KITULO NATIONAL PARK

Locals refer as Bustani ya Mungu – The Garden of God – with size of 412.9 sq km , a rare botanical marvel, home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid, which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April.

Kitulo is well known for its floral significance – not only a multitude of orchids, but also the stunning yellow-orange red-hot poker and a variety of aloes, proteas, geraniums, giant lobelias, lilies and aster daisies, of which more than 30 species are endemic to southern Tanzania.

Big game is sparsely represented, though a few hardy mountain reedbuck and eland still roam the open grassland.

But Kitulo – a botanist and hiker’s paradise – is also highly alluring to birdwatchers.

Tanzania’s only population of the rare Denham’s bustard is resident, alongside a breeding colony of the endangered blue swallow and such range-restricted species as mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola and Kipengere seed eater.

Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard and frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden.

Activities in Kitulo:

Hiking, bird watching & wild flower watching

Time to visit

Wildflower displays peak between December and April.
The sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking but less rewarding to botanists.
Conditions are cold and foggy from June to August.

Getting to Kitulo:

Road: 2 hours drive from Mbeya

Accommodation
There is no accommodation in the park as yet, but very basic accommodation and meals are available at the adjacent Kitulo Farm.Mbeya is serviced by everything from luxury hotels to simple guesthouses, while two simple guesthouses also exist in Matamba.

Contact Wildness Safari for further information & booking for tailor made packages, accommodations & pricing for Kitulo: CONTACT NOW

MUFINDI HIGHLANDS

Mufindi located in the Southern Highlands of Iringa District at an altitude of around 6700ft offer a cool temperate climate not generally expected in Africa.

Mufindi is an area of stunning beauty located above the Great Rift Valley in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania between the main towns of Iringa and Mbeya.

The country side is spectacularly undulating ending abruptly at the 2000ft rift valley escarpment. The area has stunning scenery, dark thick montane rainforest and pristine tea estates interlaced with lakes, rivers and streams.

Activities in Mufindi

Scenic view of lush tea estates and forested land by walking, driving, mountain biking and horse back riding, visiting local tea farmers & villages, visiting orphanage centers, fishing & golfing.

With a glimpse of Tanzanian culture and an array of activities to choose from, this Southern Highlands tour will be unforgettable!

Accommodations in Mufindi

Mufindi Highland Lodge: 9 log cabins overlooking lake and golf coarse at altitude of 6,000ft and rooms are spacious and comfortable with en suite shower with hot water, toilet & basin.

Matamba Farm Cottages: comfortable family accommodation in self contained cottages with open fireplaces and delightful private garden, with delicious home cooked meals.

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KILOMBERO VALLEY

Kilombero valley is a unique and complex area, the site is amongst the largest seasonal wetland in East Africa, and this wetland is an important source of nutrients and sediment for the downstream area.

It observed that Kilombero valley has one endemic species of Crocodile called Crocodylus niloticus and endemic population of Colobus Monkey.

Also Kilombero valley contains a property population of Puku antelope which are only found in 18 locations in Africa and 3 endemic bird species namely weaverbird and 2 Cisticolla species.

During the wet seasons, it is an important spawning area for many kinds of fish in Rufiji River.

In Kilombero valley in short study it observed that there are 27 types of fish. More study is needed to confirm the observation.

Activities: Bird watching, Canoeing & Cultural tour

Dry Season in Kilombero:

June – Mid November: Best time to visit

December – February: Humid & Hot: Good time to visit.

Rainy Season in Kilombero:

Mid November – Mid December: Short Rain: Wonderful for birdlife and lush scenery

April – May: Heavy rain: Wonderful for birdlife and lush scenery but many roads become impassable after heavy rains.

Getting to Kilombero :

By Road : 1 hour drive from Udzungwa

Accommodations in Kilombero

Accommodations are available in Udzungwa & Ifakara

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MATEMA

Is a town in southwestern Tanzania and the town is primarily a fishing village with some agriculture. It is located on the northern tip of Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) and is 90 kilometers (straight line distance) south-east of Mbeya.
Situated at the foot of the Livingstone Mountains, Matema village looks over a superb beach which nestles around the north of Lake Nyasa.

However be careful if swimming as hippo and crocodiles frequent the area near the rivermouth. Also check for reports of bilharzia.

The area is renowned for the pottery of the Kisi tribe and the market south of Matema is an important trade centre for these pots. Dug outs can be hired to the far shore where there is good snorkeling and also to the pottery market.

On the northeastern side of Lake Nyasa are found the Livingstone Mountains, which are among the most spectacular in all Tanzanian – 5000 feet of sheer rockface, meadows and waterfalls. Other nearby attractions include the old German Mission stations of Milo and Peramiho.

Accommodations in Matema :

Matema Beach View Lutheran Centre: the guesthouses are African-thatched cottages, all situated on the beach and are self contained. They are made of bamboo, wood and bricks. The windows have mosquito wire; therefore you will always enjoy a nice lake breeze. Providing accommodations for 100 People – 6 cottages with double beds for couples, 3 cottages with twin beds. 3 double cottages with twin beds, 1 cottage with triple beds, 1 cottage with Quadra beds.

Matema Lake Shore resort: the guesthouses with presently 8 rooms self contained. Rooms have capacity from double room up to 5 beds. Double storey house rooms have a balcony.

Contact Wildness Safari for further information & booking for tailor made packages, accommodations & pricing for Matema: CONTACT NOW