KataviIf the Selous is remote and Ruaha is untrammelled; Katavi is prehistoric. Nobody goes here. It is unfrequented not for its lack of game, but for the flying costs involved in getting there. The reward for paying the flight price is one of Africa’s most remote locations, and a location that hosts incredibly high densities of Africa’s largest game. Huge buffalo herds, massive lion prides and a density of elephant, hippo and crocodile that is hard to match anywhere make Katavi a rare gem of a park.
Katavi is regarded by many as the ultimate safari park. Its remote location guarantees exclusivity and the quality of big game safari is stupendous. When it goes off in Katavi, it is truly explosive. Massive buffalo herds duel with huge lion prides, whilst pods of hippo congregate in their hundreds and vast elephant herds rule the plains; this is one of the best parks in Africa for big game.
Certain animal habits in Katavi are completely unique. Crocodiles mass together in nests of fifteen while hippo pods can be between 500 and 1,000 strong at the end of the dry season. Nowhere else in Africa does either species behave in this way. But it is the remote location that makes most people travel here. Located four hours flight from Arusha or the Serengeti or alternatively through Ruaha, with an unavoidable overnight stay, travelling here is time consuming. The cost is therefore substantial, with both routes costing approximately $1,000pp. However, the logistical issues in getting there actually help the park retain its remote status. Katavi: Accommodation choices
Nomad Tanzania’s famous Chada Camp is the most popular camp in the area. The camp has six rooms and has a really authentic feel, similar to their Serengeti mobile camps (bucket showers etc!). The more economical option, and also THE camp with the location is the Foxes Katavi Wildlife Camp. This is larger, more mainstream yet is home to a couple of the park's best guides. Katuma is run by Chimpanzee Safaris and is a nice property offering good levels of service and guiding and the final camp Palahala is a new camp we have not visited. Due to how long Chada and the Foxes camp have been working in the park it is these camps which we recommend.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Katavi
This simple tented camp is located right in the heart of the Katavi National Park, renowned to be one of the wildest places on the planet. From its elevated vantage point on a peninsula that rises out of the miombo woodland, the camp is perfectly positioned for panoramic views over the Chada plain. Filling the floor of the Rukwa Valley - a minor fault of the western rift Katavi National Park spans over a million acres.
Katavi
This lovely little camp, although simple, is what we think Katavi and safari is all about. Very comfortable considering where you are, the camp really benefits from having a prime spot at the mouth of the Katuma River.
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