Western Parks
Katavi
Tanzania is so full of "don't miss" wildlife destinations that safari enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. However, Katavi Plains are a must for the real enthusiast. It is far away and remote, but only a 30-minute flight from Mahale Mountains making it an excellent combination.
At 4,471sqm, Katavi is large and protects on a part of an even bigger eco-system. Extensive plains alternate with borad-leafed woodlands, flat-topped acacia bush country as well as swamps and lakes.
This is a highly seasonal place only accessible in the dry months from July - October. It is extremely remote and this remotenessis its strength as during the long wet season (October to May), the wild animals have free domain over a huge hinterland of several thousand square kilometres both within and outside the park, virtually untouched by man. As a result, they can move, live and multiply here. As the dry season arrives, they are slowly forced back into the swamps and lakes of Katavi, they they become more and more concentrated.
Large areas of the park are hardly ever visited such as the Mlele Escarpment with its waterfalls, Lake Paradise and the country in between.
Katavi is one of those places that have not changed since the first European explorers first started entering Africa's interior and it is this kind of place that gave the continent its reputation for being impenetrable; of huge scale and swarming with big game. You will need at least three days here!
Tourist Attractions
Wildlife - By September, elephants can be seen daily whilst the Buffalo numbers are phenomenal - with herd upon herd of a thousand strong graze on the dried out flood plains. Hippo and crocs number 1000+ get increasingly confined into shrinking pools and mud wallows, with regular fights erupting amongst the hippo bulls. Large herds of topi also concentrate on the flood plains
Birds - The rivers of Katavi harbour a large concentration of water birds. The most common ones are herons, plovers, spoonbills, openbills and storks (including both saddle-backed and spoon-billed). Raptors are well represented with the fish-eagle, bateleur and white-backed vulture being very common. Over 400 species have been recorded and migratory birds are present from November to April.
Tamarind Tree - Locals believe this tree is home to the spirit of famous hunter, Katabi (after whom the park is named) and have traditionally left offerings at the foot of trees to gain favour ahead of hunting trips.
Tourist Activities
Game drive - This is the park's main activity.
Walking safaris - Revel in the unforgettable opportunity to get close to wildlife in the prized wilderness of Katavi National Park. The endless plains and vast open skies will leave you mesmerised and feeling completely at one with nature.
Birding - Katavi is one of Tanzania's best destinations for birders with over 400 species, with highlights including fish eagles, lilac breated rollers, paradise flycatchers and bateleurs.
Cultural tourism - Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree still believed to be inhabited by Katabi, with offerings still left by locals seeking the spirit's blessing.
Getting there
Air - Flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma and Dar es Salaam operate into the park via small bush aircraft
Road - The drive from Mbeya is 550km which makes for a spectacular full day's journey. Dar is a further 1,400 km away.
Safari Ideas
Katavi combines well with other southern and western parks such as Nyerere, Ruaha, Mahal Mountains and Gombe national parks.