The garden of God in Kitulo national park : The Kitulo Plateau is referred to locally as “Bustani ya Mungu,” or “The Garden of God.” This lovely name fits the description perfectly. One of the greatest floral spectacles in the world occurs when soft rolling valleys on a high plateau in the chilly uplands of southern Tanzania burst into a seasonal exuberance of blooms and color. It has a 413 sq. km. area and was designated a National Park in 2005. The well-watered volcanic soils of Kitulo, which are situated at an elevation of around 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) between the rough peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto, and Livingstone Mountains, are home to the largest and most significant montane grassland and floral ecosystem in Tanzania. The incredible diversity of wild flowers that flourish in these grasslands bloom between December and April.
A riotous wildflower show of astounding magnitude and diversity is produced by more than 350 species of plants, including 45 different types of terrestrial orchids. During this time, flowers actually cover the gently undulating slopes and valleys. Wild flowers, birds, and some antelope and zebra are some of Kitulo’s top attractions.
The forests on the park’s western side are home to a new species of monkey that was found there in 2005. Kipunji is the current name for this species of mangabey. Because uncommon species like the Denham’s bustard, blue swallow, mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola, and Kipengere seedeater are present in Kitulo along with more common species, the area is a bird watcher’s dream. Further to God’s Garden’s biological diversity are its endemic species of frog, chameleon, lizard, and butterfly.
In addition to its natural features, the Kitulo Plateau serves as a natural resting place for migratory birds traveling over international borders, such the great white stork, who is headed to Europe. These large, gorgeous birds make a brief break in this park before continuing their lengthy trek across the continent.
A montane evergreen forest known as the Livingstone forest descends the park’s southwest-facing slope. It is also the largest forest block in the Kipengere Range and the largest in the park. Between the upper montane forests and the high altitude grasslands are bamboo (Yushania alpina) tangles. The old Livingstone Forest Reserve (240.34 km2), which was added to the national park in 2005, contains the Livingstone Forest. The Livingstone Forest and the Mount Rungwe forests are separated by the Bujingijila Gap, a small area of farms and plantations.
Additionally, there are forests of East African Cedar and montane evergreens in the Ndumbi forest, which is located at the eastern edge of Kitulo National Park (Juniperus procera). 1956 saw the creation of the 27.71 km2 Ndumbi Valley Forest Reserve, which was later merged into the 2005 creation of the national park. Another attraction in the Ndumbi woodland is a 100-meter waterfall.
There are numerous ways to access the park. Via Road; to get – Chimala town, take the A104 Dar es Salaam to Mbeya road. Mbeya is 78 miles away from Chimala, and Dar is 750 km away. Take a graveled route from Chimala to Matamba (42 km). “Hamsini na Saba,” or “Fifty-Seven,” a very difficult road, goes up through 57 hairpin turns. At Matamba, where there is a public campground, lies the park gate. About 11 miles separate Matamba from the park itself. On the Mbeya-Tukuyu route, access is also accessible via Isyonje. Additionally, Air offers regularly scheduled flights to Mbeya, from which ground transportation to Kitulo must be arranged, The garden of God in Kitulo national park
You can engage in a variety of activities while in the park, such as walking safaris through the grasslands and watching birds and enjoying wild flowers. Those who enjoy hiking can hike further during the day on the adjacent ranges, which offer breathtaking views of Lake Nyasa and its stunning Matema Beach below the mountains, or they can go hill walking to many waterfalls in the Park, including one that is 100 meters high.
The rainier months of December through April are when flowers are in bloom. Mountains and plains are frequently enveloped in mist and clouds from May through August, which makes vision lessen. These increase near the end of the dry season, which runs from September to November. At this time of year, the mountains and valleys are drenched in sunshine and the air is crystal pure.
Kitulo National Park is a location that will appeal to a wide range of tourists, including daring people traveling across Tanzania by road and seasoned wilderness and wildlife lovers who will want to add it to their safari itinerary since it is so distinct from other big game areas. It is easily accessible for tourists traveling the southern circuit of Tanzania’s national parks as it is located near to the Mbeya airport and just south of Ruaha National Park.
The Park Headquarters in Matamba provide camping facilities. Matamba and Chimala both offer basic B&B lodging, but Mbeya town offers a more luxurious setting.
