Katavi National Park, Tanzania: Wildlife, Hippos, Seasons and How to Visit

Katavi sits in the Rukwa region, near Lake Tanganyika, far from the northern circuit that most visitors know. It is one of Tanzania's largest and least visited parks, with a short list of camps and a feeling of true remoteness. The park is centred on the Katuma River and the seasonal Chada and Katavi floodplains, which concentrate wildlife in the dry season.

This guide explains what makes Katavi special, when to go, how to get there and how it combines with Mahale Mountains for chimpanzees. It suits repeat visitors and travellers who want solitude rather than crowds.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Why Katavi Is Special

Katavi's floodplains shrink through the dry season until water remains only in the river and a few pools. Hippos crowd into these pools in groups of dozens or more, and the surrounding mud is full of crocodiles. Buffalo gather in very large herds, and lions follow them. The park also has elephants, giraffes, zebras, roan and sable antelope, and a wealth of birds. The woodland is dominated by miombo and tamarind trees, and the scenery feels very different from the Serengeti plains.

Best Time to Visit Katavi

For other Tanzania parks, see the best time to visit Tanzania.

Activities in Katavi

• Game drives, usually in the cooler hours of morning and late afternoon.
• Walking safaris with an armed guide, which are a feature of the park.
• Night drives, where permitted by the camp.
• Bird watching along the Katuma River and floodplains.

Tsetse flies are common in the woodland, so wear light, neutral clothing and long sleeves.

How to Get to Katavi

Most visitors fly by light aircraft from Arusha, Ruaha or Mahale to airstrips in the park, because overland journeys are very long and demanding. Itineraries often combine Katavi with Mahale Mountains National Park, where chimpanzees live on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. See Gombe and Mahale chimpanzee trekking, Ruaha and Nyerere and northern vs southern circuit.

Who Should Visit Katavi

Katavi suits experienced safari travellers who want wild country, few vehicles and a sense of exploration. It is a poor choice for travellers who want easy access or many lodge choices, since camps are few and flights add cost. First-time visitors usually begin with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. See Tanzania safari itineraries and 10-day southern Tanzania safari.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team