Katavi National Park
Tanzania's great wilderness park: vast floodplains, huge herds of buffalo and almost no other visitors.
- Buffalo herds
- Hippo pools
- Lion
- Elephants
- Floodplains
- Wilderness
Our view
Katavi is the park I send people to when they tell me they want the Africa of old. It is far from everywhere, few people visit, and in the late dry season it puts on one of the most dramatic wildlife shows in Tanzania.
As the year dries out, the Katuma River shrinks to a chain of pools and the wildlife has nowhere else to go. Buffalo gather in herds of hundreds, sometimes more than a thousand, and the lions follow them. Hundreds of hippo crowd into the remaining water, and elephant, giraffe, zebra and crocodile are all drawn to the floodplains.
There are only a handful of camps, so you rarely share a sighting. Days are spent on long game drives and walks across the Katisunga and Chada plains, with the feeling that you have the park to yourself.
Getting there takes some planning, as flights only run on certain days. The classic combination is Katavi with the chimpanzees of Mahale, using the same flights.
Areas within the park
Katisunga plains
The great open floodplain at the heart of the park, home to large herds of buffalo and the lions that follow them.
Chada floodplain and the Katuma River
Where the river shrinks to pools in the dry season, packed with hippo, crocodile and wildlife coming to drink.
Lake Katavi
A seasonal lake and wetland in the north of the park, at its best soon after the rains.
When to go
Katavi's camps are seasonal and usually close from around December to May. August to October is the most dramatic time.
Where to stay
Katavi, Tanzania
Chada Katavi Camp
$910 – $1,190
Safaris that go here
21 Nights – Ultimate Tanzania
Tarangire › Ngorongoro › Serengeti › Katavi › Mahale › Ruaha › Nyerere
2027 rates on request
This comprehensive Tanzania safari takes you to the most renowned parks in Northern, Western, and Southern Tanzania. It is a captivating three-week drive and fly safari, ideal for the period…
12 Nights Remote Big Game
Arusha › Katavi › Ruaha › Nyerere
2027 rates on request
Combine Tanzania’s remote Western and Southern parks offering superb destinations to some of Tanzania’s wildest areas. For those seeking remote destinations, these small and well run safari camps offer excellent…
7 Nights Western Tanzania
Katavi › Mahale
2027 rates on request
Visit Western Tanzania and go wild! These are some of the most remote parks in this amazing wildlife country! Katavi is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in all…
Combine with
Questions
How do I get to Katavi?
Light aircraft fly to Katavi on set days of the week from Arusha and the other western and southern parks. A private charter gives more flexibility at a higher cost.
When is the best time to visit Katavi?
July to October, and especially August to October, when the dry season concentrates the wildlife along the Katuma River. The camps are closed for most of the rainy season.
Can I combine Katavi with Mahale?
Yes, it is the classic combination. The same flights serve both parks, so you can see the buffalo and lions of Katavi and the chimpanzees of Mahale on one trip.
Is Katavi suitable for a first safari?
It can be, if you are happy to trade comfort and convenience for wilderness. Many people visit Katavi on a second or third trip, after the northern parks.
Plan a safari to Katavi
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.