Katavi National Park Accommodation

Location: Southwest, Tanzania

Katavi National Park is located in the Katavi Region in southwestern part of Tanzania, on the north of the ‘Rukwa Rift’ which is an extension of the western Rift Valley. The characteristic of the national park is Katisunga Plain, a 425 km² in size, vast grassy plain in the heart of the park. Created in 1974, the park is the third-largest national park in Tanzania, is home to the Katamu River, Lake Chada floodplains and the seasonal Lake Katavi.

An abundance of wildlife call Katavi National Park home, including wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, zebras, African buffaloes, lions, leopards and cheetahs, whilst the Katuma river bank is frequented by crocodiles and hippos. The dry season sees the hippos relax in mud-holes and cover themselves in mud sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin.

Katavi is also a refuge for the endangered wild dogs who tend to stick in the escarpments. The park is best incorporated with the western safari circuit, alongside Lake Tanganyika, the Mahale Mountains, and Gombe Stream National Park. For birdies, over 400 bird species call this home, and the walking safaris take you along Lake Katavi, a seasonal floodplain. 

The western circuit is rarely visited due to the cost of travelling to this secluded location, with the 3 permanent camps in the park, each camp has the capacity to accommodate 12 visitors, limiting the numbers during game drives.

The Uniqueness of this location:  

• During the dry season, the hippos engage in territorial battles as they gather for a muddy bath in the pool.
• The park is home to the largest remaining buffalos’ herds in Africa

Accommodation Options: 

• Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
• Chada Plain
• Foxes on the Katuma Plain.

Activities:  

• Walking Safaris
• Bird Watching 
• Visit Kabora-Lyonga-slave route 
• Visit the famous Tamarind Tree
• Game Drives
• Fly Camping