National Park in Tanzania
The wildest park in Tanzania
Katavi National Park is one of Africa's last wild corners, a vast, remote wilderness in the far west of Tanzania that is visited by very few people. In the dry season, the Katuma River and its seasonal lakes shrink, and huge numbers of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and elephants crowd into the water. The scenes, especially from July to October, are among the most dramatic in Africa.
Hippo pods of 100 or more share pools with crocodiles, buffalo herds of a thousand move across the floodplains, and lion prides follow them. Roan, sable, topi and giraffe live in the miombo woodland and grass plains. The camps are tiny, set among trees, and the air is filled with the sounds of the bush.
Katavi suits travellers who want real wilderness, with few other vehicles and a sense of adventure. It pairs well with Mahale.
Katavi has some of the largest herds of buffalo in Africa and enormous hippo pods. Elephant, giraffe, zebra, topi, roan, sable antelope, eland and impala live in the woodland and plains, and lions are often seen near the buffalo. Leopards, spotted hyena and crocodiles complete the picture.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The park has wide grass plains, seasonal lakes, ancient tamarind trees and miombo woodland. The Katuma River winds through the middle, and the landscape feels vast and empty.
Activities here
Katavi is hot and dry for much of the year, with daytime temperatures of 29°C to 34°C and cool nights from June to August. The rains fall from November to April.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 19 | 200 |
| Feb | 30 | 19 | 180 |
| Mar | 30 | 19 | 230 |
| Apr | 30 | 18 | 100 |
| May | 30 | 16 | 10 |
| Jun | 29 | 14 | 0 |
| Jul | 29 | 14 | 0 |
| Aug | 30 | 15 | 0 |
| Sep | 32 | 17 | 2 |
| Oct | 34 | 19 | 15 |
| Nov | 33 | 20 | 60 |
| Dec | 31 | 19 | 170 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry and hot, with the greatest concentration of wildlife on the shrinking river and lakes. September and October are very hot, and the game viewing is exceptional.
The rains bring flooding and many roads close, with camps shut from about January to April. The park is green and the animals are dispersed.
June to October is the best time, with July to October the most dramatic as pools shrink. Most camps close during the rains.
Best time to visit May to Oct
Katavi is reached by scheduled or charter flight from Arusha, Mahale or Dar es Salaam, to the Ikuu and Sitalike airstrips. The overland journey is long and rough, so almost every guest flies in.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Katavi is remote and hot, so bring sun protection and plenty of water. Tsetse flies can be a nuisance. Medical evacuation is by air. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
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“Our take”
Katavi is for travellers who want a wilderness more than a checklist. Walk, sit by the hippo pools, and let it be quiet.
Safaris from
US$7,990 per person
Plan your time in Katavi
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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