Katavi National Park, is found on the South- 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 40 km south of Mpanda town, being Tanzania’s third largest national park, after Ruaha and Serengeti. Also it is stretching up to the east of Lake Tanganyika, lying within a short range to the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Rukwa.
Katavi National Park has an abundance of wildlife, including African buffaloes, wildebeest,giraffes, elephants, zebras,lions, leopards, and cheetahs.Crocodiles and hippos are frequently spotted on the banks of the Katuma River. During the dry season, hippos relax in mud-holes and cover themselves in mud sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin. Katavi is also a refuge for wild dogs, a critically endangered species.
It is a very remote park that is less frequently visited than other Tanzania national parks. Katavi is famous for its undisturbed natural face compared to other parks in the country. The main vegetation of the park is Miombo woodland with scattered Acacia trees near Lake Chada. The main focus for game viewing within the park is the Katuma River and associated floodplains such as the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada.
The park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their visit. The activities includes; Nature Walking Safaris (Short Walking Safaris (SWS)), Long Walking Safaris (LWS), , Picnicking, Filming, Camping, Birding, Bush meals, Night Game Drive, Hiking and Game Viewing .
Park’s climate is classified as tropical. The average temperature is 24.6 °C. In a year, the average rainfall is 1139 mm.Precipitation is the lowest in June, with an average of 0 mm. Precipitation is the lowest in June, with an average of 0 mm. With an average of 231 mm, the most precipitation falls in December. At an average temperature of 26.2 °C, October is the hottest month of the year. July has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 22.7 °C.
Transport:
By Air: Several companies like Zantas air, Safari air link (SAL) arrange charter flight from Dar es Salam,
Mwanza or Arusha cities to either Mpanda airport which is located in Mpanda town or to Sitalike and Ikuu airstrips inside the park. Usually every Monday and Thursday. Coastal Aviation Chartered flight within the park Ikuu airstrips.
By Road: From either Dar es Salaam via Mbeya (1513 Km), Dar es Salaam via Tabora (1392 km), Arusha via Tabora (1015.7km) or Mwanza via Tabora-Inyonga (741 km).
By Rail: It is also possible to reach Mpanda by train from Dar es Salaam via Tabora then catch a public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged.
By Rail: It is also possible to reach Mpanda by train from Dar es Salaam via Tabora then catch a public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged.
The park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their visit. The activities includes; Nature Walking Safaris (Short Walking Safaris (SWS)), Long Walking Safaris (LWS), , Picnicking, Filming, Camping, Birding, Bush meals, Night Game Drive, Hiking and Game Viewing Tourism Activities
