"Untamed Wilderness and Remote Safari"
Katavi National Park Tourism
Katavi National Park, situated in western Tanzania, is a vast and remote wilderness spanning about 4,471 square kilometres. As the third-largest national park in Tanzania, it remains largely untouched. Visitors can observe four of the Big Five - elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards. The park is famous for hosting some of the world's largest herds of large mammals, including a thousand-strong buffalo herd, and it has dense populations of hippos and crocodiles.
Katavi is part of the western safari circuit, along with Lake Tanganyika, the Mahale Mountains, and Gombe Stream National Park. While less visited due to its remote location and higher travel costs, the park is known for its abundant birdlife with over 400 species. Katavi also holds local legends, featuring the legendary tamarind tree believed to house the spirit of a great huntsman named Katabi, adding cultural significance to the park's natural wonders.
Entry Fees to Katavi National Park:
Park Entry Fee:
EAC: Adult – TSH 5,000, Child – TSH 2000
Resident: Adult – $15, Child - $5
Non-EAC: Adult - $30, Child - $10
Special Activities:
Walking Safaris:
Short walks for adults(1 to 2 hours): EAC – TSH 5000, Residents - $20, Non-EAC - $20
Short walks for children: EAC – TSH 2500, Residents: $10, Non-EAC - $10
Long Walks for adults (above 4 hours): EAC – TSH 10000, Residents - $25, Non-EAC - $25
Long Walks for children: EAC – 5000, Residents - $15, Non EAC - $15
Night Game Drives:
EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 5000
Resident: Adult – $50, Child - $25
Non-EAC: Adult - $50, Child - $25
Entrance Gates to Katavi National Park:
Katavi National Park has two entrance gates:
1. Sitalike Gate: The Sitalike Gate provides access to the eastern part of the park. It is closest to the Ikuu River and the seasonal Lake Chada. The town closest to Sitalike Gate is Mpanda.
2. Chada Gate: The Chada Gate provides access to the western part of the park. It is closest to Lake Katavi and the seasonal Lake Chada. The town closest to Chada Gate is Mpanda.
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Things to do in Katavi National Park
1. Game Drives Safari
Game drives in Katavi National Park are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles led by experienced safari guides. The drives usually last for several hours and take place during the early morning and late afte (Read More)rnoon when wildlife is most active. Morning game drives start as early as 06:30 AM and last till 06:30 PM. Visitors can expect to encounter large herds of buffaloes and elephants, pride of lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and a diverse array of birdlife.
2. Walking Safaris
Accompanied by armed rangers, visitors can explore the park on foot with walking safaris. These are conducted on the Chorangwa hiking trail which is about 17 kilometres long. The trail can last 5 hour (Read More)s and takes the visitors through Chorangwa, Lukima, and Ndido waterfalls while gaining insights into the smaller details of the ecosystem and tracking animal footprints. Short nature walks can be done on the Sitake hiking trail which takes around 3 hours to cover 9 kilometres.
3. Boat Safaris
During the wet season, boat safaris are available along the seasonal rivers and lakes in the park, such as the Ikuu River and Lake Katavi. These boat trips offer the chance to observe hippos, crocodil (Read More)es, and various water birds in their natural habitat.
4. Birdwatching Safaris
With over 400 bird species to spot, it's a haven for avian enthusiasts. Guided by experienced experts, visitors can explore the park's diverse habitats, from lakes to woodlands, to catch glimpses of v (Read More)ibrant kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and soaring raptors. The wet season is particularly rewarding for birdwatching, as migratory water birds flock to the seasonal lakes and rivers.
5. The Tamarind Tree
The famous tamarind tree in Katavi National Park is believed to hold the spirit of a legendary huntsman named Katabi. It can be reached by 4x4 vehicles or during walking safaris, and spending around 1 (Read More)-2 hours at the tree is typical. Visitors can enjoy cultural insights and local legends shared by guides and take in the serene surroundings. The best time to visit is during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon when wildlife activity is higher.
6. Ikuu River
The Ikuu River is one of the main water sources in Katavi National Park, attracting abundant wildlife during the dry season. You can reach the Ikuu River by 4x4 vehicle on a game drive. The best time (Read More)to visit is during the late afternoon when animals come to drink, and it's a great spot for wildlife photography.
7. Kabora-Lyonga-Slave Route
The Kabora-Lyonga slave route in Tanzania traces the path of slave caravans during the Arab slave trade era. It stretches from Kabora village in western Tanzania to Lyonga village on Lake Tanganyika's (Read More) eastern shores. The trail passes through rugged terrain, dense forests, and remote villages, offering visitors a poignant reminder of the human suffering endured during the slave trade. Guided tours provide insight into the historical context and the impact on local communities.
8. Katisunga Plains
The vast Katisunga Plains are excellent for game drives, offering sightings of large herds of buffaloes, elephants, and other herbivores. The plains are accessible by 4x4 vehicles, and the best time t (Read More)o visit is during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing.
9. Lake Chada
Lake Chada is a seasonal lake that fills up during the wet season, drawing large flocks of water birds. It is accessible by a 4x4 vehicle, and birdwatching is a popular activity here. The best time to (Read More) visit is during the wet season when the lake is full and birdlife is abundant.
10. Lake Katavi
Another seasonal lake, Lake Katavi, is a prime location for game viewing during the dry season. It is accessible by a 4x4 vehicle, and you can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird specie (Read More)s. The best time to visit is during the dry season when animals congregate around the shrinking waterholes.
