Overview

Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most remote and least visited national parks, making it a true hidden gem for seasoned safari-goers. Located in the western part of the country, near Lake Tanganyika, Katavi covers approximately 4,471 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. The park offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path safari experience, with vast floodplains, seasonal lakes, woodlands, and acacia forests teeming with wildlife.

Wildlife & Scenery

Katavi is especially dramatic in the dry season (June to October), when the Katuma River becomes one of the few remaining water sources in the region. This attracts massive herds of wildlife, including:

• Buffalo: Herds numbering in the thousands, unmatched anywhere in Africa.

• Elephants: Often seen in large groups around drying waterholes.

• Hippos & Crocodiles: The park’s shallow lakes, like Lake Katavi and Lake Chada, are home to some of the densest hippo and crocodile populations in Tanzania.

• Predators: Lions, leopards, hyenas, and even wild dogs roam the plains in search of prey.

Birdlife is also abundant, with over 400 species, including fish eagles, herons, and the rare shoebill stork.

Activities & Experiences

• Game Drives: Explore the park’s plains and riverbanks in complete solitude, often without another vehicle in sight.

• Walking Safaris: Experience the thrill of tracking animals on foot with a professional guide and armed ranger.

• Bird Watching: Particularly rewarding near the wetlands and lakes during the green season.

• Camping: For adventurers, fly-camping under the stars is available in some private camps, offering a close-to-nature wilderness immersion.