Full day trip to Katavi

Safari summary

Katavi National Park: Tanzania's Hidden Gem
Katavi National Park, located in the remote southwestern part of Tanzania, is one of the country’s most unspoiled and lesser-visited wilderness areas. For those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari experience, Katavi offers an untouched landscape teeming with wildlife and dramatic scenery. Covering over 4,500 square kilometers, it’s Tanzania’s third-largest national park, yet it remains one of its most secluded treasures.
Why Visit Katavi National Park?
Untouched Wilderness
Katavi's isolation means fewer visitors, offering a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. You’ll often find yourself alone with nature, surrounded by vast floodplains, woodlands, and rivers that teem with wildlife.
Incredible Wildlife
Despite its remoteness, Katavi is home to an abundance of wildlife. The park is famous for its massive hippo and crocodile populations, especially in the Katuma River during the dry season. Large herds of buffalo and elephants roam the plains, alongside zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species. Predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas are also commonly seen.
Seasonal Drama
The seasonal changes in Katavi create a dramatic spectacle. During the wet season (November to April), the floodplains transform into a lush paradise, attracting migratory birds and other wildlife. In the dry season (June to October), the shrinking rivers concentrate animals in a smaller area, offering exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
Birdwatching Paradise
With over 400 bird species, Katavi is a birder's dream. During the wet season, the park becomes a haven for waterbirds like storks, herons, and pelicans, while raptors such as the bateleur eagle are spotted year-round.
What to Expect:
Pristine Landscapes
Katavi offers vast open plains, thick miombo woodlands, and dramatic river systems. The Katisunga Plain is one of the park's key features, known for attracting large concentrations of wildlife.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience
Unlike Tanzania’s more popular parks, Katavi sees fewer than a thousand visitors a year, ensuring you get a more personal and serene safari.
Walking Safaris and Game Drives
Katavi is ideal for both walking safaris and traditional game drives, allowing you to explore the park's diverse landscapes and get close to the action.
Best Time to Visit Katavi National Park
Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around shrinking water sources. Game drives are particularly rewarding during this period.
Wet Season (November to April): While the wildlife disperses somewhat, the landscape is stunning, and birdwatching is at its peak. The park is less accessible during this time due to rain, but the lush scenery is ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience.
Getting to Katavi
Katavi’s remoteness means it’s primarily accessible via charter flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Mbeya. For adventurous travelers, driving overland is an option, but it requires significant planning and time due to the park’s distance from major cities.
Accommodation in Katavi
Katavi offers a handful of luxury tented camps and budget-friendly lodges. These camps provide a comfortable base for exploring the park, with most located near key wildlife areas. Given the park's low visitor numbers, the camps offer a personal, intimate safari experience with professional guides.
Combine Katavi with Other Destinations
Katavi can be combined with nearby Mahale Mountains National Park for a unique safari and chimpanzee trekking experience. This combination offers the ultimate wilderness adventure, with both parks providing an off-the-grid experience.
Katavi National Park is perfect for seasoned safari-goers or those seeking solitude in nature. Its isolation, abundant wildlife, and pristine landscapes make it one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Katavi
	Accesibility	This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas