The joy of the southern parks is that they offer game viewing without the crowds. Katavi, Tanzania’s third largest park and one of Africa’s remotest, is the stomping ground of buffalo, elephant, cheetah and lion. This small fence-free camp with its prime river-mouth site - the only water source for miles - is a massive draw for old Africa hands. The golden grass plains and wooded fringes of Katavi, lushly swampy in the wet season, attract vast herds of game in the dry one. As the Kutuma river shrinks to a stream, lumbering hippos jostle for space, ears atwitch beneath muddy waters. And all this within striking distance of your tent - don’t be surprised to discover a leopard napping on your veranda!
It sounds like only the adventurous need apply, but safari-lovers young and old are made welcome here. The terrain is flat so there's no uphill trekking, the tents are spacious, the food is inviting and the guides are the best. What could possibly be nicer, after two game drives a day, than a snooze beneath acacia trees and a shot of Konyagi with bitter lemon? Dinner - candlelit and delicious - can be intimate or convivial, depending on numbers and what you prefer. Dine in the lodge or by the campfire; everything’s possible here.
Katavi Wildlife Camp
Katavi National Park, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
Highs
- Sited in the richest game area of one of Africa’s least known conservation parks
- Great game viewing without the crowds - you're more likely to see a lion than another tourist!
- The highest density of hippos and big crocs in Tanzania, and abundant waterfowl in the wet season
- Host and guides are knowledgeable, hospitable, flexible and 100% hands-on
- Tents feel comfortable, spacious and very private
- One of only 2 permanent safari camps in Katavi sharing 4,500km2 of wilderness
Lows
- Remote location, reached via a long flight in light aircraft, with scheduled departures only on Mondays and Thursdays
- Seasonal safari operation only: closed March through May, and pretty rainy from mid December through February (but great for birds then)
- Expect tsetse flies on game drives - though not back at camp
- This is a simple, authentic safari camp: don't expect a pool, massages or swathes of staff (though there is WiFi!)
Best time to go
The camp is open from June until the end of February. The prime time for game viewing is during the dry season, from June to early December, when wildlife concentrates along the river banks and around the few remaining watering holes. Nights may be cool - you’re 3000 feet above sea level here - but from the end of August the daytime temperatures soar into the high 30s. Note pythons and crocs are at their most active in October and November! During the rainy season, from mid-December, the park looks simply stunning: you still see masses of game and new species of birds arrive from other parts of the country.
Our top tips
Take walking boots, khaki clothing, a fleece and - if you're here between December and February - rain gear. Also: a broad-brimmed sun hat, sun block, binos, bird guide, anti-malarials, a head torch, and masses of memory for your camera.
Location
Katavi Wilderness Lodge is set in Katavi National Park in the far south west of Tanzania, 25 minutes from the airstrip at Ikuu. It makes the perfect combination with Ruaha for an off-the-beaten-track safari, being a 2-hour flight from Ruaha. It’s over 4 hours' flight from Dar.
Getting There
Unlike some of the more remote camps, you don't need to charter a whole plane to get here but can book individual seats as part of your package, thanks to Foxes 'Safari AirLink' initiative.
Driving in takes a full day from Sumbawanga and the roads are very rough.
Logistics
Because of the complexity of getting there, the camp can only be booked as part of a safari package with Tailormade Safaris - Southern Tanzania.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Tanzania and getting around
Airports:
- Ikuu Airstrip 5.0 km
Other:
- Beach 1000.0 km
- Shops 200.0 km
- Restaurant 200.0 km