Katavi National Park is in the east and the Western Circuit southeast of Mahale Mountains National Park. The park abounds with wildlife and is the biggest but gets few visitors because of its remoteness. The park continues to be complete, featuring Lake Katavi, and Lake Chada, which can be a hotspot for birds and crocodiles including waterfowl. Lions, elephants, and leopards lurk in the darkness of the woodlands. Kids beneath the age are limited from participating although primates could be monitored in the forest.

About Katavi National Park
Size: 4,471 sq km (1,727 sq miles).
Location; Southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika.
The headquarters at Sitalike lie 40km (25 miles) south of Mpanda town.

Getting there
Charter flights from Dar or Arusha. A tough but spectacular day’s drive from Mbeya (550 km/340 miles), or in the dry season only from Kigoma (390 km/240 miles).
It is possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar via Tabora, then catch public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged. If traveling overland, allow plenty of time to get there and back.

What to do
Walking, driving and camping safaris.
Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi (for whom the park is named) – offerings are still left here by locals seeking the spirit’s blessing.

When to go
The dry season (May-October).
Roads within the park are often flooded during the rainy season but may be passable from mid-December to February.

Accommodation
Two seasonal luxury tented camps overlooking Lake Chada. A resthouse at Sitalike and campsites inside the park. Basic but clean hotels at Mpanda.