What is the 'Garden of God'?

It is the local name (Bustani ya Mungu) for the Kitulo Plateau, protected as Kitulo National Park, a high montane grassland famed for its spectacular wildflower and orchid displays and dubbed the 'Serengeti of Flowers' by botanists.

When should I visit Kitulo for the flowers?

The wildflowers bloom during the wet season, roughly late November to April, which is the best time to see the plateau in full colour, though the roads can be muddy and a 4x4 is advisable.

Is the Mbeya region a safari destination?

Not in the classic big-game sense; the Southern Highlands are about hiking, crater lakes, wildflowers, tea estates and Lake Nyasa's beaches, making the region ideal for nature lovers and independent travellers rather than traditional game drives.

How do I get to Mbeya?

You can fly from Dar es Salaam to Songwe Airport (MBI) near Mbeya, or travel overland on the TAZARA Railway or long-distance buses along the Tanzam Highway; the town is also close to the Zambian and Malawian borders.

Destination guide

Mbeya Highlands

Tanzania's cool, green Southern Highlands, home to Kitulo's 'Garden of God', crater lakes and the shores of Lake Nyasa.

What's happening

Events & festivals

Late November to April (annual)

Kitulo wildflower season

The plateau bursts into carpets of orchids and wildflowers during the rains, the prime time to visit the 'Garden of God'.

June to October (annual)

Dry-season hiking

Clear skies and firm trails make the dry months ideal for climbing Rungwe, Ngozi and the Mbeya peaks.

8 August (annual)

Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)

A major event in this farming region, celebrated with large agricultural fairs and exhibitions in Mbeya.

Roughly May to October (annual)

Coffee and tea harvest

The highland harvest season brings activity to the estates around Mbeya and Tukuyu.

9 December (annual)

Uhuru (Independence Day)

National independence celebrations with parades and public events across the region.