Pourquoi se rendre au Parc de Katavi?
During British colonial rule, Katavi National Park was a nature reserve. Afterwards, this place was given another name – “Rukva Reserve Park”. However, after Tanzania’s independence, Katavi Park was renamed and turned into a nature reserve to protect and preserve African mammals. Today, the park offers visitors a variety of activities and is a must-see on Tanzania safaris.
Tanzania safari: Katavi Park
The spectacular landscape of Katavi is diverse and unique. This includes flooded areas of thick reeds and dense streams. These streams are home to around 200 hippos, crocodiles and various bird species. In the western forest, the tree canopy shelters buffaloes and herds of elephants. The seasonal lakes are filled with dirty coloured water after the rain. So the animals come to drink from all corners of the park. These animals include rare species of roan antelope and sable, a must for visitors who wish to explore the wilderness of Africa.
Katavi National Park invites you to go off the beaten track and enjoy untouched wildlife. The park is home to thousands of Cape buffalo and large herds of around 4,000 elephants. Zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, eland, sable antelope and antelopes are also abundant. Cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards and lions closely watch for opportunities to hunt them.
Towards the end of the dry season, the hippos move together into a pool deep enough.
There is also a great variety of birds on the river banks. Katavi National Park records a total of 450 bird species, including herons, plovers, spoonbills, storks, eagles and vultures.
It is recommended to visit between November and April for good sightings. During this time, migratory birds from Europe and North Africa inhabit the park.
Animals of the park
- Elephants
- Zebras
- Wildebeest
- Hippopotamuses
- Cape buffalo
- Giraffes
- Eland
- Antelopes
- Cheetah
- Wild dogs
- Lions
- Leopard
- Hyenas
Travelling to Katavi
Some trails are designed for walking encounters with animals. Adventurers can also book night hikes, but there is always a guide.
When is the best time to visit Katavi National Park?
Katavi National Park is open all year round. From June to October and from December to February, animals gather around the remaining water sources. During the rainy season, the vast wetlands offer adventurous visitors breathtaking scenery.
How to get to Katavi National Park?
Katavi National Park is located in western Tanzania, about 40 km south of the town of Mpanda, and is mainly accessible by air.
However, if you wish to travel overland, that is also possible. You simply need to wait patiently. If you are leaving from Dar Es Salaam, allow 2–3 days by car.
Where to sleep in Katavi National Park?
As the park is quite remote, accommodation options are limited. Contact our advisors, they will find the perfect lodge for you!
Park entrance fees
- 30 $ per day for adults,
- 10 $ per day for children aged 5 to 15,
- free for children under 5.
*If you come with a local vehicle, you should allow for an additional $9; if your vehicle is registered abroad, it will be even more expensive.
The prices shown above are included in your organised trip by Off Road Tanzania.
