Perched at around 2,600m between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone mountains, the well watered volcanic soils of Kitulo support the largest and most important motane grassland community in Tanzania. It is one of the most important watersheds for the great Ruaha River. It is park well know in Africa for its floral significance. There are a multitude of orchids, aloes, proteas, geraniums- many species endemic to southern Tanzania.
There is hardly any big game at Kituvo, but the area is a botanist and hikers paradise. Good hiking trails exists that are soon to be expanded into formal trail system. A half day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa is a highlight.