Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of its most unspoiled wilderness areas. Though it's an isolated alternative to more popular
destinations elsewhere in Tanzania (Serengeti National Park receives more visitors per day
than Katavi does all year), the lodges are just as luxurious as anywhere else and for back-
packers it's one of the cheapest and easiest parks to visit; if you're willing to take the time
and effort to get there.
Katavi's predominant feature is the 425 sq km Katisunga Plain, a vast grassy expanse at
the heart of the park. This and other floodplains yield to vast tracts of brush and woodland
(more Southern African than Eastern), which are the best areas for sighting roan and sable
antelopes: together with Ruaha National Park, Katavi is one of the few places you have
a decent chance of spotting both. Small rivers and large swamps that last all year support
huge populations of hippos and crocodiles and Katavi has over 400 bird species. The park
really comes to life in the dry season, when the floodplains dry up and herds of buffaloes,
elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, elands, topis and many more gather at the remaining wa-
ters.
The park no longer hires vehicles but Marula Expeditions (
Click here
) charges US$150
to US$200 per day depending on how much driving you want to do, while the less-flexible
Riverside Camp (see Sleeping) has two 4WDs with pop-up roofs for US$250 per day.
Walking safaris
(short/long US$10/15 per group) with an armed ranger and
bush
camping
(US$50 per person plus walking fee) are permitted throughout the park, and this
makes it a great park for budget travellers. However, keep in mind that it's also one of the
most tsetse fly-infested parks. The road to Lake Katavi, another seasonal floodplain, is a
good walking destination, and the road begins at the headquarters so no vehicle is needed.
KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
»
Why Go
Outstanding dry season wildlife watching. Rugged and remote wilder-
ness ambience
»
When to Go
August through October is best for seeing large herds of wildlife.
February through May it's very wet
»
Practicalities
Drive in or bus from Mpanda or Sumbawanga; fly in from Ruaha
National Park or Arusha
MARULA EXPEDITIONS
Though it's too young to have earned a track record, the nascent
Marula Ex-
peditions
( 0786-224078, 0784-946188;
www.marulaexpedition.com
)
in
