Katavi National Park

Overview

Katavi National Park is one of the parks found in the South-western part of Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika and is one of the most untouched areas in the entire country. It is the third largest national park which offers un-spoilt wildlife viewing. The park is a great place to spot large numbers of wildlife in unadulterated bush settings and spectacular views. Katavi’s dramatic scenery is as varied as it is pristine. The woodlands/ forest is home to herds of buffaloes and elephants, the rare roan and sable antelope species and many other wildlife.
Katavi National Park harbors the Katuma River and associated floodplains which are the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada. During the rainy season, these lush, marshy lakes are a haven for water birds, and they also support Tanzania’s largest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles. The Katuma River forms one of the only drinking sources for miles around, attracting astonishing amounts of wildlife, particularly elephants, together with buffalo, zebra, giraffes and impala. Due to their abundance in one spot, it provides easy pickings for the numerous predators, lions, hyena and wild cats to mentions a few whose territories converge on the flood plains.

Things to see in Katavi National Park

• Wildlife, eg: elephant, leopard, giraffe, lion, zebra and the largest herds of Cape buffalo
• Birds, 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 eg: African fish eagle, African openbill, Lilac-breasted roller, Pink-backed pelican,Yellow-billed stork,
• Historical sites

Things to do in Katavi National Park

• Game Drives
• Long walking safari (Chorangwa Hiking Trail)
• Short walking safari (Sitalike Walking Trail)
• Birding/ Bird watching
• Camping
• Picnicking
• Film and photography
• Visit historical sites e.g., stone and iron age
• Fly camping