Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s last remaining wilderness frontiers—remote, raw, and rarely visited. Located in the far west of the country near Mpanda, this vast national park spans 4,471 square kilometres of untouched savannah, floodplains, rivers, and miombo woodlands. Established in 1974, Katavi remains off the beaten track and offers a profoundly authentic safari experience far removed from the crowds of northern Tanzania.
Explore the magnificent landscapes in search of wildlife in a safari vehicle or set off on foot to discover the details of the bush. At Kanuth Adventures, we are genuinely thrilled to be part of your holiday, and we invite you to explore this hidden gem, where nature still rules and every safari feels like a private adventure.
Brief history of the park
According to local legend, the park is named after the Wabende spirit, katabi, who lives in a tamarind tree near Lake Katavi. Locals looking for blessings from his spirit still leave offerings at the foot of the tree. It was gazetted in 1974 with an area of 2,253 km2, followed by the annexation of 2,218 km2 in 1997, making a total area of 4,471 km2.
Getting there
- By Air: Private flight that lands at Mpanda airport, Sitalike airstrip or Ikuu airstrip inside the park. Also, there is a public flight three times a week from Dar es Salaam.
- By Road: From either Dar es Salaam via Mbeya (1513km), Dar es Salaam via Tabora (1392km), Arusha via Tabora (1015.7km) or Mwanza via Tabora-Inyonga (741km)
- By Rail: It is also possible to reach Mpanda by train from Dar es Salaam via Tabora, then catch a public transport to Sitalike, where a game drive can be arranged. From Mpanda to Sitalike Gate, it is only 38 km.
The Best time to visit Katavi National Park
– Dry Season (June to October): The best time for wildlife viewing. Water sources shrink, and animals gather in large numbers. Roads are accessible, and game viewing is at its peak.
– Green Season (November to April): The landscape turns lush and green. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching and scenery photography, though wildlife is more spread out, and road travel can be difficult.
What Makes Katavi Special?
Its remoteness and low visitor numbers create an unmatched solitude and exclusivity. This is one of the few places in Africa where you might drive for hours and not see another vehicle, just wildlife and broad horizons.
During the dry season, the park’s river systems shrink to muddy pools, forcing animals to gather in extraordinary numbers. You can witness over a thousand buffalo in a single herd, see hippos crammed by the hundreds into drying waterholes, and experience the thrill of watching lions, leopards, and hyenas hunt as the tension of survival intensifies.
Wildlife Highlights in Katavi National Park
Katavi offers some of the most intense and unfiltered wildlife encounters in Africa. Key species include:
- Buffalo – Giant herds, sometimes over 1,000 strong
- Elephants – Large groups near rivers and floodplains
- Lions – Often seen hunting buffalo
- Leopards – Stealthy predators spotted in woodlands
- Hippos & Crocodiles – Crowded around shrinking pools
- Giraffes, zebras, topis, waterbucks, and impalas
- Rare sightings: Roan antelope, sable antelope, African wild dogs
Key Attractions
The volume of game in Katavi is outstanding. Huge herds of buffalo and vast lion prides duel daily, whilst hippos and crocodiles gather in pods and nests not found elsewhere in Africa. The huge hippo pool can accommodate at its peak, and nowhere else in Africa do crocodiles hibernate in numbers as dense as they do here.
Flood plains, reeds and dense waterways are home to a colossal hippo and various birds. The forest canopies shroud her buffalo and elephants. This park is also home to the rare roan and sable antelope species, and it’s a must-see for visitors intending to explore the wilds of the continent. Buffalo, elephant and zebra are the most abundant. Each population boasts thousands and thousands of individuals, and herds of buffalo are often triple the size one would find in the Serengeti.
Katisunga Floodplains
These vast, golden plains are Katavi’s heart. They become a bustling wildlife hub in the dry season, hosting large numbers of buffalo, zebra, elephants, and predators.
Katuma River and Seasonal Lakes
The Katuma River, Lake Katavi, and Lake Chada attract wildlife during the dry season. Hippos jostle in tight pools, crocodiles lurk on the banks, and birds gather in colourful flocks.
