Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park

Spanning 4,500 km², Katavi National Park is Tanzania’s third-largest national park. Established in 1974, it sits in the Katavi Region. Despite its size, it remains uncrowded, offering a rare, untouched safari experience.

Two vast plains—Chada and Katasunga—dominate the landscape, covered in knee-high golden grass and teeming with wildlife.

During the dry season, survival depends on fragile seasonal rivers: Katuma, Kavu, and Kapapa. Buffaloes, lions, hyenas, and elephants make wildlife viewing thrilling.

Katavi National Park Facts

• Katavi National Park is extremely remote and often described as East Africa’s last untouched wilderness.
• Covering 4,471 square kilometers, Katavi National Park is Tanzania’s third-largest national park, located in the Katavi region.
• Katavi National Park is home to three major water bodies—the Katuma River, Lake Katavi, and Lake Chada.
• Named after the legendary hunter Katabi, Katavi National Park is believed to be home to his spirit, residing in a sacred tamarind tree near Lake Katavi.
• The park boasts one of the largest concentrations of hippos and buffaloes, making it a major wildlife attraction.
• Katavi National Park remains highly exclusive, attracting only about 1,000 visitors annually.