Exploring the Unexplored in Tanzania: A Look at Katavi National Park

The Western Safari Circuit, the lesser known counterpart of the much more popular Northern Safari Circuit, comprises Lake Tanganyika, the Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream National Park as well as Katavi National Park, Tanzania. Though not as popular a choice among tourists, this circuit offers beautiful landscapes, the lovely lakes as well as some amazing wildlife that are sure to draw you in. The Katavi National Park., situated in the Southwestern part of Tanzania, is the third largest park in Tanzania and also houses the Lake Chada Riverplains, the Katuma River as well as the Katavi Lake. Some of the most popular animals found around this area include leopards, lions, African Buffaloes, zebras and cheetahs.

What can you do at Katavi Park, Tanzania?

There is quite a lot you can do at Katavi National Park, and some of the most popular activities include:

• Walking Safaris

A walking safari is generally a trekking experience with an armed ranger, often accompanied by bush camping. The walk often includes a visit to the seasonal Lake Katavi, where you may be able to spot crocodiles or hippos.

• Get to Know its History

In addition to the wildlife you can spot here, Katavi National Park also has a fascinating history, and anyone who might be interested can get to know it. You may visit the Kabora Lyonga Slave Route which passed through this area during the slave trade. You may also visit the quite popular tamarind tree, which the park is also named after. The traditional belief about this national park in Tanzania is that this tree was the home of KataviWhom, a famous hunter, who is now a revered figure among those who hunt. 

• Birdwatching

The Katavi National Park, in addition to housing a number of wild animals, is also home to hundreds of bird species. This makes the location an excellent one for birdwatching as well. For bird enthusiasts, this might be one of the best things you can engage in, for there are more than over 400 bird species that have their residence at Katavi National Park in Tanzania.

How to get to Katavi National Park?

Well, the first question that often comes to mind when planning a trip is how does one get there. For Katavi National Park, Tanzania, a convenient way to reach the destination would be via a chartered flight from either Arusha or Dar es Salam. As per the itinerary  and travel plan, tourists may enter the location either via Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport.

There is also the option of boarding a commercial flight, but the only one operates bi-weekly, between Uaha, Mahale and Katavi.

Where can you stay at Katavi National Park?

• Mbali Mbali Camp: This camp, which has been refurbished recent;y in 2018, offers a wonderful experience to all its visitors. It offers 8 comfortable tents, which are built on raised wooden platforms and securely covered with a thatched roof. The tents are equipped with all necessary facilities, and include a sofa, a verandah and a traditional Zanzibari bed. A wonderful assortment of local cuisine as well as known western delicacies is served at Mbali Mbali, in addition to a bi-weekly BBQ buffet, which is set outdoors. 
• Chada Camp: This Camp is managed by Nomad Tanzania and offers 6 tents which are equipped with all the facilities that ensure a comfortable stay for all the tourists. You also have the facility of a ‘bucket shower’ outside your tent, which will cool you off after an adventurous day. Often, herds of elephants can also be spotted there. Visitors are also given the option of dining indoors, or enjoying al fresco dining outdoors, under the beautiful sky full of stars. Guests often gather around a campfire before dinner and spend some time enjoying drinks, snacks and sharing laughs and stories.

What is the Best Time to Visit Katavi National Park?

As is true with many other locations in Tanzania, it is best to visit during the dry season, and you can make the most of your vacation. The annual dry season lasts from June to December and the Katuma River is the only freshwater source during this period, so this is a great opportunity for spotting wildlife around the river.

Many hippos can be seen gathered around the water sources during this time, because the heat begins to increase and water sources are few. This might also be the ideal time to spot zebras, impalas and other animals passing through the plains area.

You might think that since the dry season is a commonly known popular time to visit the park, you need not worry about the tourists crowds, for Katavi National Park, Tanzania is quite an underrated destination, and so you can enjoy your holiday without thousands of tourists pouring in.

In Conclusion:

The Northern Safari Circuit in Tanzania, comprising the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park among a few other famous destinations is widely known among safari goers and anyone interested or experienced in traveling to Tanzania. But the Western Safari Circuit is no less, and also offers amazing safaris, comfortable accommodation,. Wonderful opportunities to spot and observe wildlife and an overall amazing experience, enclosed by lush green landscapes and equally stunning skyscapes too. Among the many national parks in Tanzania, Katavi National Park continues to be a lesser known destination, but it is nonetheless a  wonderful place to be, offering a truly unique and authentic safari experience to all the visitors. Now that you have an idea of the ways to get to Katavi National Park, when you should plan your trip, accommodation and activity options, don’t wait for too long, plan your trip and make your bookings!