Crocodile Caves
Located near the riverbanks, these caves are used by crocodiles during the dry season and are a unique geological and ecological feature of the park.
Birdwatching Havens
With over 400 bird species, including fish eagles, storks, kingfishers, and the rare Pel’s fishing owl, Katavi is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Tamarind tree
A tamarind tree near Lake Katavi holds significant cultural importance. Locals believe that the spirit of Katabi, a legendary hunter named after the park, resides within the tree. Visitors and locals often leave offerings at the tree’s base, seeking Katabi’s blessings.
Activities
Exciting Game Drives
Explore the untouched wilderness of Katavi on thrilling game drives led by expert guides from Kanuth Adventure Safaris. Morning and evening drives offer the best opportunities to witness the park’s dramatic wildlife interactions, buffalo herds in the hundreds, predators on the prowl, and elephants moving through golden plains. Our open 4×4 vehicles are ideal for photography and close encounters. Every game drive feels exclusive thanks to the park’s low visitor numbers.
Walking Safaris
For a deeper connection with nature, walking safaris in Katavi provide an unforgettable experience. Accompanied by an armed ranger and professional guide, you’ll explore the bush on foot, learning about tracks, animal behaviour, bird calls, and medicinal plants. It’s a chance to experience the wild up close and at ground level, far from the hum of engines. These walks offer a fresh appreciation of the ecosystem’s more minor but equally fascinating details.
Photographic Safaris
Katavi’s raw beauty and minimal crowds make it a paradise for photographers seeking untamed Africa. From wide-angle landscapes of the floodplains to close-ups of wildlife at waterholes, every shot is rich with atmosphere. The park’s intense dry season drama, dust clouds, predator standoffs, and dense hippo pods create rare and compelling photo opportunities. Kanuth Adventure Safaris can tailor your safari to allow ample time to capture that perfect shot.
Birdwatching
With over 400 bird species, Katavi is a dream for both beginner and seasoned birdwatchers. You’ll explore riverbanks, wetlands, and woodlands in search of colourful and elusive species like the Pel’s fishing owl, saddle-billed stork, and African jacana. Birding can be done during game drives or on foot for a quieter, more focused experience. Our guides help spot and identify birds while sharing insights about their behaviour and migration.
Accomodation facilities
Since Katavi is remote and less commercialised, most accommodations focus on eco-friendly, safari-style tents or mobile camps. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season (dry season from June to October).
Kanuth Adventure Safaris is a reputable tour operator offering safari packages, including accommodation arrangements within Katavi National Park and other Tanzanian reserves. They often provide customised safaris, combining game drives, walking safaris, and lodging options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Accommodation options at Katavi National Park range from basic to more comfortable lodges and tented camps. Some popular options include:
- Katavi Wildlife Camp: A tented camp offering a rustic yet comfortable experience close to nature, ideal for adventurous travellers.
- Kitonga Camp: A remote seasonal camp that provides an actual wilderness experience, usually open during the dry season.
- Katuma Camp: Located near the park, offering basic yet comfortable accommodation with easy access to game viewing.
- Tembo Tent Camp: A mobile tented camp that provides an authentic safari experience, often used during peak seasons.
- Luxury lodges outside the park: These are declaratively located lodges outside the park boundary, offering more comfort and amenities for those willing to stay nearby.
- Bandas with a shower block, toilets, and a cooking/dining area available at Park HQ. Booking is advisable.
- Public camp sites have a shower block, toilets, an indoor dining area, and firewood. No booking is needed.
- Special campsites have no facilities, are private, and are in pristine areas. Booking is advisable.
Plan Your Safari with Kanuth Adventure Safaris
At Kanuth Adventure Safaris, we’re passionate about sharing Tanzania’s hidden wonders. Our experienced team will tailor your Katavi safari to match your interests, time, and budget.
How to include them:
- Contact Kanuth Adventure Safaris directly to inquire about our accommodation options within Katavi National Park.
- Ask about our packages, including lodge stays, tented camps, or mobile safaris.
- Confirm availability and make reservations in advance, especially for peak season.
Additional tip: Incorporating a reputable safari operator like Kanuth Adventure Safaris can enhance your experience by ensuring smooth logistics, expert guides, and tailored itineraries.
