Katavi National Park

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Overview

Katavi National Park is Tanzania's third-largest national park and one of its most remote, lying in the far west of the country. With very few visitors, it offers a genuinely wild safari experience, where you may not see another vehicle all day.

Wildlife

The park is famous for its huge dry-season gatherings of wildlife. As the Katuma River and the Katisunga floodplain shrink, hundreds of hippos crowd into the remaining pools, crocodiles shelter in muddy banks, and herds of buffalo, sometimes a thousand strong, come down to drink. Elephant, giraffe, zebra and many antelope species are common, and lion and leopard follow the herds.

How to get there?

By Air

Most visitors arrive on charter flights, often combined with Mahale Mountains, which land at airstrips inside the park.

By Road

The park headquarters at Sitalike is about 40 km south of Mpanda town. Road access from the rest of Tanzania is long and best suited to overland adventurers.

Popular Animals

Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations

Things to do at Katavi National Park

Popular experience in Katavi National Park

Game Drive on the Katisunga Floodplain

In the dry season thousands of buffalo, along with elephant, giraffe, zebra and antelope, gather on the vast Katisunga floodplain, followed by lions and hyenas.

Hippo and Crocodile Pools

As the Katuma River shrinks, hundreds of hippos crowd into the last pools and crocodiles shelter in the riverbanks, one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.

Walking Safari

Explore the remote bush on foot with an armed ranger, often without seeing another visitor all day.

Birdwatching

More than 400 bird species live in the park, from storks and pelicans on the floodplains to raptors in the miombo woodland.

When to visit Katavi National Park?

Dry Season (June to October)

The best time to visit. As the water dries up, huge herds of buffalo, elephant and hippos gather on the floodplains and along the Katuma River, with the greatest concentrations in September and October.

Wet Season (November to May)

Much of the park becomes inaccessible and most camps close from around March to May. Early in the wet season the park is green and good for birdwatching.

JAN

GREEN

FEB

GREEN

MAR

CAMPS CLOSED

APR

CLOSED

MAY

REOPENING

JUN

DRY BEGINS

JUL

HERDS GATHER

AUG

PEAK

SEP

HIPPO POOLS

OCT

PEAK

NOV

RAINS START

DEC

GREEN

Places to stay

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Tours & Safaris

Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park

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Frequently Asked Questions

Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park

When is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?

The answer depends on the experience you seek. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for optimal wildlife viewing and the Great Migration, while the wet season (November to April) offers lush landscapes and birdwatching opportunities.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Serengeti?

Serengeti is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and various bird species.

How can I get to Serengeti National Park?

Travelers can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Tanzania. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Seronera Airstrip or drive to the park, depending on your preferences and location.

What are the accommodation options in Serengeti?

Accommodations in Serengeti range from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites. Visitors can choose accommodations based on their preferences, with many lodges offering immersive safari experiences.

Is it safe to visit Serengeti National Park?

Serengeti is generally considered safe for tourists, and the park has well-established guidelines for visitors. It’s important to follow the instructions of experienced guides, adhere to park regulations, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience.