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Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park
Tanzania’s third-largest park (4,471 km²) and one of its least visited — a raw, remote wilderness in the far southwest near the Mahale Mountains. With only a few hundred visitors a year, it offers an almost prehistoric, undisturbed safari experience.
One of Tanzania’s most exclusive parksVast Wilderness
4,471 km² of raw, remote landscape
Katuma River
Lifeline that draws huge concentrations of wildlife
Lake Chada
Seasonal lake famous for massive hippo pods
True Isolation
Only a few hundred visitors each year
Wildlife
Massive herds of buffalo in their thousands and elephants in their hundreds roam the plains. Katavi is especially famous for its enormous hippo pods, which congregate dramatically in the shrinking Katuma River and Lake Chada as the dry season progresses.
Activities
Game Drives
Explore vast plains and riverine habitat with an authentic sense of untouched wilderness. Game drives often feel completely private.
Walking Safaris
Guided on-foot immersion in the ecosystem for a closer, more intimate experience of the landscape and wildlife.
Fly Camping
Remote overnight bush camping under the stars — the ultimate wilderness experience in one of Tanzania’s wildest parks.
Cultural Visits
Visit nearby fishing villages along the Katuma River for a glimpse into local life on the edge of the park.
Getting There
Reached by light aircraft from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, landing on a private airstrip within the park. There is no practical road option for most travelers.
Good to Know
One of Tanzania’s most exclusive parks. Visitor numbers remain low year-round, so game drives typically feel completely private.