Tanzania safari in Katavi National Park

Tanzania safari in Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is a protected area covering an area of 4471 sq km; it is located about 40km from Mpanda town in southwest Tanzania, to the east of Lake Tanganyika, lying within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow expanse of Lake Rukwa. A true wilderness and seldom visited, Katavi is famous for its undisturbed natural face compared to other parks in the country. The main vegetation of the park is Miombo woodland Lake Chada. 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 areas also support Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippo and crocodile.

 During the dry season, when the floodwatersretreat, Katuma River forms the only source of drinking water for miles around, and the flanking floodplains support game concentrations that defy belief. An estimated 4,000 elephants might converge on the area, together with several herds of 1,000 plus buffalo, 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. Also to be seen are elands and the rare sable and roan antelopes.

Unique tourist activities in Katavi National Park  

Katavi National Park offers a variety of tourism activities that tourists on a Tanzania safari can do during their visit to Katavi National Park. The activities include game drives, nature walking safaris, long walking safaris, picnicking, filming, night game drives, hiking, birding and bush meals.

Game Drives:

One of the best ways to explore Katavi National Park is through game drives. These guided tours in comfortable vehicles take you deep into the park, where you can observe a variety of wildlife. During a game drive safari, you’ll have an opportunity to spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, reedbucks, waterbucks, topi, greater kudu, eland, duikers, warthogs, serval cats, hippos, buffaloes and elephants roaming in their natural habitat. Early morning or late afternoon drives are particularly rewarding, as animals are more active during these cooler hours. The experience is enhanced by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the animals and their habitats, making each drive an exciting adventure in Africa’s wilderness.

Nature Walking Safaris:

For a more intimate experience with nature, consider taking a nature walking safari in Katavi National Park. Led by experienced guides, these walks allow you to explore the park’s beautiful scenery up close. Nature walking safaris in this stunning national park can be either long or short walking safaris, which take you to the diverse trails such as the Chorangwa trail, which takes about four hours of walking and is more than 10km long. For those interested in short walking safaris, the trek through Sitalike trail is perfect for your adventure. This walking trail takes you about more than 3 hours.

During a nature walking safari, visitors have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife species such as Cape Buffaloes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Giraffes, Elephants, hartebeest, elands, Defassa waterbuck and many other animals. You’ll also see different bird species, for instance saddle bills, open-billed and spoon bills, as well as African fish eagles, Bateleurs, lilac-breasted rollers and more. Walking safaris give you a different perspective compared to being in a vehicle, as you can fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush.

Night Game Drives:

Night game drives in Katavi National Park are conducted during the night hours, usually in open vehicles with special spotlights to observe nocturnal or active animals during the night. This activity gives an opportunity to see the range of animals that are generally unseen during the day.  On these special drives, you have a chance to spot creatures like leopards, hyenas, and owls that you might not see during the day. The guides use spotlights to help locate wildlife while sharing fascinating facts about their behaviors in the dark. Night drives are particularly appealing for those who want to broaden their safari experience beyond traditional game viewing. This unique experience adds an exciting dimension to your visit, offering glimpses into the lives of animals as they go about their nightly routines.

Hiking:

Hiking in Katavi National Park is a rewarding way to engage with nature while witnessing the park’s beauty. There are various trails suitable for different fitness levels, each showcasing unique landscapes, wildlife, and vegetation. Hiking tours in Katavi National Park offer you a chance to walk through trails to a waterfall, which takes about 17 km, where you’ll be granted the astonishing views of charming waterfalls such as Chorangwa, Lukima and Ndido waterfalls located within the park. The guided hikes ensure you safely navigate the terrain while learning about the flora and fauna.

Birding:

Birding in Katavi National Park is a treat for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. The park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a prime destination for spotting colorful and unique birds in Tanzania. During your birding tours, you’ll have the chance to spot different bird species such as Black Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron,  Dwarf Bittern, Pygmy Goose, Dickinson’s kestrel, Forbes’ plover,  Go-away-bird, Brown-necked parrot, Boehm’s Bee-eater, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater,  Pale-billed Hornbill, Fiery-necked Nightjar, Pennant-wing Nightjar,  Red-faced mousebird, Black -backed Barbet,  African pitta,  Blue swallow, White-breasted cuckoo shrike,  White-winged babbling starling, Yellow-throated petronia, and Tanzania masked weaver, among others. The different types of habitats, which include extensive wetlands, make Katavi National Park one of the best locations for bird lovers. Early mornings are the best time for birdwatching, as many species are more active then. Guided birding tours provide insight into different species and their behaviors, ensuring a rewarding experience. Bringing binoculars can make every sighting even more special, allowing you to appreciate their beauty up close.

Bush Meals:

Dining under the open sky with a bush meal adds an extraordinary touch to your Katavi National Park adventure. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by nature, perhaps while watching animals in the distance. These meals are often arranged during safaris, allowing you to take a break from exploring. The experience typically includes freshly prepared dishes that showcase local flavors, served in the heart of the wilderness. Sharing stories with fellow travelers over a meal under the stars creates lasting memories. This unique dining experience highlights the connection between food, nature, and the joys of outdoor exploration.

Where to stay while on a safari in Katavi National Park

Although Katavi National Park is an isolated, remote park compared to the other more popular destinations elsewhere in Tanzania. The accommodations in Katavi National Park are at least as great, ranging from comfortable to very exclusive, situated at beautiful locations where you will feel at one with this true wilderness and close to Wildlife. Some of the accommodations available here includes Chada Katavi Tented Camp, Katavi Wildlife Camp, Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge, Katuma Bush Lodge, Palahala Luxury Camp, Nomad Tented Camp, Chada Fly Camping, Katuma Bush Lodge, Palahala Luxury Camp and Katavi picnic site, among others

Please contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about Tanzania safaris in Katavi National Park, and book with our travel companies, such as Focus East Africa Tours, which offers the best tour packages for your safari in Tanzania.