Katavi National Park 

Home to the largest herds of buffalo on the planet, Katavi National Park is a relatively untouched wilderness paradise, situated in the western area of Tanzania.

Introducing Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park boasts a wonderful array of habitats, which range from flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways that teem with hippo and crocodile to woodlands, open grasslands, forests and pristine seasonal lakes. Visitors to the area can seek out the legendary tamarind tree, which is said to house the spirit of a great huntsman named Katabi. Here, they can place an offering at the base of the tree in memory of this exceptional hunter. Largely untouched by civilization, Katavi National Park is for those seeking isolation amongst stunning views, far from the distant hum of safari vehicles. With only a few hundred annual visitors, you are more likely to meet a pride of lions here than another party on a game drive.

With an area of roughly 4,471km², Katavi is the third-largest national park in Tanzania. The park is home to the Katuma River, Lake Chada floodplains, and the seasonal Lake Katavi.

Experience the Katavi National Park

  • Wildlife
  • Birdlife

Wildlife at the Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, zebras, African buffaloes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Crocodiles and hippos are frequently spotted on the banks of the Katuma River. During the dry season, hippos relax in mud-holes and cover themselves in mud sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin. Katavi National Park is also a refuge for wild dogs, a critically endangered species.

The best time to visit Katavi National Park is during the annual dry season from June to December. During the dry season, the Katuma River is one of the only water sources within the surrounding area, and you will have spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities around the river. Hundreds of hippos and crocodiles gather around the scarce waterholes, and thousands of topis, impalas, and zebras pass through the plains. Despite the increase in visitor numbers during the peak season, you will virtually have the park to yourself.

Birdlife at the Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is mainly visited in the Dry season, which isn’t the best time for birding, though large numbers of herons, lapwings and other aquatic birds frequent the rivers at any time of year. Yellow-billed stork and saddle-billed stork are plentiful, and spectacular concentrations of black-crowned night heron can be seen at Ikuu Bridge between June and September. Raptors are well represented, with African fish eagle, bateleur and white-backed vulture being very common. Over 400 species have been recorded, and migratory birds are present from November to April.

The birdlife in Katavi is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when Palearctic and intra-African migratory birds are present. This coincides with the Wet season. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. The problem, however, is that many roads become hard to travel after continuous rain. As a result, most camps close for part or all of the period from November to May.

Best time to visit Katavi National Park

The best time to visit Katavi National Park is during the annual dry season from June to December. During the dry season, the Katuma River is one of the only water sources within the surrounding area, and you will have spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities around the river.

Hundreds of hippos and crocodiles gather around the scarce waterholes, and thousands of topis, impalas, and zebras pass through the plains. Despite the increase in visitor numbers during the peak season, you will virtually have the park to yourself.



Related Top Destinations Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ruaha National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Nyerere National Park

Katavi National Park

Gombe National Park

Mikumi National Park