Katavi National Park Day Trip Package

Package Overview

Experience one of Tanzania's most remote and untouched wilderness areas in just a single day! This flying safari takes you deep into the wild heart of Katavi National Park, a park renowned for its remote location, vast floodplains, and spectacular concentrations of wildlife. Perfect for travelers who want a rare, exclusive adventure away from the crowds .

Katavi National Park is found on the western part of Tanzania and was formerly a game reserve before being established as a national park in 1974 . It is Tanzania's third largest national park, after Ruaha and Serengeti .

Why Katavi?

Katavi is one of Tanzania's most remote and least visited parks, making it a hidden gem for adventurous travelers and wildlife enthusiasts . The park receives very few visitors compared to other national parks, offering an exclusive and authentic safari experience, allowing guests to enjoy wildlife sightings without crowds .

Key Highlights

• Huge buffalo herds – herds that regularly top 1,000 individuals, dark rivers of animals that flow across the Chada and Katisunga floodplains
• Crowded hippo pools – up to 200 hippos might gather in one place towards the end of the dry season
• Large lion prides – frequently seen along the Katuma, with buffalo hunting a regular part of their routine
• Dense crocodile groups – large numbers pack into the Katuma riverbed and caves near Ikuu Bridge
• Over 400 bird species – including African fish eagle, crested barbet, and African spoonbill

Full Itinerary

Note: TANAPA lists game viewing from 06:30 – 18:30 HRS, with no additional fee for this activity. Four-wheel drive (4X4) vehicles are recommended .

What You'll See

Wildlife

• Buffalo herds – Massed on the floodplains in the dry months, often more than a thousand strong
• Lion prides – Large and frequently seen along the Katuma
• Hippo pools – Crowded to bursting late in the dry season, best viewed from Ikuu Bridge
• Crocodiles – Dense groups tucked into riverbank caves and shrinking channels
• Other wildlife – Leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, African wild dog, giraffe, zebra, topi, and eland

Birds

With over 400 recorded bird species, Katavi is a premier destination for birdwatching. The Chada floodplains and drying pools along the Katuma draw water birds in real numbers, with storks, herons, egrets and fish eagles working the shallows .

Inclusions & Exclusions

Estimated Pricing

Note: Prices vary by season and operator. Contact Winter Trails Tours and Safaris for a personalized quote.

Best Time to Visit

The best and most recommended season to visit is the dry season, from June to October, because the receding waters of the Katuma River force the vast game populations to congregate in spectacular numbers along the few remaining water sources .

Getting There

By Air

Several companies arrange charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza or Arusha to either Mpanda Airport (located in Mpanda Town) or to Sitalike and Ikuu Airstrips inside the park. Flights usually operate every Monday and Thursday .

By Road

• From Dar es Salaam via Mbeya: 1,513 km
• From Dar es Salaam via Tabora: 1,392 km
• From Arusha via Tabora: 1,015.7 km
• From Mwanza via Tabora-Inyonga: 741 km

By Rail

It is possible to reach Mpanda by train from Dar es Salaam via Tabora, then catch public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged .

Park Entry Fees

What to Bring

• Neutral-colored clothing
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen
• Camera with zoom lens
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Warm layers for early morning
• Drinking water