Located at an altitude of 2,600 metres between the rocky peaks of Kipengere, Poroto and the Livingston Mountains. The park is one of Africa’s most important nature reserves, with grasslands and forests. Botanists call it the “Serengeti of flowers”, which gives you an idea of the park’s appeal.
Large mammals are scarce in Kitulo National Park, as flora dominates the landscape by far. The park is home to around 400 plant species that live in the mountain grasslands. The plateau shelters more than 45 species of orchids, aloes, geophytes, etc. The dry season runs from November to April, and this is when the grasslands are in bloom.
Hiking in Kitulo National Park
Good hiking trails are available, with the option of wandering through the meadows to observe the birds as well as the wild flowers. You will also have the chance to climb the nearby peaks.
Kitulo National Park, rich in wild flowers, birds and herbivorous mammals, is a privileged place for hikes in Tanzania. Several mountain tribes roam the park’s grasslands in search of orchids.
Animals of Kitulo
The forest is home to the Kipunji monkey, an endangered primate that Western zoologists only discovered in 2003. But Kitulo is also a paradise for ornithologists. It is home to Tanzania’s only population of Denham’s bustard and rare species such as the blue swallow (an endangered species).
During your visit to the park you will have the opportunity to observe various animals such as:
- Blue swallow
- Eland
- Mountain cobe
- Chalk falcon
- Kipunji monkey
- Chameleon
- Birds and butterflies
When should you visit Kitulo nature reserve?
The flowering period is from December to April. The sunny months from September to November are perfect for hiking, but less pleasant for botanists. From June to August, the weather is cold and cloudy.
How to get to Kitulo National Park?
The best way to get to Kitulo is from Mbeya, and you should allow for a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
However, it will take you 5 hours 30 minutes if you wish to set off from Iringa.
Where to sleep?
Kitulo National Park does not yet have accommodation for visitors. However, you can find all kinds of lodging in the town of Mbeya, from luxury hotels to guesthouses. There are also special campsites for the best-equipped campers.
Park Fees
Here are the entrance fees for Kitulo National Park:
- $35 per adult
- $12 for children between 6 and 16 years old
- Free for children aged 5 and under
