Best Places to Stay in Katavi National Park in 2025
Best Places to Stay in Katavi National Park in 2025 : Tanzania is a serene country, famous for its natural wonders. Most of its famous destinations lie in the Northern Circuit, just a few nail-biting miles from Arusha, the ‘Geneva of Africa.” Most safari adventurers prefer this circuit not only because of its splendid attractions but also because of its easy accessibility and plenty of safari lodges.
Many safari-goers compete for spots in the northern parks. So, if you want a crowd-free, cheap, and authentic place, Katavi National Park should be on your bucket list. Katavi is truly a gem for any nature enthusiast in the far western corner of Tanzania. It’s less famous; therefore, a few people go there. This least visited national park covers an area of about 1,726 square miles (4,471 square kilometers).
Why Visit Katavi National Park?
With a dozen parks in Tanzania, you’re probably thinking why you should visit Katavi. Katavi is home to an abundance of wildlife, including a large buffalo population. These giant wild cows roam in the floodplains and grassy plains of this exceptional destination.
Katavi also has an enormous population of hippos and crocodiles. You should also visit it if you want to see wildebeests, elephants, zebras, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The wildlife is undisturbed. So, you’ll observe wildlife doing their daily routines.
Another reason you should visit Katavi National Park is the seclusion. This wildlife park is the least-visited park in the country. So, you’ll enjoy your time away from the crowd.
How to Get to Katavi
Katavi National Park is in the southwestern part of Tanzania in the Katavi region. You can get there from Arusha or Dar es Salaam by air or by road. There are scheduled flights from different areas to Ikuu Airstrip, the only airstrip in Katavi National Park. Flights from Mwanza, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam usually take 3-4 hours.
Reaching Katavi via ground transport is possible, but most routes are long, remote, and bumpy at some points. For instance, the route from Dar es Salaam takes over 16 hours, while the other route from Mbeya is tough.
Accommodation Options in Katavi National Park
Katavi has a few lodging options. Since Katavi receives very few visitors yearly, there are quite a few campsites and lodges. But you’ll enjoy the best options based on your interest. There are luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget accommodations. In this article, we’ll cover all you should know about Katavi accommodations for your 2025 wildlife safari.
- Chada Katavi Camp
Chada Katavi Camp is a wonderful seasonal camp nestled in the middle of nowhere in Katavi National Park. It’s owned and run by the Nomad, and it’s a seasonal camp. So, it’s usually open from June to November and closes for the main part of the rainy season.
Facilities
- Six safari tents, all with ensuite bathrooms
- The rooms are spacious, airy, and classic.
- Charging available
- Eco-flush loos
- Classic officer-style mess
Chada Katavi Camp welcomes families with children, but the minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
Activities
There are plenty of experiences to enjoy while staying at Chada Katavi Camp, including fly camping, bush walks, game drives, freewheeling, and picnics. There is more to learn from Chada Camp.
- Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
This is a world-class accommodation in the center of Katavi National Park. The remote setting where this property is situated saw frequent movement of animals. So, during your stay at this safari, you might be lucky to see animals from the windows.
Facilities
This lodge has 10 safari tents: 6 doubles, 2 twins, and 2 family tents. All rooms are exclusive with complete furnishings. You’ll access a writing desk, fine linen, and en suite facilities. It’s open to children of all ages.
Activities
The most common one is the game drive. Visitors staying at this lodge can embark on two game drives per day. If you want to book a private vehicle, you’ll pay $400 per vehicle per day. You can also explore more about nocturnal wildlife, but this one costs $80 per person.
- Katavi Wildlife Camp
This camp is quite amazing. It’s uniquely nestled on the edge of the Katsunga plain. It also lies close to the banks of the Katuma River. It’s set under trees that fringe the Katsunga plains. The wildlife view from this property is amazing. You can watch herbivores grazing in the plains or predators looking for their prey.
Facilities
This camp has 6 large Meru-style tents that overlook the Katsunga plain. So, game viewing is constant, from the time you leave for an early game drive to the time you’re resting on your veranda. The main building is a two-story facility. There is a bar downstairs with open dining tables. In the upstairs, you can relax and watch the animals.
Activities
Game drives along the crocodile-infested rivers. Enjoy the wildlife views on a 4×4 safari vehicle. Private game drives are available on special request. You can also enjoy bird watching and other things.
Katuma Bush Lodge
This lodge is nestled in the middle of Katavi National Park. It’s an exciting property offering breathtaking views of the Katsunga plains. This lodge is truly a gem for those looking for a unique safari experience.
Facilities
- 11 exclusive rooms, each with a writing desk, en suite facilities, and fine linen.
- A swimming pool
- Lounge
- Dining facilities
Activities
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Picnic
- Bush dining
Katavi National Park is an incredible wildlife destination for private safaris. If you want to experience Katavi National Park comfortably, please check with our safari experts.
