The Kitulo Plateau

Around 75kms East of Mbeya you turn off the Tanzam Highway and take the dirt road to Matamba, gateway to the Kitulo National Park. Kitulo was the first area in East Africa to be given National Park status because of its flora. It reaches elevations of around 8,500 feet and is surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone Mountains. It is one of the most important montane grassland areas in Tanzania.

December and April are the best time to view the Park's botanical splendour when you will see orchids, yellow-orange red hot poker and a variety of aloes, proteas, geraniums, giant lobelias, lilies and aster daisies, many unique to this part of Tanzania

Big game is scarce but visitors interested in birdlife will not be disappointed.

The sunnier months of September to November are the best time for hiking but less rewarding for botanists. It is also possible to hike from the plateau, across the Livingstone Mountains and down to Matema Beach on the shores of Lake Nyssa.