Katavi National Park is a relatively untouched wilderness. The park is located in the remote area southwest of Tanzania, in an arm of the Rift Valley and ends in the shallow of Lake Rukwa. It lies on a high flood plain surrounding Lake Katavi, south of the Mahale Mountains. The wilderness of Katavi is one of the most virgin areas in the country. Katavi is home to the largest herds of buffalo on the planet.

Information and facts

Katavi national park is a true wilderness, providing the few intrepid travellers who make it there with a thrilling taste of Tanzania as if it must have been a century ago. Home to the largest herds of buffalo on the planet, Katavi National Park is a relatively untouched paradise.

Most common animals

  • Hippos
  • Crocodiles
  • Cape Buffaloes
  • Elephants
  • Zebras
  • Wildebeest
  • Giraffes
  • Eland
  • Sable and roan antelopes
  • Cheetahs
  • Wild dogs
  • Hyenas
  • Leopards
  • Lions

Facts about Katavi National Park

  • Remote and untouched wilderness
  • Huge population of around 200 hippos
  • Herds thousands of buffalo and elephant
  • Seasonal lakes with hippos
  • Fantastic photographic opportunities

Katavi highlights

  • Area of 4,471 km²
  • Declared National Park in 1997
  • Derived from the name “Katabi”, a famous local hunter