KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

Katavi is a true wilderness in remote south western Tanzania and is about as far off the beaten track as it is possible to get. It is the country's third largest national park and is dominated by dry Miombo woodland, cut through by a number of big rivers. 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 water birds, and they also support Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippo and crocodile.

Dry season is when Katavi truly comes into its own. 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. Herds of buffalo, two or three thousand strong graze on the plains, an estimate of 4,000 elephants feed on the area, 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 hippo pool in Ikuu in particular is an incredible spectacle. Towards the end of the dry season, up to 200 individuals might flop together in the pool. And as more hippos gather in one place, so does male rivalry heat up. 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.

Size: 4,471 sq km

Location: Southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika.

How to get there: Charter flights are available from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. By road from Mbeya (550 km), a tough day’s drive, or in the dry season from Kigoma (390 km).

What to do: Walking, driving and camping safaris.

When to visit: The best time is the dry season (May-October). Roads within the park are often flooded during the rainy season but may be passable from mid-December to February.

 

Accommodation :

Chada Katavi Tented Camp

Chada Katavi is situated in the core of Katavi National Park, in western Tanzania, hidden amongst the trees at the edge of the wide Chada floodplain. There are just six large, romantic guest tents with fine wooden furniture, woven rugs, beds spread with crisp white Egyptian cottons and bathrooms bush deluxe. Steaming hot showers wait after a day safari adventure and the thoroughly good white wine on your porch table is perfectly chilled.