers make Voi, 330 km from Nairobi along A109 Mombasa Road, their jumping-off place for visiting the vast Tsavo Parks. There are five access gates into Tsavo West National Park – through Chyulu, Mtito-Andei (Kamboyo HQ), Maktau, Ziwani and at Lake Jipe. Those aiming to access the park using Mtito-Andei Gate can easily combine a visit to the Chyulu Hill National Park to explore Kisula Caves. This 11-km-long lava-tubes, casting lengthy cylindrical passages divided into two linked sections of 9 km and 2 km, have access staircases supported by a railing.
The descent is quick and trouble-free, with a forbidding sense as is the nature with most caves. The support railing does make access easier and safe, but not the trepidation! Once inside, you get to explore their vivid geological oddities, which, although suggested as one of most recent volcanic flare-ups within Kenya, have a rather archaic feel, dazzled by other-worldly formations and rife, as you would expect, with the mysteries of the underworld. Visited by nearly 20,000 travellers each year lends credence to their popularity as Kenya’s best caving site.
From Kithasyo Gate it’s 15 km to the caves. A motorable route is open year round and takes about 4 hours on foot to reach the cave’s entrance. The casual hike or drive from the foothills of Chyulu Hills to Kisula Caves is also wild and pleasant and its wildlife, especially antelopes, easily sighted. Park entrance fees in Kes: Citizen Adult 250, Child 100; Resident Adult 250, Child 100; Non-Resident Adult 2,000, Child 1,000. By road, turn right after the exit into Kibwezi town off A109 Mombasa Road onto a sign posted road that leads after 9 km to Kithasyo Gate.
While Kenya may not be as well-known for its caves as some other destinations, there are still some fascinating caving sites worth exploring. Before embarking on a caving expedition, it’s essential to ensure safety by going with a knowledgeable local guide, wearing appropriate gear, and being aware of potential hazards.
Index of Caves in Kenya
Baringo County - Lomechan Cave, Bomet County - Kipsegon Caves, Bungoma County - Elephant Calving Cave, Namunyu Cave, Busia County - Kakapel Rock Shelter, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Mela Cave, Kiplagoch Caves, Embu County - God's Bridge Cave, Kajiado County - Oloolua Caves, Suswa Caves, Enkapune Ya Muto, Kakamega County - Lirhanda Cave, The Mukai Stone Cave, Kericho County - Van Wicker's Caves, Bagao Caves, Relesic Cave, Chebulu Caves, Kiambu County - The Paradise Lost Cave, Kwale County - Fikirini Caves, Shimoni Caves, Machakos County - Hyena Caves, Makueni County - Kisula Caves, Meru County - Mucheene Cave, Liga Ria Ngutu, Migori County - Mugabo Caves, Nakuru County - Njoro Caves, Hell's Gate Caves, Nandi County - Ngabunat Cave, Taita Taveta County - Dawida Cave, Mwangeka Cave, Taita Skull Cave, Kenyatta Caves, Leviathan, Tharaka Nithi County - Inanduru Bat Cave, Trans Nzoia County - Kitum Cave, Macking’eny Cave, Ngwarishah Cave, Chepnyalil Cave, Kamariny Cave, Vihiga County - Mungoma Caves, Givavei Rock Cave, Wajir County - Shaletey
outlook
Flanked by the A109 Nairobi-Mombasa Road on its eastern flank, Makueni County is part of the Lower Eastern Kenya region. Major towns like Mtito Andei and Emali serve as trade hubs along the A109, the former being the traditional halfway stop and rest. Other towns enroute are; Sultan Hamud and Kibwezi. Home to Akamba people, it is so commonly referred to Ukambani – alongside Kitui and Machakos.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Kisula Caves
A Guide to Makueni County
A Summa Digest of Makueni
About Makueni Way Back When
50 Destinations in Makueni County, arranged as one would visit these - north, east, west then south - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mbooni Hills, Konza Technopolis, Kilima Kiu Manor, Mulima Dam, ACK Resort Salama, Makongo View Point, Katithini, Wote Green Public Park, Thwake Dam, R. Kaiti Bridge, Kampi ya Mawe, Kusyombunguo Hotel, Nzueni Hill, Nzaui Heritage Trail, Nzaui Rock, Mii Project, Makueni Cultural Center, AIC Kalamba, Kalamba Fruit Factory, Virgin Mary Rock, Emali Hills, Emali Trig, Ka Kindui Falls, Dare Devil's Rock, Kyanzizi Falls, Ilovoto Falls, Kyale Catholic Church, The Kenze Gorges, Kilungu Hills, Hunter's Lodge, Makindu Handicrafts, Makindu Sikh Temple, Mbiu Nzau Hills, Kambua Resort, Kivungoni Springs, Kibwezi Forest, Umani Springs, Chyulu Hills National Park, Kisula Caves, Tsavo West National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Yatta Plateau, Ngai Ndethya National Reserve, Kilalinda Conservancy, Tsavo Safari Camp, P. Cameron Camp, Patterson's Safari Camp
Know More About Makueni County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Makueni County’s terrain is generally low-lying, falling to 600 ms near Tsavo at the southern region. That is to also say, land rises from low-lying terrain of about 600 meters above sea level in the southern Tsavo area to higher elevations in the hills. Prominent ranges include the volcanic Chyulu Hills in the south-west, Mbooni Hills and Kilungu Hills.
Climate about Makueni varies based on altitude – with the north being cooler – 20oC to 24oC, while the south, more so during the dryer months, between May and October, experience generous heat.
