Katavi National Park

Located in the remote western region of Tanzania, Katavi National Park is one of the country’s most pristine and least-visited wildlife reserves. Covering approximately 4,471 square kilometers, Katavi offers a raw and unfiltered safari experience for those seeking solitude and authenticity far from the typical tourist trails. The park’s landscape is dominated by floodplains, riverine forests, open woodlands, and seasonal lakes, particularly Lake Katavi and Lake Chada, which attract incredible numbers of wildlife during the dry season.

As part of the greater Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem, this park is ideal for adventurous travelers and wildlife enthusiasts who crave exclusivity and dramatic, uncrowded game viewing.

Facts About Katavi National Park

• Established in 1974, but remains one of the least-visited parks in Tanzania.

• Located near Mpanda town, in the Rukwa Region of western Tanzania.

• Hosts some of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in Tanzania.

• Home to huge herds of buffalo, sometimes numbering in the thousands.

• Offers a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience — no mass tourism here.

• The name “Katavi” comes from a legendary spirit of a hunter, worshipped locally.

Excursions and Activities

Katavi offers a variety of exciting and intimate safari experiences:

• Game Drives: The park is famous for intense game drives, especially during the dry season when animals gather at shrinking water sources.

• Walking Safaris: Guided walks offer a chance to explore the wild on foot, providing a closer look at nature and smaller animals.

• Birdwatching: With over 400 bird species, Katavi is a birdwatcher’s paradise, particularly around the wetlands.

• Hippo Watching: Visit the hippo pools, where hundreds of hippos squeeze together in the mud — a rare and thrilling sight.

• Scenic Picnics and Bush Meals: Enjoy a remote meal surrounded by untouched wilderness.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Katavi. During this period:

• Animals concentrate around the rivers and waterholes, making wildlife sightings easy and dramatic.

• Roads are more accessible.

• Predator-prey interactions are more common due to limited water availability.

The wet season (November to May) transforms the park into a lush green landscape ideal for birdwatching, but some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding.