Katavi National Park: Africa Natural Safari
AFRICA NATURAL SAFARI (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized in:
Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism, Beach holidays and
Mountain climbing
Contact +255 653 679 958
Katavi National Park
It
offers un-spoilt wildlife viewing in the country’s third-largest national park,
in a remote location far off the beaten track. The national park is Africa at
its most wild — unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich
wildlife
The
wilderness of Katavi National Park, located in the western area of Tanzania, is
one of the most untouched areas in the entire country.
Katavi’s
dramatic scenery is as varied as it is pristine. Flood plains of thick reeds
and dense waterways are home to a huge population of hippo and varied birdlife.
In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud herds of buffaloes and
elephants. Seasonal lakes fill with dirty coloured water after the rains and
animals from all corners of the park descend in them to drink. The park is also
home to the rare roan and sable antelope species, and it is a must-see for the
visitors intending to explore the wilds of the continent.
Isolated,
untrammeled and seldom visited, Katavi is a true wilderness, providing the few
intrepid souls who make it there with a thrilling taste of Africa as if it must
have been a century ago.
Tanzania’s third largest national park; it lies in the remote area southwest of the country, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa.
Tanzania’s third largest national park; it lies in the remote area southwest of the country, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa.
The
bulk of Katavi supports a hypnotically featureless cover of tangled
brachystegia woodland, home to substantial but elusive populations of the
localised eland, sable and roan antelopes. Nevertheless the main focus for game
viewing within the park is the Katuma River and associated floodplains such as
the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada. During the rainy season, these lush,
marshy lakes are a haven for myriad water birds, and they also support
Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.
It
is during the dry season, when the floodwaters retreat, that Katavi truly comes
into life. The Katuma, reduced to a shallow muddy trickle, forms the only
source of drinking water for miles around, and the flanking floodplains support
game concentrations that defy belief. An estimated 4,000 elephants might
converge on the area, together with several herds of 1,000-plus buffalo, while
an abundance of giraffes, zebras, impalas and reedbucks provide easy pickings
for the numerous lion prides and spotted hyena clans whose territories converge
on the floodplains.
Katavi’s
most singular wildlife spectacle is provided by its hippos. Towards the end of
the dry season, up to 200 individuals might flop together in any riverine pool
of sufficient depth. And as more hippos gather in one place, so does male
rivalry heat up – bloody territorial fights are an everyday incident, with the
vanquished male forced to lurk hapless on the open plains until it gathers
sufficient confidence to mount another challenge.
Location;
Southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika.
The headquarters at Sitalike lie 40km (25 miles) south of Mpanda town.
Getting there
Charter
flights from Dar or Arusha.
A
tough but spectacular day’s drive from Mbeya (550 km/340 miles), or in the dry
season only from Kigoma (390 km/240 miles).
It
is possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar via Tabora, then to get public transport
to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged. If travelling overland, allow
plenty of time to get there and back.
What to do
Walking,
driving and camping safaris.
Near
Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary
hunter Katabi (for whom the park is named) – Offerings are still left here by
locals seeking the spirit’s blessing.
Accommodation
Two seasonal luxury tented camps overlooking Lake Chada. A Resthouse at Sitalike and campsites inside the park. Basic but clean hotels at Mpanda.
Two seasonal luxury tented camps overlooking Lake Chada. A Resthouse at Sitalike and campsites inside the park. Basic but clean hotels at Mpanda.
For
more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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