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 — Places to visit — verified guides & travel directory for Tanzania

National Park

Katavi

Katuma River

The lifeblood of the park, shrinking in the dry season to muddy pools packed with hippos and crocodiles and ringed by game.

Lodging

Katavi

Chada Plain

A vast seasonal floodplain that draws huge herds of buffalo, topi and elephant, and the lions that hunt them.

National Park

Katavi

Katisunga floodplain

One of Katavi's largest open grasslands, a prime dry-season stage for wildlife concentrations and sweeping views.

Katavi

Lake Katavi

A seasonal lake in the north of the park, associated with the Katabi spirit legend and rich in birdlife when full.

Lake

Katavi

Lake Chada

Another seasonal lake whose drying margins attract game and offer classic Katavi wilderness scenery.

Campground

Katavi

Sitalike gateway

The village and park entry point near Mpanda, where the tarmac ends and the true wilderness of Katavi begins.

Point of interest

Katavi

Ikuu Ranger Post

A central park base near the airstrip and the Katuma floodplains, at the heart of the dry-season wildlife action.