Southern Circuit

Size 412.9 sq km (156. 902 sq miles)

Location

Southern Tanzania.The temporary park headguarters at Matamba are situated approximately 100km (60 miles) from Mbeya town.

Getting there

4x4 only. From Chimala, 78km east of Mbeya along the surfaced main road to Der es salama, head south along the rough but spectacular dirt road - called Hamsini na saba ( 57) after the number of hairpin bends along its length – to the temporary park headguarters at Matamba, from where it’s half an hour drive to the plateau. Basic and erratic public transport is available.

To do

Good hiking trails exist and will soon be developed into a formal trail system. Open walking across the grasslands to watch birds and wildflowers. Hill climbing on the neighbouring ranges. A half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa.

Best time

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

Accommodation

Mbeya is serviced by everything from luxury hotels to simple guesthouses, while two simple guesthouses also exist in Matamba. There is no accommodation in the park. Three special campsites are planned within the park. Catering to fully eguipped campers.Two moderately priced church-run hostels are situated on Matema Beach.

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