Katavi National Park

Discover the Untouched Wildnerss

Welcome to Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park, is found on the western part of Tanzania, it was formerly a game reserve; the park was established in 1974. It was originally 1,823km2 In 1997 it was extended to 4,471km2. The park is located 40km south of Mpanda town, being Tanzania’s third largest national park, after Ruaha and Serengeti.

Climate

Park’s climate is classified as tropical. The average temperature is 24.6 °C. In a year, the average rainfall is 1139 mm.Precipitation is the lowest in June, with an average of 0 mm. Precipitation is the lowest in June, with an average of 0 mm. With an average of 231 mm, the most precipitation falls in December. At an average temperature of 26.2 °C, October is the hottest month of the year. July has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 22.7 °C.

How to Get There

By Air: Several companies like Zantas air, Safari air link (SAL) arrange charter flight from Dar es Salam, Mwanza or Arusha cities to either Mpanda airport which is located in Mpanda town or to Sitalike and Ikuu airstrips inside the park. Usually every Monday and Thursday. Coastal Aviation Charted flight within the park Ikuu airstrips.

By Road: From either Dar es Salaam via Mbeya (1513Km), Dar es Salaam via Tabora (1392km), Arusha via Tabora (1015.7km) or Mwanza via Tabora-Inyonga (741 km).

By Rail: It is also possible to reach Mpanda by train from Dar es Salaam via Tabora then catch a public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged.

Tourism Activities

The park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their visit. The activities includes; Nature Walking Safaris (Short Walking Safaris (SWS)), Long Walking Safaris (LWS), , Picnicking, Filming, Camping, Birding,  Bush meals, Night Game Drive, Hiking and Game Viewing .

Game Viewing

This activity is conducted from 06:30 – 18:30 HRS, no additional fee for this activity. Four wheel (4X4) drive vehicles are recommended.

Long walking safari (Chorangwa Hiking Trail)

Long walking safari (Chorangwa Hiking Trail) It takes more than five hours walking, more than 10kms long.

Birding

Katavi offers an outstanding diversity of birdlife, it has more than 450 species of birds, ranging from turkey sized group hornbill to the tiny sun birds.

Camping

Special campsites: places that are identified as potential with maximum exclusivity for visitors to stay for a night, usually these places don’t have facilities; ensure everything inn should be taken out. Pre booking through park contacts is required.

Public campsites: These are places with all important facilities available like Toilets, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Dining and water.

Flying Camping: a very prominent mode of special camping where visitors maximizes privacy, adventurous and unique experience offered as moving safari, by stop and move.

Bush meals

Bush meals exemplifies the available places where visitors can take their food while doing game viewing or after walking safaris.

Filming

Taking recording picture for business purposes, or any official use, Filming fee: US $250 charged per person/day and covers conservation, camping and filming fees. Applicable to all visitors.

Night Game Drive

Night game drive the activity conducted during the night, using open vehicle and special spotlights to observe nocturnal or active during animals during night’ and their behavior. It gives an opportunity to see the range of animals which are generally unseen during the day

Picnicking

They are best places for outing or excursion in which participants carry food with them and share a meal in the open air.

Full Itinerary of Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park (Tanzania) designed for a 4–5 day remote safari experience, which is ideal for exploring this wild and untouched park

🐃 Full Itinerary of Katavi National Park

🗓️ Day 1: Travel to Katavi – Arrival & Relaxation

• Early departure from Moshi/Arusha (flight recommended to Mpanda/Katavi)
• Arrival at airstrip near Katavi
• Transfer to lodge or camp
• Lunch and rest after long journey
• Optional short evening game drive
• Dinner and overnight stay

Highlights:

• Remote wilderness experience begins
• Beautiful views of plains and seasonal lakes

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🗓️ Day 2: Full Day Game Drive – Katuma River

• Early morning breakfast
• Full-day game drive along Katuma River
• Picnic lunch inside the park
• Explore floodplains and water sources
• Evening return to camp

Wildlife you may see:

• Large buffalo herds
• Elephants
• Hippos (huge concentrations)
• Crocodiles

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🗓️ Day 3: Deep Exploration – Floodplains & prey Areas

• Morning game drive in remote areas of the park
• Visit seasonal lakes (Katavi & Chada plains)
• Observe predator-prey interactions
• Afternoon relaxation or optional walking safari (with ranger)
• Sunset viewing and return to camp

Highlights:

• Massive wildlife gatherings (especially dry season)
• Untouched safari environment (very few tourists)

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🗓️ Day 4: Game Drive & Optional Activities

• Early morning game drive (best for predators)
• Return for breakfast
• Optional activities:
  • Walking safari
  • Bird watching
  • Photography sessions
• Afternoon game drive or leisure time at lodge

Wildlife:

• Lions, hyenas, leopards
• Giraffes, zebras, antelopes
• Hundreds of bird species

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🗓️ Day 5: Departure – Return Journey

• Early breakfast
• Short morning game drive (optional)
• Transfer to airstrip
• Flight back to Arusha/Moshi (via Dar es Salaam if needed)