Kept secret as one of the most remote parks in Tanzania and throughout Africa, Katavi National Park is an ideal destination for daring safari lovers. With several predators, such as lions, leopards, crocodiles and many big mammals, it is a thrilling experience for any visitor.
Description
If you want to experience Africa as it would have been a century ago, Katavi National Park is the place to explore. As it is rarely visited by tourists, it remains a natural wilderness which provides excitement for those brave enough to venture to this remote locale. Located in the southwest area of Tanzania, the country’s third largest national park is form by the Rift Valley that flows into the vast Lake Rukwa.
When venturing into Katavi National Park, you will notice the local elands as well as sable and roan antelopes as they live among the brachystegia woodland. If you are interested in viewing the wildlife, be sure to visit the Katuma River and in addition, during the rainy season, Lakes Katavi and Chada. They floodplains will be robust with water birds, hippopotamuses, and crocodiles who congregate there especially in the rainy season to take advantage of the lush lakes.
During the dry season, the Katuma River becomes the only drinking source in the area which attracts hordes of wildlife. Elephants could number up to 4,000 in this area while over 1,000 buffalo also converge to the river and floodplains. In addition to the giraffes, zebras, impalas, and reedbucks, the lions and spotted hyenas have a variety of wildlife to hunt while they come into their region.
Above all, hippopotamuses make for the most magnificent phenomenon in the Katavi National Park. During the dry season, over 200 hippopotamuses may be found in the deep pools of Katuma River. With so many individuals in one place, male rivalry makes for an interesting spectacle as they challenge one another for territory in bloody battles. Until a defeated male musters enough confidence for another contest, he will wonder the floodplains.
About Katavi National Park
- Size: 4,471 sq km (1,727 sq miles).
- Location: Southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika.
When to go
The best time of year to go is from May to October which is during the dry season. While it may be possible to drive through the roads in the park from December to February, it will be challenging during the rainy season when they are often flooded.
What to do
- Walking safari
Boat safari
Wildlife
- Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, water birds, hippos, crocrodriles, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, elephants and others.
