Katuma River
Katavi, Tanzania
About
The lifeblood of the park, shrinking in the dry season to muddy pools packed with hippos and crocodiles and ringed by game.
Large, remote national reserve featuring herds of indigenous animals, lakes & floodplains.
Where it is
Getting to & around Katavi
From 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: 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.
Full getting-there guideMore in Katavi
Lodging
Chada Plain
A vast seasonal floodplain that draws huge herds of buffalo, topi and elephant, and the lions that hunt them.
National Park
Katisunga floodplain
One of Katavi's largest open grasslands, a prime dry-season stage for wildlife concentrations and sweeping views.
Lake Katavi
A seasonal lake in the north of the park, associated with the Katabi spirit legend and rich in birdlife when full.
Lake
Lake Chada
Another seasonal lake whose drying margins attract game and offer classic Katavi wilderness scenery.