How to get to Kitulo National Park

How to get to Kitulo National Park, Kitulo National Park is situated in the montane grassland and montane forest of the Kitulo Plateau in Tanzania’s southern highlands. The park is situated at an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) between the Kipengere and Poroto mountain peaks, including an area of 412.9 square kilometers (159.4 square miles) inside the Mbeya and Njomb Regions. The park is administered by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and is the inaugural national park in tropical Africa established solely for the preservation of its flora. Kitulo National Park was officially designated on July 19, 2005. The creation of this park was crucial for safeguarding its unique ecology and species, especially in light of the escalating threats from agricultural encroachment and habitat deterioration.

Accessing Kitulo National Park can be achieved by multiple modes of transportation, including air, road, or train.

By Air

Kitulo National Park is situated 817 kilometers from Dar es Salaam and 78 kilometers east of Mbeya. A multitude of tourists opt to reach Kitulo National Park through a combination of air travel and driving. Initially, one may board a flight from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya, which has a duration of approximately one and a half hours. Upon your arrival in Mbeya, the park remains 78 kilometers distant. You must drive for approximately two further hours to arrive at the park’s headquarters in Matamba. Charter flights are available from either Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Mbeya.

By road

The travel from Dar es Salaam to Kitulo National Park is lengthy, around 14 hours, resulting in considerable fatigue. You may either operate your personal vehicle or utilize a public bus that travels to Mbeya, with a transfer at Chimala. Upon arriving in Mbeya, you must proceed along a rough road known as Hamsini na Sab. This road features numerous tight curves; yet, the vistas are undoubtedly rewarding. You will ultimately reach the park’s headquarters and subsequently drive for an additional hour to arrive at the plateau. During the dry season, one may also choose to drive 390 kilometers from Kigoma to reach Kitulo National Park.

Via train

An alternative method of reaching Kitulo National Park is by train. Travelers can journey by train from Dar es Salaam to Tabora, a duration of approximately 8 hours. Upon arriving in Tabora, you must utilize road transportation to complete your journey to the park.

What is the climate of Kitulo National Park?

The climate is affected by height and Lake Nyasa, and is predominantly temperate. The highest daily temperature fluctuates between 14.5°C and 18°C, while the minimum ambient temperature ranges from 7°C to 8°C from December to April. During June to August, temperatures can drop to as low as 0.5°C, resulting in frost formation during this period. The mean annual precipitation is 1600mm, with a range of 1500 to 1700mm. The rainy season commences in October and concludes in May.