Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, located in the remote Katavi Region. Unlike the more popular national parks, Katavi is a true wilderness, with very few visitors and limited accommodation options. Covering an impressive 4,471 square kilometers, it is the third-largest national park in Tanzania, with the Katuma River and seasonal Lake Katavi and Lake Chada floodplains forming its core.For wildlife enthusiasts, Katavi offers an unforgettable experience. The park is home to large herds of Cape Buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. Along the Katuma River, crocodiles and hippopotami are common, and during the dry season, the mudholes are packed with hundreds of hippos. In addition, carnivorous animals such as cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards, and lions can also be spotted in the park. While there have been reports of a decline in wildlife due to illegal hunting and poaching, Katavi still boasts an impressive biodiversity.Despite its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Katavi receives very few visitors, with just over 1,500 foreign visitors recorded in the whole Tanzania National Parks system during 2012/13. This is partly due to its remote location and limited accommodation options, with only three permanent camps permitted to operate in the park. However, for those willing to make the effort, the rewards are immense. The public campsite and the Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge, the Foxes on the Katuma Plain, and the Chada on the Chada Plain offer an unforgettable safari experience.Getting to Katavi is not easy, but it is worth the effort. Visitors can arrange flights with charter flight services such as Mbali Mbali Shared Charter or Safari Air Link. All flights require landing on a dirt airstrip, with the Ikuu airstrip being the most commonly used. Alternatively, visitors can opt for ground transportation, although estimates of travel time vary widely. The town of Mbeya is approximately 550 km away and can be reached by a tough but spectacular drive. Google Maps indicates that Dar es Salaam is approximately 1,400 km away and requires more than 20 hours of travel time. Arusha is similarly distant, requiring a 13.5-hour drive.In conclusion, Katavi National Park is a remote and pristine wilderness that offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience. While it may not be the easiest park to access, it is worth the effort for those seeking an authentic African adventure.