Tourist Activities to do Kitulo National Park : Kitulo National Park is a designated area rich in high-altitude grassland and forest located on Kitulo Plateau in Tanzania’s Southern highlands. It sits at about 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) above the sea level. The park is situated between the peaks of the Kipengere and Poroto mountains and covers an area of 412.9 square kilometres, across the Mbeya and Njombe Regions. The park is administered by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and is the first national park in tropical Africa to be established primarily to protect its flora.
People in the region often refer to the Kitulo Plateau as “Bustani ya Mungu” (“The Garden of God”), while botanist’s have referred to it as the “Serengeti of Flowers”. This stunning park was gazetted in 2005 and Host one of the greatest floral spectacles of the world with 350 species of Vascular plants. Including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid. More so, Kitulo National Park is home to a variety of wildlife such as bush duiker, klipspringer, abbots’ duiker, mountain reedbuck, bushbuck, Rungwe galago, zebras, black and white colobus monkeys and impalas among others
Kitulo National Park is an important bird area (IBA) with wintering site for various bird species from South Africa and Europe. Some species from north Africa, abdim’s stock in particular use Kitulo as a wintering area. the plateau is also a home of breeding colonies of blue swallow and Denham’s bustard. Other endemic bird’s species includes: lesser kestrel, pallid harrier, cisticola Njombe, Kipengere seedeater and Uhehe fiscal, a number of waterbirds can be found at Dhambwe crater lake. these are: yellow billed-duck, white-faced whistling ducks, common teal, open-billed stocks and red knobbed coot.
However, this article details some of the exciting tourism activities to do while on a Tanzania safari in Kitulo National Park. They include;
Game drives
Visiting Kitulo National Park for game viewing allows tourists to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural surroundings. While the park is best known for its beautiful flowers, it also has many animals, including different types of antelope like the endangered Kudu and roan antelopes that can often be seen in the grasslands. On your safari, you might encounter other mammals living in the park, such as cape buffalo, elephants, leopards, African wild dogs, Bush duiker, Klipspringer, Abbot’s duiker, Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Rungwe Galago, Zebras, Black and white colobus monkeys and Impalas. The park’s open spaces provide great visibility for watching these animals as they go about their daily activities, especially in the early morning and late afternoon when they are most lively. Taking guided game drives helps visitors explore the park’s varied landscapes, which increases the chances of spotting wildlife.
Bird watching
Birdwatching at Kitulo National Park is an exciting experience for both new and seasoned explorers. The park is home to over 200 different bird species, providing a crucial environment for various types of birds. Visitors on a birdwatching trip can discover unique local birds that are only found in Kitulo, as well as migratory birds from South Africa and Europe. You can enjoy birdwatching at spots like Lake Dhambwe, the grassy plains, and Nhumbe Valley, with the best times to see birds being early in the morning and during the evening. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot different bird species such as includes Abdim’s stock, blue swallow, Denham’s bustard, Lesser kestrel, Pallid Harrier, Cisticola Njombe, Kipengere Seedeater, Uhehe fiscal, Yellow billed-duck, White-faced whistling ducks, Common teal, Open-billed stocks, Red knobbed coot among others.
Guided nature walk
Guided nature walk in Kitulo National Park provide a hands-on way for visitors to discover the park’s special plants and animals up close. This activity is done through the grassland, the mountain ridges and forest in the park. during your nature walk tour, you can enjoy the beautiful meadows filled with bright colors and lovely scents. Along the trails, you might spot unique species and hear the cheerful sounds of wildlife around you such as Abbot’s duiker, Mountain Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Rungwe Galago, Zebras, Black and white colobus monkeys, different bird species as well as colorful wild flowers among others
Hiking safari
Kitulo National Park is one of the best hiking destinations in Tanzania. this incredible activity to normally done along Matamba ridge, numerous waterfalls, Mtorwi peak (2961 M). While on your hiking safari, you’ll have an opportunity to experience the beautiful wild flowers up-close and personal as well as encountering diverse wildlife species that call the park home.
Wild flower watching
Kitulo National Park is commonly called the “Serengeti of Flowers” because of its breathtaking wildflower displays that come to life during the rainy season, which runs from November to April. This park is like a massive flower garden, boasting more than 40 different types of ground orchids. If you want to enjoy the beauty of wildlife flowers, the rainy season starting in November is the perfect time to visit.
Cycling
Cycling is a fun way for tourists to explore Kitulo National Park while on a safari in Tanzania. The park has several nice trails that connect different attractions, making it easy to ride around. There are two different park connector loops for our visitors. The route is 22km, starts from Mwakipembo entrance gate and passes through Nguzo Mbili, Uwanda picnic site, Mlivili cave, Mwakipembo waterfall and back to Mwakipembo gate.
Photography safaris
Kitulo National Park is a fantastic place for anyone who loves photography, thanks to its amazing scenery and wide range of animals. The park really shines during the blooming season when the beautiful flowers, especially the Orchids, attract those wanting to take close-up photos. The vast grasslands and stunning mountain views make for great pictures of the landscape as well. While you’re out exploring, you’ll also have the opportunity to photograph unique wildlife, including rare birds and animals grazing in the fields.
Best time to visit Kitulo National Park
The ideal time to visit Kitulo National Park is from December to April, which is when Tanzania experiences its rainy season. This is an exciting period as the park transforms into a vibrant display of colors with thousands oof wildflowers blooming everywhere. For thill-seekers looking for a safari adventures, the dry season from may to October, is the perfect time to plan game drives, hikes and natures walks.
Best accommodations facilities in Kitulo National Park
The park has cottage rooms with Shower, a double or single bed inside the park area, prior booking is advised. There is only one public campsite is available namely Mwakipembo campsite and is equipped with shower block and toilets, an indoor dining area and an outdoor fire place area. Tourists while on a Tanzania safari in Kitulo National Park can also opt to stay in the near by towns like in Matamba small town. some of the accommodation options here includes Mtanganyika lodge Ngogo lodge, Kitulo gods garden, Eden motel and Utengule coffee Farm Lodge, New modern Mbeya hotel, Mdope hotel, Hill view at Mbeya city.
