Kitulo National Park
Southern Highlands Region
Kitulo National Park is a remarkable protected area located on the Kitulo Plateau in Tanzania's Southern Highlands, at an elevation of 2,600 meters. Covering over 400 square kilometers, it features montane grasslands and forests that burst into vibrant displays of over 350 plant species, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchids, during the wet season from November to April. This botanical paradise is renowned for its unique flora, with several species endemic to the plateau. The park also shelters rare mammals such as the endangered Kipunji monkey, discovered in 2005, Abbott's duiker, and the Rungwe dwarf galago. Birdwatchers can spot Tanzania's only population of Denham's Bustard, blue swallows, and other range-restricted species. Visitors enjoy hiking across grasslands, birdwatching, and hill climbing in the surrounding mountain ranges, with trails leading to scenic locations like Lake Nyasa's Matema beach. Managed by TANAPA, Kitulo stands out as Africa's first national park primarily established for flora conservation, offering a unique blend of botanical richness and wildlife diversity.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kitulo National Park is during the wet season from November to April, when the grasslands are in full floral bloom. Visitors are advised to book park entry and guided hikes in advance through TANAPA to ensure availability. Hiking trails are well developed, but sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars for spotting rare species. While there are no specific ticket price details here, discounts may be available for students, children, and groups. Combining a visit with a hike to Matema beach on Lake Nyasa offers a rewarding full-day experience.
Zajímavosti
- •Kitulo National Park is the first national park in tropical Africa established primarily to protect flora.
- •Locals call the Kitulo Plateau 'Bustani ya Mungu' meaning 'The Garden of God'.
- •The park hosts over 350 plant species, including 45 terrestrial orchids.
- •The endangered Kipunji monkey was discovered in the park's Livingstone Forest in 2005.
- •Plains zebra, once extinct in the area, were reintroduced in 2018 and have successfully bred.
- •The park supports Tanzania's only population of Denham’s Bustard, a rare bird species.
Historie
Kitulo National Park was officially gazetted in 2005 as Tanzania's fourteenth national park, following proposals by the Wildlife Conservation Society to protect its unique flora from threats such as orchid tuber trade, hunting, and logging.
The park's establishment was announced in 2002 by President Benjamin Mkapa.
It incorporates former forest reserves including the Livingstone and Ndumbi forests.
In 2005, the park gained international attention with the discovery of the Kipunji monkey, the first new African primate species identified in 20 years.
Since its creation, Kitulo has been recognized for its botanical significance and potential future expansion to include adjacent Mount Rungwe forests.
Průvodce po místě
Kitulo Plateau Grasslands
The expansive montane grasslands are famed for their spectacular wildflower displays during the wet season, featuring endemic orchids and Afroalpine plants.
Livingstone Forest
A large montane evergreen forest descending the southwest slopes, home to rare mammals including the Kipunji monkey and Abbott's duiker.
Ndumbi Forest and Waterfall
Montane evergreen forest containing East African Cedar trees and featuring a 100-meter waterfall, located at the park's eastern end.
Hiking Trails and Matema Beach
Developed trails allow visitors to explore grasslands and forests, with a half-day hike leading across the Livingstone Mountains to the scenic Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa.