Katavi National Park is the third largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of 4,471 km² in the country's southwestern region. Due to its secluded location, Katavi receives fewer visitors compared to other popular parks like the Serengeti and the Selous, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and authentic African safari adventure.

One of the park's most notable features is its network of seasonal rivers, including the Kapapa and Katuma Rivers. During the dry season (between June and October), these rivers become the only sources of water in Katavi, attracting an impressive array of wildlife to the riverbanks. The clashes between animals competing for space at the waterhole provide an exciting and memorable game viewing experience. Opportunistic predators are also never far away, and witnessing a hunt is often possible.

Although Katavi is less accessible than other parks in Tanzania, flights from Arusha take around four hours. A luxury safari in Katavi National Park can be combined with the nearby Mahale Mountains National Park, and flights are available between both parks.

With its unique location and abundant wildlife, Katavi National Park is an excellent choice for those seeking a one-of-a-kind safari experience. Book a bespoke safari and witness the stunning natural beauty of Tanzania for yourself.

Katavi National Park in western Tanzania is the perfect for safari destination for enthusiasts who want to witness remote wildlife viewing in a pristine wilderness setting. The park is known for its vast plains, woodlands, and seasonal lakes, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife.

During a safari in Katavi National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, and giraffes. The park is also home to rare and endangered species such as wild dogs, sable antelopes, and roan antelopes, which can be spotted in small numbers.

One of the unique experiences that visitors can have in Katavi National Park is watching hippos and crocodiles in the Katuma River. The park is home to one of the largest populations of hippos in Tanzania, and they can be seen in large groups, particularly during the dry season when they congregate in the river. The river also offers an opportunity to spot Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.

Another highlight of Katavi National Park is the possibility of seeing large herds of buffalo, sometimes numbering in the thousands. These herds can be seen moving across the plains, creating a stunning spectacle for visitors. Other rare sightings include cheetahs, leopards, and even the elusive honey badger.

If you are planning a safari to Katavi National Park, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to October.

During the dry season, the park's wildlife is concentrated around the few remaining water sources, making it much easier to spot them. This is also the best time for game drives, as the dry conditions make it easier to traverse the park's rugged terrain. Additionally, the dry season is the time when the park's birdlife is at its most diverse, with many migratory species arriving to breed.

While the dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing, it is also the busiest time for tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from November to December or from January to February. During this time, the park is less crowded, and the weather is still dry and sunny, making it a great time for a safari.

The wet season in Katavi National Park runs from March to May and is generally not recommended for safari trips due to the heavy rainfall and difficult road conditions. However, this is the best time to see the park's lush vegetation and stunning waterfalls.

January:

This is one of the hottest months in Katavi with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F). Highs can reach up to 32°C (90°F), while lows can drop to 20°C (68°F). The average rainfall is 91mm and there are around 9 days with rain.

February:

The weather in February is similar to January, with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and highs of 32°C (90°F). Lows can drop to 20°C (68°F). The average rainfall is 92mm and there are around 8 days with rain.

March:

March is slightly cooler with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Highs can still reach up to 31°C (88°F), while lows can drop to 19°C (66°F). The average rainfall is 118mm and there are around 11 days with rain.

April:

This is the wettest month in Katavi with an average rainfall of 202mm and around 15 days with rain. Temperatures range from an average high of 30°C (86°F) to an average low of 19°C (66°F).

May:

May is slightly cooler than April, with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F). Highs can reach up to 28°C (82°F), while lows can drop to 16°C (61°F). The average rainfall is 43mm and there are around 6 days with rain.

June:

This is the start of the dry season in Katavi. The average temperature is 21°C (70°F), with highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F). The average rainfall is 8mm and there are around 2 days with rain.

July:

July is a dry month in Katavi with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). Highs can reach up to 27°C (81°F), while lows can drop to 12°C (54°F). There is very little rainfall, with an average of 3mm and only 1 day with rain.

August:

August is another dry month with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F). Highs can reach up to 28°C (82°F), while lows can drop to 13°C (55°F). There is very little rainfall, with an average of 2mm and only 1 day with rain.

September:

The average temperature in September is 24°C (75°F), with highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). The average rainfall is 5mm and there is only 1 day with rain.

October:

This is one of the hottest months in Katavi with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Highs can reach up to 32°C (90°F), while lows can drop to 19°C (66°F). The average rainfall is 29mm and there are around 4 days with rain.

November:

November is slightly cooler than October, with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F). Highs can reach up to 31°C (88°F), while lows can drop to 18°C (64°F). The average rainfall is 68mm and there are around 8 days with rain.

December:

This is the start of the short rains in Katavi. The average temperature is 25°C (77°F), with highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). The average rainfall during December is 95mm.