Katuma Bush Lodge
TANZANIA OVERVIEW TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS PARKS & RESERVES CAMPS & LODGES BEACH RESORTS BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA OVERVIEW TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS PARKS & RESERVES CAMPS & LODGES BEACH RESORTS
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park, located in the south western area of Tanzania, is the third largest park in the country covering an area of 4,471 sq kms (1,727 sq miles). It is considered by the few who have visited to be one of the most untouched pristine areas of the country with the greatest biodensity of wildlife. Katavi is one of the last great African wildernesses with hugely varied terrain and the wildlife less used to tourist vehicles than in the more frequented parks.
Read More
The bulk of Katavi is the hypnotically featureless cover of brachystegia woodland home to substantial numbers of eland, sable and roan antelopes. The park’s main features are the watery grass plains to the north, the palm-fringed lake Chada in the southeast and the Katuma River.
It is during the dry season Katavi truly comes into its own between May and October and December to February. Tanzania’s greatest populations of both crocodile and hippopotamus are to be found here. During the dry season up to 200 hippos might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth. The giant crocodile are found sleeping in the caves on the banks of the rivers. Giraffe, topi, zebra and other herbivores gather in great numbers along the watercourses. A kaleidoscope of birds flit across the riverbanks swamps and palm groves while flotillas of pelican cruise the lakes. Elephant graze waist-deep in the marshlands. Lion and leopard find prey among the huge populations of herbivores. . But most spectacular of all are the vast herds of 1,000 plus buffalo seldom seen elsewhere in Africa.
Additionally, the rare, honey-coloured puku antelope is one of the park’s richest wildlife viewing rewards.
The name of the park immortalizes a legendary hunter, Katabi, whose spirit is believed to possess a tamarind tree and today the base of the tree is ringed with offerings from locals begging his blessings.
Katavi sees relatively few visitors, meaning that those guests who arrive here can look forward to having this huge untouched wilderness to themselves.
Read More
Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It’s the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem – a smorgasbord for predators – and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed.
Tarangire Park is also known for its baobab “forests” – giant trees believed to survive for several centuries. One tree was carbon dated to be over 3,000 years old. Practically every part of the tree can be used. Leaves, fruit, flowers, seeds and roots all have medicinal properties. The hollow trunk is used by the hornbill to build its nests. And some trees are used as water reservoirs. The trees fibrous bark is used for making ropes and mats and cloth by man and a source of nutrition by elephants. In the heat of the day family groupings of elephant gather under the shade of these magnificent trees.
The wet season is usually mid March through June with many parts of the park inaccessible but it is worth the journey especially for birdwatchers. The swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.
Accommodation in permanent tented camps and lodges is available within the park and just outside the park boundaries.
The park lies 118 kms (75miles) south west of Arusha and is easily reached by road from Arusha or Manyara. There is an airstrip which is serviced by private charter flights.
Katavi National Park Accommodation
Katavi Wildlife Camp
TANZANIA OVERVIEW TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS PARKS & RESERVES CAMPS & LODGES BEACH RESORTS BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA OVERVIEW TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS PARKS & RESERVES CAMPS & LODGES BEACH RESORTS
Chada Katavi Camp
TANZANIA OVERVIEW TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS PARKS & RESERVES CAMPS & LODGES BEACH RESORTS BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA OVERVIEW TANZANIA SAFARI TOURS PARKS & RESERVES CAMPS & LODGES BEACH RESORTS
Tarangire National Park Accommodation
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
SOUTH AMERICA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRY FORM
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.
