Katavi
National Park
Location:
Katavi is
the 3rd largest park (4,471 sq km 1,727 sq miles), located in
southwest of Tanzania east of Lake Tanganyika; within a
truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the
shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa. The headquarters is
at Sitalike located at 40km (25 miles) south of Mpanda town.
Main features:
It is one
of the most untouched wilderness of the entire country. It
offers unspoilt wildlife viewing in the country's park, in a
remote location far off the beaten track. The park is Africa
at its most wild -- unadulterated bush settings, spectacular
views, and rich wildlife. Katavi’s most dramatic scenery is
its pristine nature. The main focus for game viewing within
the park is the Katuma River and associated floodplains such
as the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada. During the rainy
season, these lush, marshy lakes are a haven for myriad
waterbirds, and they also support Tanzania’s densest
concentrations of hippo and crocodile.
Flood plains of thick reeds and dense
waterways are home to a huge population of hippo and varied
birdlife. In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud
herds of buffalo and elephant. Seasonal lakes fill with dirt
coloured water after the rains and animals from all corners of
the park descend on them to drink. An estimated 4,000
elephants might converge on the area, together with several
herds of 1,000-plus buffalo, while an abundance of giraffe,
zebra, impala and reedbuck provide easy pickings for the
numerous lion prides and spotted hyena clans whose territories
converge on the floodplains. The park is also home to the rare
roan and sable antelope species, and is a must-see for the
visitor intent on exploring the wilds of the continent.
With
Classic Tours & Safaris to Katavi
Katavi is one of the least-visited in Tanzania. It is home to
a wide range of wildlife, including lions and leopard. In the
dry season, particularly between August and November, the
Katuma River provides the only source of water in the area,
and this draws animals in great numbers. As the river shrinks
in the heat, the wildlife is forced into an uncomfortable
proximity, offering a good chance of seeing many different
species at the same time. It is an ideal destination for
people who have been on safari before and are looking for a
remote and unspoilt wilderness area.
Activities:
Walking, game
driving and camping safaris. Near Lake Katavi, visit the
tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter
Katabi (for whom the park is named) - offerings are still left
here by locals seeking the spirit’s blessing.
When to
visit:
The best time to
visit Katavi is during dry season (May-October). Roads within
the park are often flooded during the rainy season but may be
passable from mid-December to February.
Getting
there:
Katavi is
accessible by both road and air from Arusha or Dar es Salaam
Note:
Visit Katavi as a safari incorporating the southern tourist
destinations of
Mikumi,
Ruaha,
Udzungwa Mountains,
Kitulo Plateau,
Selous Game Reserve Mahale, or Gombe Stream National Parks
For more details
contact us
