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

Who runs the region

Local & official

Administration

Regional capital: Mpanda
Districts: Mpanda Municipal, Mpanda Rural (Tanganyika), Mlele, Nsimbo, Mpimbwe
Regional Commissioner: Office of the Regional Commissioner, Katavi (Mpanda)
Regional Administrative Secretary: Katavi Regional Secretariat

Useful contacts

National emergency: 112
Ambulance: 114