Why is Katavi so uncrowded?

Katavi lies in a very remote corner of western Tanzania, far from the northern circuit, so it receives only a few thousand visitors a year, offering one of the most solitary safari experiences in Africa.

When should I visit Katavi?

The dry season from June to October, and especially August to October, is best, when shrinking water forces hippos, buffalo and predators into dramatic concentrations along the Katuma River.

How do I get to Katavi?

Most visitors fly in by light aircraft from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Ruaha to the Ikuu or Sitalike airstrips, or to Mpanda; overland access via Mpanda is possible but long and rough.

What wildlife is Katavi known for?

Katavi is famous for enormous concentrations of hippo and crocodile in its drying river pools, vast buffalo herds sometimes a thousand strong, and the lion prides that follow them.

Katavi — Events — verified guides & travel directory for Tanzania

August to October

Dry-season wildlife spectacle

The peak of the dry season brings Katavi's greatest wildlife concentrations, with hippos, buffalo and predators packed along the shrinking rivers.

Dry season

Great migration of buffalo

As water dries up, Katavi's huge buffalo herds and their attendant lions gather on the floodplains in a raw natural drama.

Traditional / year-round

Katabi spirit offerings

Local Bende and Pimbwe communities continue to leave offerings at the tamarind tree of the hunter-spirit Katabi.

8 August (annual)

Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)

The national agricultural fair is marked in the nearby town of Mpanda and across the region with local exhibitions.

Katavi

Events & festivals

Dry-season wildlife spectacle

Great migration of buffalo

Katabi spirit offerings

Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)