Katavi National Park
Untouched and Unforgettable
Katavi National Park is a place that few travelers ever reach — and that’s exactly why we love it. In fact, if we had to choose a favorite park alongside the Serengeti, this would be it. Some say Katavi might just be the most beautiful park in all of Tanzania, and after you’ve stood on the edge of its vast floodplains with nothing but nature in every direction, you might agree.
Katavi feels like Africa before the word “safari” became famous. The landscapes are epic — endless grasslands, riverine forests, and winding waterways that draw wildlife in spectacular numbers. In the dry season, the drama intensifies as waterholes shrink: hundreds of hippos pile into the last pools, massive crocodiles bask in the heat, and enormous herds of buffalo move in unison across the plains, shadowed by patient lions.
When the rains return, the park changes character completely. Rivers spill over, floodplains turn green, and the birdlife is extraordinary — over 400 species from fish eagles to brightly colored kingfishers. It’s wild, it’s remote, and most days you’ll feel like you have it all to yourself.
Travel Tips
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Katavi is not a “pop in for a day” kind of park. Stay at least three nights and you’ll feel the raw, untouched magic of one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.
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Be prepared to go off-grid. Wi-Fi is scarce here — your entertainment comes with tusks, claws, and wings.
What to Do
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Game drives: See elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and more without the crowds.
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Walking safaris: Experience the park on foot for a raw, unfiltered perspective.
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Birdwatching: Over 400 species, from iconic raptors to elegant waders.
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Hippo and crocodile encounters: Watch some of Africa’s largest hippo gatherings and enormous crocodiles in the dry season.
When to Visit
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June–October (Dry season): Best for concentrated wildlife at the last water sources.
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November–May (Wet season): Lush scenery and incredible birdwatching, though animals are more spread out.
How to Get to Katavi National Park
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By air: The easiest option is a flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Ruaha.
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By road: A serious overland journey taking several days — best for true adventurers combining it with other remote places.