KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

Katavi National park is Tanzania’s third largest park (45pp sq kms) and one of its most unspoiled and isolated wildlife areas. Located in pristine wilderness in Western Tanzania, Katavi has amongst the largest buffalo herds in Tanzania and it is also noted for great numbers of hippo and crocodiles. Katavi is one of the few remaining places where one can observe the roan and sable antelope. There are lots of other wildlife including Topi, Zebras, Impalas, Wildebeest, Eland, Waterbuck and more, making Katavi a haven for predators like Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and even the endangered Wild Dogs. Birds of over 400 species have been identified in the park especially around Lake Katavi and Lake Chada – the parks two main lakes. Birdlife that can be regularly seen around these lakes includes Plovers, Sand grouse and the Spurring wing Goose.

Katavi National Park was established in 1974 and is one of the most remote, vast, natural and pristine parks in Africa, third largest national park in Tanzania. The park is located in southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika in the Mpanda district, Rukwa region. Katavi combines well with chimpanzee trekking and Lake Tanganyika holidays in Mahale and Gombe.

The landscape is dominated by two seasonal lakes called Katavi and Chada, along with miombo woodland, grass plains to the north, riverine vegetation, Mlele escarpment and the waterfalls of Chorangwa, Lukima and Ndido.

The rainfall pattern is bimodal, with short rains in November and December, and longer rains in March through May. The park is open throughout the year but is best to visit in May and October, and mid December to February.

The easiest way of getting to the park is via small, shared or private chartered flights, and a trip to Katavi may be combined with a visit to Mahale mountains national park over 7 nights.