Katavi National Park is found in the western part of Tanzania; it was formerly a game reserve; the park was established in 1974. It was originally 1,823km2 in 1997 it was extended to 4,471km2. The park is located 40km south of Mpanda town, Tanzania’s third largest national park, after Ruaha and Serengeti.

The park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their visit. The activities include; Nature Walking Safaris Short Walking Safaris, Long Walking Safaris, Picnicking, Filming, Camping, Birding, Bush meals, Night Game Drives, Hiking, and Game Viewing.

Hippopotamus Katavi National Park 

Best Time to Visit Katavi National Park;

Katavi is a classic dry-country reserve. During the Wet season, from November to April, the wildlife disperses into the woodland, and wildlife viewing becomes a challenge. The heat and humidity are oppressive in the Wet season. During the Dry season, the Katuma River is reduced to a narrow stream, and the floodplains become a magnet for wildlife. August to October is the best time to visit the park.

Katavi National Park Hippo

Activities at Katavi National Park;

• Game Drives;

Game drives in the national park are ideal for wildlife viewing in the park. Guided game drives in the national park are even a plus because, with the help of a park guide, you will be able to sight particular wildlife species that you wish to see in the park.

• Birding;

Katavi national park is home to more than 400 bird species making it one of the best destinations for bird-watching safaris in Tanzania.

• Guided Nature Walks;

Visitors can embark on nature walks in the park accompanied by trained, knowledgeable, and experienced park rangers. Guided nature walks in the park are the best way for visitors to explore the park on foot.

• Visit Historical Sites in the park;

The national park offers visitors tours to interesting historical sites that date back as far as the Stone Age period during the ninetieth century.

• Camping in Katavi National Park:

Katavi national park in Tanzania offers visitors both laziness and wilderness camping.  Camping in the park is ideal for visitors who love nature and it is a great activity for visitors looking to spend quality time with loved ones.

Katavi National Park Wildlife

Weather and Climate at Katavi National Park;

The climate in Katavi is hot throughout the year. Katavi's nights are pleasant (around 20°C/68°F). Temperatures during the day are around 32°C/90°.

Katavi has one continuous Wet season (from November to April). It tends not to rain all day long but afternoon thundershowers can be expected. The Dry season is from May to October.

Dry season–May to October

May – This is the end of the Wet season. It still rains occasionally during this month.

June, July, August & September – Afternoon temperatures are usually around 31°C/88°F. Most days are sunny and clear. Rain would be very rare at this time. June to August have the coldest nights but are still moderate with minimum temperatures of about 17°C/63°F on average.

October – This is the end of the Dry season. October has the highest temperatures of the year, differing only slightly from other months. Rain can be expected on some days and humidity will gradually increase.

Wet season–November to April

November, December, January, February, March & April – The humidity is high, and it can feel incredibly hot. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 32°C/90°F and night temperatures are around 21°C/70°F. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are probable – and it will rain almost every day – but rarely all day long.

Katavi National Park Weather

Getting to Katavi National Park;

The best way to get to Katavi is by flight from Arusha. The only publicly, the scheduled flight is the twice-weekly service between Ruaha, Katavi, and Mahale operated by Safari Air Link.

Depending on your itinerary, your entry point to the country will either be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 46km/29mi from Arusha, or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. Your tour operator will pick you up from the airport and make ongoing arrangements, including the charter flight to the park's airstrip.