Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands Conservation Program conserves key upland habitats and endangered species across southwest Tanzania. Lying between Lake Nyasa/Malawi and Lake Tanganyika the area is on the junction of the eastern and western arms of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Sites of particular interest include Kitulo Plateau, Mt Rungwe, Uporoto, Ufipa, Mpanga Kipengere and the Livingstone Mountains. It comprises of unique mosaic of plateau grasslands montane and miombo woodland forests. Dozens of species of Flora and Fauna are endemic to the area and most are globally threatened. The mountains and forests are vital to national and local economies through soil conservation and water catchment. It’s natural resource and ecosystem value contribute to agriculture sector through crop pollination, water and climate change mitigation. The Southern Highlands are ethnically diverse. Many cultures are closely tied to their environment and the landscapes have great traditional significance.