Vast floodplains, seasonal lakes, and miombo woodlands in one of Tanzania’s most remote parks
Far in western Tanzania, Katavi National Park protects a wild system of floodplains fed by the Katuma River, with seasonal lakes such as Chada and Katavi spreading across the plains. Covering roughly 4,471 km², Katavi is renowned for its raw, off‑the‑beaten‑path feel and very low visitor numbers.
Dry‑season concentrations of hippos and crocodiles are among the most dramatic in Africa, while mega‑herds of buffalo and roaming elephant, lion, and leopard keep the predator–prey drama alive. Its remoteness makes every game drive feel like a private expedition.
Meet the stars of Katavi’s floodplains and river systems
Huge dry‑season pods crowd shrinking pools; intense rivalries erupt
Large Nile crocodiles share the Katuma’s pools with hippos
Vast herds cross the plains, shadowed by lions
Powerful prides patrol the floodplains and woodlands
What sets Katavi apart from the rest
The lifeblood of the park, feeding pools that sustain massive hippo and crocodile populations in the dry season.
Vast floodplains that host elephants, buffalo, and predators, especially as water recedes and game concentrates.
Lakes Katavi and Chada expand and shrink with the rains, drawing remarkable birdlife and grazers.
Low visitor numbers mean unhurried sightings and a truly wild, old‑Africa atmosphere.
Immersive adventures in Katavi’s raw wilderness
Explore on foot with armed rangers to read tracks and encounter wildlife at ground level.
Follow the Katuma and the open plains for classic big‑game viewing and predator action.
Multi‑day expeditions with lightweight camps bring you even closer to the wilderness feel.
Seasonal lakes attract storks, herons, raptors, and countless migratory species.
Scenes from Tanzania’s remote western plains
Join our expert guides for a remote, crowd‑free safari in Tanzania’s wild west. Custom itineraries available for every travel style.
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