Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as the Garden of God, while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers — host to one of the great floral spectacles of the world. Tanzania’s newest national park is indeed a rare botanical marvel: home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid, which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season, from late November to April.
Perched at around 2,600 metres (8,500 feet) between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone Mountains, the well-watered volcanic soils of Kitulo support the largest and most important watershed for the Great Ruaha River. Kitulo is also the first national park in tropical Africa to be gazetted largely for its floral significance — not only a multitude of orchids, but also the stunning yellow-to-orange red-hot poker, and a variety of aloes, proteas, geraniums, giant lobelias, lilies and aster daisies, of which more than 30 species are endemic to southern Tanzania.
Big game is sparsely represented, though a few hardy mountain reedbuck and eland still roam the open grassland. But Kitulo — a botanist’s and hiker’s paradise — is also highly alluring to bird watchers. Tanzania’s only population of the rare Denham’s bustard is resident, alongside a breeding colony of the endangered blue swallow and such range-restricted species as the mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola and Kipengere seedeater. Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard and frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden.
What to Do There?
Good hiking trails exist, and will soon be developed into a formal trail system. Open walking across the grassland to watch birds and wildflowers, and hill climbing on the neighbouring ranges. A half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa.
Our proud guides for walking safaris!
Best Time to Visit
Wildflower displays peak between December and April. The sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking, but less rewarding for botanists. Conditions are cold and foggy from June to August. The park is located in southern Tanzania; the temporary park headquarters at Matamba are situated approximately 100km (60 miles) from Mbeya town. The park covers about 442 square kilometres (172 square miles).
Accommodation
Mbeya is serviced by everything from luxury hotels to simple guest houses, while two simple guest houses also exist in Matamba. Three special campsites are planned within the park, catering to fully equipped campers. Two moderately priced church-run hostels are situated on Matema Beach.
WELCOME — AND VISIT OUR NATURE!
WELCOME AND ENJOY OUR ADVENTURE WITH OBADIA TOURS & EXPLORER SAFARIS!!