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.

Destination guide

Katavi

Tanzania's wildest, loneliest great park

How to get there

Getting to Katavi

However you're arriving — from overseas, from another part of Tanzania, or just moving around once you're here.

Flying in from abroad

International visitors

There are no international flights to Katavi; visitors arrive in Tanzania via Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Nairobi and then continue by domestic flight.

From elsewhere in Tanzania

Upcountry & other cities

Most visitors fly in on scheduled or charter light aircraft from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Ruaha to the airstrips at Ikuu or Sitalike, or to Mpanda airport near the park.

Getting around locally

Once you're in the region

Within the park, travel is by safari vehicle with the camps; overland access is possible via Mpanda and the Sitalike gate, but roads are rough and slow, especially in the wet season.

Want the door-to-door leg handled? Travel with a driver who knows the roads.

Book a driver