Tourist Activities at Katavi National Park : Katavi National Park is for tourist seeking seclusion among breathtaking scenery, far from the distant hum of safari vehicles, and is largely unspoiled by civilization. Due to the small number of tourists who come here each year, you are more likely to see a pride of lions than another group when on a game drive in Tanzania. Southwest Tanzania’s Katavi Region is where katavi national park can be found, which was established in 1974. It is situated north of the Western Rift Valley’s “Rukwa Rift,” an outgrowth of it. Katavi is Tanzania’s third-largest national park, with an area of about 4,471 km2. The floodplains of Lake Chada, the Katuma River, and the ephemeral Lake Katavi are all located inside the park.
There are just three permanent camps in Katavi National Park: Foxes on the Katuma Plain, Chada on the Chada Plain, and Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge. Twelve guests are allowed to stay in each camp, which heightens the exclusivity. Wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, zebras, African buffaloes, lions, leopards, and cheetahs are just a few of the animals that may be seen at Katavi National Park.
On the banks of the Katuma River, crocodiles and hippos are commonly seen. Hippos relax in mud holes and cover themselves with mud sunscreen during the dry season to protect their delicate skin. Wild dogs, a severely endangered species, are also protected in Katavi.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
Birdwatching
With almost 400 different bird species living there, Katavi national park is a fantastic place to go in Africa for birdwatching safaris.
Visiting historical sites.
The history of Katavi National Park is fascinating. The Kabora-Lyonga-slave route, which traveled through this region during the slave trade, can be visited. In keeping with local custom, visitors can also see the well-known tamarind tree that gives the park its name. According to Katavi traditions, the tree is the residence of the illustrious hunter Katavi whom, and residents feed the tree’s roots to provide good fortune when hunting.
A game drive
Excellent game drives are a result of expertise, knowledge, and a good vehicle. Open-wheel drive vehicles are used for all game drives in the park. All passengers in these cars will have the best visibility possible thanks to their design. An educated, seasoned English-speaking guide will lead the wildlife drives and make sure you get the most out of each Tanzania safari you take.
Special Events
The journey to Paradise entails a full-day game drive, which is broken up by a picnic lunch on the edge of the breathtaking and endless plains of paradise.
Picnics
In Katavi national park safari, we adore the peculiarity of coming around a river bend to discover a properly set breakfast table with warm cups of coffee in front of a hippopotamus pool. Sharing a picnic meal while watching elephants cross the grasslands is as exciting as eating.
Walking safaris
Walking or trekking in Katavi National Park is an exhilarating activity that allows visitors to see practically every area of the park. This activity begins at the park’s administrative center and proceeds along the road leading to Katavi Seasonal Lake. A short walking or hiking experience is done on the Sitalike walking track, which is 1–9 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours to complete. Long walking/hiking experiences are given as well, although they are done on separate trails. The Chorangwa hiking trail is a long walk/hike that is 17 kilometers long and takes more than 5 hours to complete.
Camping safaris
Camping in Katavi National Park is an exciting pastime that gives tourists a taste of the true African bush. The park has a number of campsites where guests can enjoy camping. These campsites are divided into three categories: flying camping, special camping, and public camping. A public campsite includes amenities like restrooms, kitchens, dining areas, and water. Fly camping is a very well-known example of special camping with top-notch privacy and it is more adventurous.
How to access or reach Katavi National Park
The most practical mode of travelling to Katavi is a 4-5 hour chartered flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. You can enter Katavi through either the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar or the Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your schedule (46 km from Arusha).
Dar es Salaam and Katavi are distant from one another by a 22-hour journey and a 2-3-day drive, respectively, while traveling by automobile. We encourage you to fly rather than take a long car trip. The only scheduled flight is a twice-weekly Safari Air Link route connecting Ruaha, Katavi, and Mahale.
Best time to visit katavi national park
During the annual dry season, which lasts from June through December, is the best time to visit Katavi National Park. Given that it is one of the few sources of water in the region during the dry season, the Katuma River presents some of the best chances for animal viewing in the region. Hundreds of hippos and crocodiles crowd around the few available waterholes as thousands of topis, impalas, and zebras roam the plains. Despite the increase in visitors during the busy season, you will practically have the park to yourself.
