KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Katavi National Park is positioned in the Katavi region of Tanzania, about 1000kms from Arusha Town. It is set on the western side of Tanzania and features among the most wilderness havens in the country. This park was founded in 1974 and it sits in an area of about 4471sq.kms which makes it the 3rd most extensive park in Tanzania. Because of its location, it is rated among the least explored parks and visitors on Tanzania safari here get the best of authentic African wilderness experiences. The park also covers the scenic Katuma River and the seasonal Lake Katavi plus Lake Chada floodplains.
Attractions in Katavi National Park
Wildlife
The different species of wildlife to explore on Tanzania safari in Katavi National Park include zebras, giraffes, elephants, hartebeest, cape buffaloes, cheetahs, hyenas, defassa waterbucks, jackals, servals, elands, leopards, lions, wild dogs as well as crocodiles, hippos which dwell in Katuma River.
Birdlife
Katavi National Park hosts an estimate of about 400 bird species which makes it an amazing birding area for birders on Tanzania safari to explore. The birds to expect to sight in this park include open billed stork, saddle bill stork, African fish eagles, Bateleur, crested barbets, paradise flycatchers, lilac-breasted rollers, spoonbill stork.
Activities to do in Katavi National Park
Game viewing
Game viewing in Katavi National Park involves you sighting different wildlife species in a 4×4 safari vehicle and they include among others zebras, giraffes, servals, elands, leopards, elephants, hartebeest, cape buffaloes, cheetahs, hyenas, defassa waterbucks, jackals, lions, wild dogs plus bird species.
Birding
Birding in Katavi National Park is an incredible experience and a great opportunity for you to identify the variety of birdlife including the open billed stork, paradise flycatchers, saddle bill stork, African fish eagles, Bateleur, crested barbets, lilac-breasted rollers, spoonbill stork.
Guided nature walks
Katavi National Park is also an ideal destination when it comes to guided nature walks. On a nature walk, you have the opportunity to sight different birds, explore a variety of plant species and view some unique wildlife in their different habitats.
Best time to visit Katavi National Reserve
This park is popular for its remotes and visitors can best visit during the dry season which occurs in June, July, August, September, October, November, December and this is ideal for game viewing. Bird watching is perfect during the rainy season which begins in January, February, March, April, May.
Accommodation in Katavi National Reserve
The notable lodges in Katavi National Reserve include Katavi Wildlife Camp, Nomad Tented Camp (Luxury), Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge, Palahala Luxury Camp, Chada Katavi Camp (Mid-range), Campsites such as Ikuu public campsite, HQ public campsite, Katavi Site, Kapimbye special campsite (Budget).
How to access Katavi National Reserve
By road, visitors can drive from from Dar-es-Salaam through Mbeya to Katavi National Park, or from Dar-es-Salaam through Tabora route to Katavi National Park. By air, one may fly from Julius Nyerere International Airport (in Dar-es-Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport to Mpanda Airport, Ikuu Airstrips, Sitalike Airstrip. Scheduled flights are always arranged twice each week starting from Dar-es-Salaam to Katavi National Reserve airstrips (Ikuu, Sitalike airstrips).
Tanzania Safari Destinations
Related Tanzania National Parks – Where to go for a Tanzania Wildlife Safaris Tour
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Lake Manyara National Park is of no doubt one of Tanzania’s exceptional safari parks tourists on Tanzania safari should consider a must-visit. It is approximately 126kms Southwest of Arusha Town. Lake Manyara National Park was founded in 1960 and it covers an area of only 330sq.kms which makes it one of the smallest parks in Tanzania. Lake Manyara National Park is surrounded by Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park. View Details Here
Mahale Mountains National Park is set along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma area Western Tanzania. Compared to other protected areas, Mahale Mountains National Park is remotely located providing tourists on Tanzania safari with exceptional wilderness experiences. It takes its name from the Mahale Mountain range which lies at its border. Mahale Mountains National Park. View Details Here
Kilimanjaro National Park is undoubtedly one of the most magical Tanzania safari destinations. It derives its name from the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro which itself it an outstanding safari site to explore on Tanzania safari. This park is set near Moshi Town in the Northern side of Tanzania above the rolling hills and plateau of Amboseli National Park. View Details Here
Ruaha National Park is set in the heart of Tanzania, approximately 130kms away from Western Iringa Town. This park was founded in 1964 and it is named after the Great Ruaha River that flows on its Southeastern side. It sits in an area of about 20226sq.kms making it the most extensive national park in Tanzania and East Africa at large. It covers a section. View Details Here
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of the best parks to visit on Tanzania safari. In 2015, this park was ranked the third best place to visit by the New York Times. It is situated south of Mikumi National Park and it is popular as the Galapagos of Africa. It takes its name from the word Wadsungwa which denotes Kihehe language as people. View Details Here