As Tanzania’s third-largest national park, Katavi is a remote and unspoiled wilderness, offering a rare glimpse into Africa’s raw and untamed past.
Located in the southwestern corner of Tanzania, this vast expanse of 1,727 square miles (4,472 square kilometers) remains one of the least-visited yet most rewarding safari destinations for those seeking an authentic off-the-grid experience.
A landscape teeming with wildlife
Katavi is dominated by dense Brachystegia woodlands, which provide shelter for rare antelope species, including eland, sable, and roan. The Katuma River, which feeds into Lakes Katavi and Chada, transforms the area into a thriving seasonal floodplain, drawing some of Tanzania’s highest concentrations of wildlife. Visitors can witness massive herds of over 1,000 buffalo, along with 4,000 elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and reedbucks—all roaming freely across the park’s untouched savannas.
Hippos, crocodiles & birdlife
During the rainy season, the park’s marshy lakes come alive with flocks of waterbirds, while Katavi boasts the densest populations of hippos and crocodiles in Tanzania. Watching hippos engage in fierce territorial battles in shrinking waterholes during the dry season is an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
A true wilderness for the adventurous traveler
With its pristine landscapes, remote location, and unparalleled wildlife encounters, Katavi National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. This hidden gem is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking the raw, untamed beauty of Africa—far from the crowds of more frequented parks.
