Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park, located in the western area in Katavi Region of Tanzania, is one of the most untouched areas in the entire country. It offers un-spoilt wildlife viewing in the country’s third-largest national park, in a remote location far off the beaten track. The national park is Africa at its most wild — unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich wildlife
The Park was established in 1974. It acquiring 4,471Km2, is the 3rd largest national park in Tanzania.
With three sources of water from Katuma River, Lake Katavi, and Lake Chada floodplains.
The Park has to offer good untamed wildlife including Cape Buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and elephants. And the good sightings of population of predators like cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards, lions and crocodile, and an unusual antelope species, like sable and roan. The shoreline of Katavi is home to large flocks of open-billed and saddle-billed storks, spoonbills, crested cranes, and pink-backed pelicans.
Very exclusive and doesn’t get crowded, and the largest concentration of crocodile, hippos and buffalos are the huge attraction of the park. Are considered as the best option for those explorers who really want to get into the wilds of Africa. The mesmerizing sunset of the national park is worth watching once in a lifetime.
The national park is named after an incredible seeker, a legendary hunter, Katabi and it’s believed that the tamarind tree near Lake Katavi inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi.
GETTING THERE
The best way to get to Katavi is by a flight. But depending on your itinerary and your entry point to the country will either be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ)
- By scheduled or Charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha
- By road, a long drive but spectacular drive from Mbeya or Kigoma or from Iringa
- It is possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar via Tabora, then meet your driver and proceed to Sitalike Katavi National Park,
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Katavi is a classic National Park can be visited all year round.
- May to October and December to February, the animals congregate around the water bodies, vegetation is thin, so animals are easier to spot, it is clear and sunny – rain is very rare, and Malaria risk is lowered because there are fewer mosquitoes
- November to April, the scenery is superb, adventurous to visitors, and Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its prime
- During the Dry season, the Katuma River is reduced to a narrow stream, and the floodplains become a magnet for wildlife
ACCOMMODATIONS
Katavi National Park has only a few accommodations located inside the Park from budget to Semi-luxury camps. If you are a budget traveller you can go for the budget tented camp, Rest-house, Katavi bandas, and camping as options.
WHAT TO DO
- Wildlife Safari and Birding Safari
- Boating and canoeing Safari
- Filming and Photographic Safari
- Walking safari, Camping Safari, Outdoor Lunch and dimmer service
