Welcome to Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park, is found on the western part of Tanzania, it was formerly a game reserve; the park was established in 1974. It was originally 1,823km2 In 1997 it was extended to 4,471km2. The park is located 40km south of Mpanda town, being Tanzania’s third largest national park, after Ruaha and Serengeti.
How to Get There
By Air: Several companies like Zantas air, Safari air link (SAL) arrange charter flight from Dar es Salam, Mwanza or Arusha cities to either Mpanda airport which is located in Mpanda town or to Sitalike and Ikuu airstrips inside the park. Usually every Monday and Thursday. Coastal Aviation Charted flight within the park Ikuu airstrips.
By Road: From either Dar es Salaam via Mbeya (1513Km), Dar es Salaam via Tabora (1392km), Arusha via Tabora (1015.7km) or Mwanza via Tabora-Inyonga (741 km).
By Rail: It is also possible to reach Mpanda by train from Dar es Salaam via Tabora then catch a public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged.
Highlights:
Tourism Activities
The park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their visit. The activities includes; Nature Walking Safaris (Short Walking Safaris (SWS)), Long Walking Safaris (LWS), , Picnicking, Filming, Camping, Birding, Bush meals, Night Game Drive, Hiking and Game Viewing .
Game Viewing
This activity is conducted from 06:30 – 18:30 HRS, no additional fee for this activity. Four wheel (4X4) drive vehicles are recommended.
Long walking safari (Chorangwa Hiking Trail)
Long walking safari (Chorangwa Hiking Trail) It takes more than five hours walking, more than 10kms long.
Short walking safari (Sitalike Walking Trail)
Short walking safari (Sitalike Walking Trail) that range from 1-9kms Long, it takes more than three hours.
Birding
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.
Camping
Special campsites: places that are identified as potential with maximum exclusivity for visitors to stay for a night, usually these places don’t have facilities; ensure everything inn should be taken out. Pre booking through park contacts is required.
Public campsites: These are places with all important facilities available like Toilets, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Dining and water.
Bush meals
Bush meals exemplifies the available places where visitors can take their food while doing game viewing or after walking safaris.
Filming
Taking recording picture for business purposes, or any official use, Filming fee: US $250 charged per person/day and covers conservation, camping and filming fees. Applicable to all visitors.
Night Game Drive
Night game drive the activity conducted during the night, using open vehicle and special spotlights to observe nocturnal or active during animals during night’ and their behavior. It gives an opportunity to see the range of animals which are generally unseen during the day
Picnicking
They are best places for outing or excursion in which participants carry food with them and share a meal in the open air.
Hiking
Walking through trails to a waterfall It is being practiced in Katavi National Park, 17 Kms walking Trails to an elevated point where it will be easy to view Waterfalls it includes Chorangwa, Lukima and Ndido waterfalls within the parks.
Visit Katavi National Park
Support the work of Katavi National Park by visiting the park and seeing the wildlife that call this place home. Visiting parks help support local livelihoods and help protect wildlife for generations to come.
| Month | Temp | Prec.(mm) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Min: 21C/70F – Max: 31C/88F | 159 | |
| Feb | Min: 21C/70F – Max: 32C/90F | 152 | |
| Mar | Min: 20C/68F – Max: 31C/88F | 165 | |
| Apr | Min: 20C/68F – Max: 32C/90F | 126 | |
| May | Min: 19C/66F – Max: 31C/88F | 19 | |
| Jun | Min: 17C/63F – Max: 30C/86F | 0 | |
| Jul | Min: 16C/61F – Max: 30C/86F | 0 | |
| Aug | Min: 18C/64F – Max: 31C/88F | 0 | |
| Sept | Min: 20C/68F – Max: 32C/90F | 0 | |
| Oct | Min: 21C/70F – Max: 34C/93F | 18 | |
| Nov | Min: 21C/70F – Max: 33C/91F | 122 | |
| Dec | Min: 21C/70F – Max: 32C/90F | 201 |
| Best Time August to October |
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| High Season July to October (Katavi is rarely crowded) |
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| Low Season April and May (Many lodges are closed) |
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| Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall) |
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| Worst Weather November to April (Wet season) |
May to October –Dry Season
It is clear and sunny – rain is very rare
Malaria risk is lowered because there are fewer mosquitoes
Humidity and heat is less oppressive
It is very dry and dusty
Some lodges might still be closed in May
November to April –Wet Season
November to May is low season with better rates
Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its prime
Roads might be hard to travel
Most wildlife disperses into the woodland and wildlife viewing becomes very hard
Many lodges close for the whole Wet season or part of it
IIt gets very hot and humid, and there are many mosquitoes and other insects
Gombe National Park
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Katavi National Park
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Lake Manyara NP
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Ngorongoro Crater
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Selous Game Reserve
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Ruaha National Park
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Serengeti National Park
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Tarangire National Park
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |

