Kitulo National Park is a carefully protected area of montane grassland found on the Kitulo Plateau in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Outlandish The park seats at an elevation of 2,600 meters between the peak of Kipengere and Poroto mountains which covers an area of 412.9 square kilometres lying partly in the Mbeya Region and mostly in the region of Njombe. The park is under the administration of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and is the first national park in Africa working for the primary purpose of protecting flora in tropical Africa.
The park is utterly Bustani ya Mungu – The Garden of God as per locals narratives – while botanists pomp it as the Serengeti of Flowers, The Park host to ‘one of the great floral spectacles of the world earth. Without a doubt, Kitulo is indeed a rare botanical marvel. It is a particular home to 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid, which erupt notoriously into a riotous crazy wildflower that displays breathtaking scale numerously and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April in particular.
Situated at around 2,600 meters (8,500 ft) between the cracked peaks of the Livingstone Mountain and Kipengere, Poroto the well-watered volcanic soils of Kitulo support the varsity and most important montane grassland community basically in Tanzania.
As one of the most important watersheds for the Great Ruaha River, The Kitulo National park is significant for its floral significance around the area – not only a multitude of orchids but also the stunning yellow-orange red-hot poker, and a variety of aloes, proteas, giant lobelias, geraniums, lilies, and aster daisies, in which more than 30 species among them are endemic to southern Tanzania only.
The park presents a big game sparsely. Though a few hardy stubborn mountain reedbuck and eland still roam the open grassland graciously.
But Kitulo is a paradise for a botanist and hikers. Either way, it is utterly salt-liking to birdwatchers and for sure worth a visit. You can feature Afrozone Kingdom Safaris for your next African Safari Trip. Will will peculiarly handle outfitting for you. We are the Best Tour Operator in Tanzania for such kind of trip regardless.
Kitulo National Tanzania is the only place where a population of the rare Denhams outcropped and acts as residents. Either way alongside a breeding colony run of the endangered blue swallow. Eccentrically and such range-restricted species as mountain marsh widow. However Kipengere seedeater and Njombe Cristicola never left behind. Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard, and frog further manifest the biological wealth of God’s Garden.
About the Kitulo Plateau National Park
The Kitulo National Park covers an area size of 412.9 sq km and is located in Southern Tanzania.
The temporary park headquarters normally situated at Matamba is approximately 100km (60 miles) from Mbeya town.
Getting there
4×4 vehicles only. or Safari jeep
From Chimala, 78km to east Mbeya, you pass along the surfaced main road to Dar es Salaam. Again proceed south along the rough but spectacular road. Less to say, that road is called Hamsini na Saba (57). Essentially after the numerous hairpin bends along its length to the temporary park headquarters at Matamba, from there expect another hour’s drive to the plateau.
Basic and erratic public transport is available by the nature of the topography
What to do
Wonderful hiking trails exist and will soon be developed into formal trails. Either way, you can enjoy open walking across the grasslands to watch incredible wildflowers and birds. Lastly, you can climb the hill on the neighbouring ranges and enjoy the views infinitely. Incredibly after a half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains, you will surprisingly find yourself at the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa.
When to go
The Wildflower in this area displays its peak between December and April. Sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking but less rewarding to botanists.
The Weather conditions are always cold and foggy from June to August.