Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park, one on the up-coming tourist attractions in Tanzania is located southward close to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Gazetted in 1974 as a National Park, Katavi covers a total land area of 2,253 kilometres, and the closest town is Mpanda Town, some 40 kilometres away. It is a remote, unpoilt beautiful wildpark with unique attractions ranging from lake Katavi, different wildlife species and the scenery. Katavi National Park boasts to be among the most natural wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, where human interference to nature is minimal. Located in Rukwa region, Katavi National Park is abundant in wildlife species, including the big mammals and plants. Crocodiles and hippos are seen basking on the banks of the Katuma River, which connects Lake Katavi and Lake Chada. Lake Chada is particularly rich in wildlife and also in its concentration of crocodiles. Miombo woodlands with scattered acacia trees comprise the main vegetation of the park.
Had it not been the people of Mpanda district, Katavi would no longer be in its present status. The Mpanda people had initiated the Tanzanian government to raise the status of the Katavi area into a full National Park way back in the 1970s. Katavi has an exotic natural set-up and wildlife concentration. The short-grassed flood plains in the north, the palm-fringed Lake Chada in the south-east and the Katuma River add to the beauty of the park. Like the Serengeti National Park, Katavi is flat with low hills in its northern section. The flood plains are covered with black cotton soil, but the rest of the park consists of sandy soils.
Having very few visitors per year, animals there are timid and wilder than those in northern Tanzania. They are not familiar with human activities or interactions. It is the best park in Tanzania for ecotourism development.
Best time to visit
The park is best visited in the dry seasons between May and October, December and February.
Wildlife
The grassland plain along Lake Chada supports high concentrations of larger mammals such as lion, leopard, herds of up to 1600 buffalo, elephant, zebra, masai giraffe, gazelles, waterbuck, roan antelope, eland and black legged topi. You can see the rare puku, a honey coloured antelope. Katavi boasts the highest concentration of both hippo and crocodile in Tanzania.
Birdlife
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, among them a substantial number of waterbirds such as pelican, black-browed albatross, crested lark, green sand piper, and African snipe.
Other Attraction
Walking, driving and camping safaris.
Access
Katavi is on the main road running through western Tanzania from north to south. It is 550 km from Mbeya (a long day’s drive) and 390 km from Kigoma but this journey is only possible in the dry season. Always allow plenty of time if driving these routes.
Charter flights can be arranged from Dar and Arusha and the park maintains an airstrip for charter planes.
Accomodation
Katavi luxury Tented Camp has four tents with bush showers. There is also a resthouse, a few huts and very basic hotels are available in Mpanda which is 40 km away. Camping sites are available inside the Park.You’ll need to bring all your provisions, including food and water(or purifying tablets).
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