Katavi National Park Tour & Safari Packages

Katavi National Park is a Tanzanian national park covering Lake Tanganyika’s southwest section; the National Park contains an isolated island with unique fauna and flora. The Katavi region is characterized by low rainfall. It supports only a few widely separated small clusters of permanent water, one at each end of the lake (at Mahale Mountains National Park on the west and Luama Bay on the east).

Activities in Katavi National Park Tour & Safari Packages

• Bird watching

This is an area with a prosperous bird life. The Katavi region is exceptional in having so many isolated water bodies and consequently has a high density of water birds, including over 200 residents and breeding species. Over 500 migrants have been recorded here. In addition, the area contains three islands that have some unique species (including one endemic to Ufipa Island).

• Visiting historical sites

There are several historical sites in the neighborhood of Katavi park.  The most famous and well-known is the Sumbawanga megalithic site located in Tunduru. Stone relics dating back thousands of years have been found dating between 3500-3000 BC. Other sites are the Mananga Rocks, located at the base of Mananga Hill, and the caves of Iringa. Visiting some of these sites by boat and walking is possible. Visiting these sites will add to the knowledge of Tanzanian culture.

A game drive

This is a must while in Katavi National Park. A game drive is the best way to see animals and birds in their natural habitat, often at close range. The Park is particularly rich in mammals, with over 60 species recorded here. Special Events and the Annual Migration of the Lion last for 3 days and two nights, February and March each year. Guests joining this tour experience the adventure of sleeping in a tent under the stars and seeing the great migration of lions from one side of the Park to another. Dambos are especially important for lions, as some will only mate once a year; hence all males migrate north for mating during this time.

• Special Events

The Park has a special event on average once every two months. The Park aims to invite tourists to get an insight into Tanzanian culture, nature, and dhow sailing. The events last two days and include a day in the Park with a game drive and cultural visit, along with a visit to the village where one will learn about Tanzanian culture. The second day will be at sea as one joins a dhow sail for two days to visit the remote island of Ufipa, also home to several species of birds and primates.

• Picnics

There are many picnic spots in Katavi National Park, and the rangers can select a suitable one for anyone. The picnic could occur at the base of a rock, in a forest clearing, or on the beach. These are ideal for going out and relaxing while taking in nature. Some include the Old Mangrove, Sabi Channel, Waterfalls, and Ambaro Valley. During picnics, one can go on a boat ride to view the wildlife, watch birds and interact with them. People enjoy the experience of seeing animals in the wild that would not commonly be seen in an enclosure.

 

• Camping safaris

For those who wish to camp while in Katavi National Park, the following campsites are available: The Elephant campsite, located on the northern side of the National Park. The size of this camp is quite large and can accommodate up to 100 people. This site offers an excellent view of the waterfalls and a chance for tourists to feel close to nature by engaging with chimpanzees. The Patonga campsite is more intimate, with smaller numbers of people and moderate tents. This camp has a much larger number of tents, so if one is looking for privacy this could be the one for anyone

• Walking safaris

It is possible to go on a walking safari in the Park. The best option is the new Murchison– Katavi Park walking safari, which runs from May to October and takes in Katavi National Park and Murchison National Park. At this time, it is common for tourists to join one of the walks. The walks are 3 days long, and one can interact with the locals at various local villages, and enjoy the view of chimpanzees, baboons, and birds of prey up-close.

Where it is located

Located in the northern part of Tanzania, off the shores of Lake Tanganyika, it is one of the country’s most remote and least explored areas. The region is accessible via well-maintained dirt roads from Mbeya, which drives for about 10 hours to reach Katavi National Park.

 

Where to stay

There are several luxury lodges in and around Katavi National Park, including Nimuli Safari Lodge; Katavi Wildlife Lodge; Katavi Bush Camps; Kingfisher Lodge; Tandala Tented Camp. In addition, there are other hotels outside the Park in Katavis but within the Lake Tanganyika basin. For example, Tunduru and Kigoma have hotels.