The history of Kitulo National Park traces back to 1870 when explorer Fredrick Elton first set foot in the area. In the 1960s, a substantial portion of the land was allocated for United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization projects, focusing on wheat and sheep schemes. However, as neither wheat nor sheep flourished in the region, the land was transformed into a dairy farm in 1972. This dairy farm has remained operational and productive to this day.

Amid growing concerns from conservation entities and various stakeholders, a significant part of the farm, including Livingstone and Nhumbe Forest Reserves, was officially declared Kitulo National Park on September 16, 2005. This marked a pivotal step in preserving the unique ecological characteristics of the region.

Kitulo National Park’s climate is heavily influenced by factors such as altitude and Lake Nyasa, resulting in a predominantly temperate climate. Maximum daily temperatures fluctuate between 14.5°C and 18°C, while minimum ambient temperatures range from 7°C to 8°C, particularly from December to April. The colder months, from June to August, can see temperatures drop as low as 0.5°C, leading to frost occurrences.

The park experiences an average annual rainfall of 1,600mm, with variations between 1,500mm and 1,700mm. The rainy season typically spans from October to May. Kitulo National Park stands as a testament to the delicate balance between conservation efforts and sustainable land use, preserving the area’s ecological integrity for future generations to appreciate and cherish. Book with us