The bulk of Katavi supports a hypnotically featureless cover of tangled brachystegia woodland, home to substantial but elusive populations of the localised eland, sable and roan antelopes. But the main focus for game viewing within the park is the Katuma River and its associated floodplains, such as the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada. During the rainy season, these lush, marshy areas are a haven for myriad water birds, and they also support Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.
It is during the dry season, when the floodwaters retreat, that Katavi truly comes into its own. The Katuma, reduced to a shallow, muddy trickle, forms the only source of drinking water for miles around, and the flanking floodplains support game concentrations that defy belief. An estimated 4,000 elephants might converge on the area, together with several herds of 1,000-plus buffalo, while an abundance of giraffe, zebra, impala and reedbuck provide easy pickings for the numerous lion prides and spotted hyena clans whose territories converge on the floodplains.
Katavi’s most singular wildlife spectacle is provided by its hippos. Towards the end of the dry season, up to 200 individuals might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth. And as more hippos gather in one place, male rivalry grows — bloody territorial fights are an everyday occurrence, with the vanquished male forced to lurk hapless on the open plains until he gathers sufficient confidence to mount another challenge.
What to Do?
Walking, driving and camping safaris lead the way on this tour. Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi, for whom the park is named — offerings are still left here by locals seeking the spirit’s blessing.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (May to October). Roads within the park are often flooded during the rainy season, and may only be passable from mid-December to February. The park covers about 4,471 square kilometres (1,727 square miles), located in southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika. The headquarters at Sitalike lie 40km south of Mpanda town.
Getting There
Charter flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. A tough but spectacular day’s drive from Mbeya (550km), or — in the dry season only — from Kigoma (390km). It is also possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar es Salaam via Tabora, then catch public transport to Sitalike, where game driving will be arranged.
Accommodation
One seasonal luxury tented camp overlooking Lake Chada. A rest house at Sitalike, and campsites inside the park. Basic but clean hotels at Mpanda.
WELCOME — AND DISCOVER THIS LANDSCAPE WITH OBADIA TOURS & EXPLORER SAFARIS, AT A REASONABLE PRICE!!