11. Kapapa River
The Kapapa River is a haven for hippos and crocodiles. Boat safaris are available during the wet season, offering a different perspective on wildlife. The best time to visit is during the wet season w (Read More)hen the river is navigable.
Must Know Before You Travel to Katavi National Park
- Timings: The park is open year-round from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
- Safari Enthusiasts Haven: Katavi National Park is perfect for safari enthusiasts offering incredible wildlife viewing in a remote setting.
- Consistent Hot Climate: It's consistently hot at Katavi, with temperatures around 90°F (32°C) throughout the year.
- Challenging Road Access: Getting to Katavi from major cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha is not easy by road—it takes days. Flying is the best option to save time.
- Combined Tours and Extended Stays: Many visitors combine their Katavi trip with a visit to Mahale Mountains National Park & Ruaha National Park, extending their stay for about a week.
- Reasonable Accommodation Prices: Accommodation prices are reasonable in Katavi due to its remote location.
- Vaccinations: Get recommended vaccinations and anti-malaria prophylactics before your visit.
- Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed in the park.
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Wildlife in Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is renowned for hosting some of the world's largest herds of large mammals, including a magnificent thousand-strong buffalo herd and dense populations of hippos and crocodiles. Among the Big Five, visitors can expect to encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards during their safari adventures. Additionally, the park is home to sable antelope, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, and a thriving population of leopards and lions.
The birdlife is equally captivating, with over 400 species recorded, including the majestic African fish eagle, African openbill, lilac-breasted roller, pink-backed pelican, yellow-billed stork, African golden oriole, African paradise flycatcher, African spoonbill, Bateleur, black cuckoo-shrike, orange-breasted bush-shrike, crested barbet, little bee-eater, red-billed hornbill, saddle-billed stork, white-backed vulture, and yellow-throated sandgrouse.
The birdlife is equally captivating, with over 400 species recorded, including the majestic African fish eagle, African openbill, lilac-breasted roller, pink-backed pelican, yellow-billed stork, African golden oriole, African paradise flycatcher, African spoonbill, Bateleur, black cuckoo-shrike, orange-breasted bush-shrike, crested barbet, little bee-eater, red-billed hornbill, saddle-billed stork, white-backed vulture, and yellow-throated sandgrouse.
Travel Tips for Katavi National Park
- Tour Operators: Opt for reputed tour operators for a hassle-free safari. Usually, the package also includes charter flights to the park’s airstrip.
- Guided Exploration Recommended: While you can self-drive in the park, it's safer and more informative to hire a driver or join a guided safari.
- Tsetse Flies: Beware of Tsetse flies in forested areas; keep windows closed to avoid bites.
- Malaria Precautions: Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the park, so take proper precautions to minimize your risk. Be prepared by taking anti-malaria pills, using bug spray, and wearing long sleeves.
Best Time to Visit Katavi National Park
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How to Reach Katavi National Park
How to Reach Overview
To reach Katavi National Park, the most practical option is by air. The park has its own airstrip with scheduled flights from Ruaha and Mahale, taking about 2 hours. Alternatively, travellers can fly to the closest airport, Mpanda, which is about 90 kilometres away and reachable in approximately 1.5 hours. Most visitors arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. None of these flights is a cheap option, but the expense is what makes Katavi such an exclusive destination. Road journeys from major cities are not recommended due to their lengthy duration and remoteness.
How to reach Katavi National Park by flight
Katavi National Park has its own airstrip, offering scheduled flights from Ruaha and Mahale. The direct flight from Ruaha to Katavi airstrip takes approximately 2 hours and costs around $650 for a round trip per person. There are only two weekly flights on this route, departing on Monday and Thursday.
You can fly from Katavi to major airports like Dar es Salaam via Southern and Northern National Parks and the Swahili Coast. These flights typically make stops at Ruaha and Mahale, with prices ranging from $900 to $1000 for a one-way trip per person. SafariLink is the sole airline providing scheduled flights to and from Katavi National Park.
Another airport close to Katavi is Mpanda Airport, located about 90 kilometres from the park, and reachable in approximately 1.5 hours. Air Tanzania offers scheduled flights from major airports to Mpanda.
For most visitors, their entry point to Tanzania will be either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, depending on their itinerary. Tour operators typically arrange airport pick-up and further travel, including the charter flight to Katavi National Park's airstrip, ensuring a smooth journey to the park.
You can fly from Katavi to major airports like Dar es Salaam via Southern and Northern National Parks and the Swahili Coast. These flights typically make stops at Ruaha and Mahale, with prices ranging from $900 to $1000 for a one-way trip per person. SafariLink is the sole airline providing scheduled flights to and from Katavi National Park.
Another airport close to Katavi is Mpanda Airport, located about 90 kilometres from the park, and reachable in approximately 1.5 hours. Air Tanzania offers scheduled flights from major airports to Mpanda.
For most visitors, their entry point to Tanzania will be either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, depending on their itinerary. Tour operators typically arrange airport pick-up and further travel, including the charter flight to Katavi National Park's airstrip, ensuring a smooth journey to the park.
How to reach Katavi National Park by road
Since Katavi is a secluded region, there isn’t a convenient road journey from the major cities in Tanzania, that can be recommended. The journey from Dar es Salaam to Katavi takes 2-3 days, covering over 1,300 kilometres in over 20 hours. From Arusha, it's a 15-hour road journey covering 1,100 kilometres. We recommend flying to save time and avoid the long road trip.
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