KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Located along the rift escarpment in Western Tanzania, the 4,471 square kilometre Katavi National Park is the third largest in the country. However, its remoteness and inaccessibility leaves it comparably untouched, with just a few hundred visitors per year. A land of great diversity, this untamed and wild area is in the heart of one of the largest and richest wildlife areas in Tanzania.
Home to the largest herds of buffalo on the planet, Katavi National Park is a wilderness paradise, situated in the western area of Tanzania. The park boasts a wonderful array of habitats, which range from flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways that teem with hippo and crocodile to woodlands, open grasslands, forests and pristine seasonal lakes.
Katavi is a classic dry season reserve. From June to October buffalo herds of up to 3,000 graze on the plains. Game drives offer superb photographic opportunities, whilst walks beside sluggish rivers are exciting. Large crocodiles lie in mudholes, marabou storks pick over hippo carcasses and spotted hyena lope off into the distance. Elephants drink from tiny water holes in mud-cracked pans, roan and sable antelope hide in dense thickets, while vultures clean and dry their wings in small streams. As the sun falls low in the sky, a visit to the hippo pool, where 600 hippo live in dense formation and engage in fierce territorial battles, provides a perfect place for a sundowner.
In contrast to other Tanzanian parks, night drives are permitted, and after, as the smoke curls up from the fire and the sound of cicadas becomes deafening. If you sit quietly you might see a pennant-winged nightjar flit across the purple sky or hear a distant owl.
With only three small upmarket camps, and only two expensive flights on 12-seater planes each week, this is no place for the masses, but for the real safari enthusiast.
where to stay
From our visit to Katavi, we have first-hand knowledge of the three lodges which you can find below, sorted from low-key to deluxe. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
katavi wildlife camp
Katavi Wildlife Camp is set amongst the trees that fringe the Katisunga plains. From your vantage point either on your tents veranda or from the upper viewing lounge you can join the predators watching the plains game during the day. Then anticipate the excitement of the predators hunting their dinner as the game move back to the trees in the evenings.
Katavi consists of 6 large Meru-style tents, overlooking the plain; each built on a raised wooden platform, and sheltered from the midday sun by a traditionally thatched roof. Each tent is en-suite, and has it’s own large veranda with hammock and chairs. There are four double tents and two twin tents, and all have a safe.
The camp is located where the Katuma river drains the Katisunga plain and the two-storey main banda is perfectly located to maximise viewing of the daily movements of game between grazing and drinking from the Katuma river. Downstairs consists of a bar, a few sitting areas with comfortable armchairs, and a cosy dining area at the front. Upstairs is a sitting area where guests can relax in the heat of the day, with stunning and far-reaching views overlooking the Katisunga plains. There is a small selection of books and magazines to browse. Just out the front is the fire-pit, where guests can have a pre-dinner drink and swap stories from the day’s safari.After dark, guests are escorted to and from their tent by Askari.
Katavi consists of 6 large Meru-style tents, overlooking the plain; each built on a raised wooden platform, and sheltered from the midday sun by a traditionally thatched roof. Each tent is en-suite, and has it’s own large veranda with hammock and chairs. There are four double tents and two twin tents, and all have a safe.
The camp is located where the Katuma river drains the Katisunga plain and the two-storey main banda is perfectly located to maximise viewing of the daily movements of game between grazing and drinking from the Katuma river. Downstairs consists of a bar, a few sitting areas with comfortable armchairs, and a cosy dining area at the front. Upstairs is a sitting area where guests can relax in the heat of the day, with stunning and far-reaching views overlooking the Katisunga plains. There is a small selection of books and magazines to browse. Just out the front is the fire-pit, where guests can have a pre-dinner drink and swap stories from the day’s safari.After dark, guests are escorted to and from their tent by Askari.
mbali mbali katavi lodge
Located in the centre of Katavi National Park, it started as a very simple tented camp, but has gradually developed into a luxury lodge. All eleven rooms were constructed for exclusivity, with complete furnishings including writing desks, fine linen, and en suite bathrooms. The lodge is well frequented by wildlife that makes for spectacular viewing. The main deck houses a swimming pool, lounge and dining facilities to complement the breathtaking views of the Katisunga Plains. The newly built Sable Suite offers an even more exclusive experience for clients looking for that extra attention and service.
chata katavi
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