Katavi National Park, located in Tanzania's remote southwest, is an untamed wilderness far from the usual tourist routes. The park's vast plains, floodplains, and rivers are home to a stunning array of wildlife, including massive herds of buffalo, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, making it a hidden gem for safari lovers. Katavi offers a truly wild experience with unspoiled nature and fewer visitors, providing a more intimate connection with Tanzania's raw wilderness.
Covering 4,471 square kilometers, Katavi is Tanzania's third-largest national park and boasts diverse landscapes, from swamps and lakes to dense miombo woodlands. The Katuma River, Lake Katavi, and Lake Chada are critical water sources, drawing wildlife during the dry season. Visitors can expect to see predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as more than 400 bird species. For adventurous travelers seeking solitude and exceptional wildlife experiences, Katavi is an unparalleled destination.
Size: 4,471 sq km (1,726 sq miles).
Location: Southwestern Tanzania, near Lake Tanganyika.
By road, it’s a multi-day drive from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. Alternatively, you can fly into Katavi from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
Game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, and camping.
Best time: Dry season from June to October when animals congregate around water sources.
Katavi’s isolation is part of its allure, making it one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. The dry season offers spectacular wildlife viewing as animals gather in large numbers at the remaining waterholes. Hippos, crocodiles, and vast herds of buffalo dominate the water's edge, while lions and other predators are frequently seen. The park’s remote nature means it receives few visitors, so your safari is likely to feel wonderfully private.
Adventurers will appreciate the park's rugged, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. In the wet season, Katavi transforms into a lush, green landscape, attracting migratory birds and making it a great destination for bird watchers. The park can be combined with visits to Mahale Mountains National Park to explore both areas of southwestern Tanzania.