Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park is a highland grassland and montane forest reserve located in the southern highlands of Tanzania, covering an area of 412.9 square kilometers. Part of the park lies in the Mbeya Region and part in the Iringa Region. The reserve mainly comprises the Kitulo Plateau and the nearby Livingstone Forest.

Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as Bustani ya Mungu, meaning "God's Garden," while botanists call it the "flower of the Serengeti" and one of "the great floral spectacles of the world." As one of the important watersheds of the Ruaha River, Kitulo is renowned for its rich vegetation—not only orchids but also astonishing yellow and orange flame lilies, as well as various species of tree heath, geraniums, lobelias, and daisies, over 30 of which are native to southern Tanzania. Large mammals are rare, though you may spot some reedbucks and greater kudus roaming the open grasslands.

Kitulo National Park is not only a paradise for botanists and hikers but also attracts numerous birdwatchers. It is home to Tanzania’s only population of the rare Denham’s bustard, a breeding site for the endangered blue swallow, as well as region-specific species such as the mountain marsh widowbird, Kipengere pipit, and churring cisticola. The area also hosts native butterflies, chameleons, lizards, and frogs, adding even more biodiversity to the "Garden of God."

Kitulo National Park

Must-see reason: Tanzania’s most stunning botanical landscape

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Tanzania[Tanzania]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Mbeya and Iringa Regions [Mbeya and Iringa Regions]