Far from the beaten track, Katavi National Park is an un-spoilt wilderness where you really can immerse yourself in the raw and beating heart of Africa’s wildlife. Seasonal, marshy lakes draw animals to the floodplains, including large numbers of hippos and crocodiles, and a huge variety of water birds. Look out for buffalo and elephants seeking shade under the forest canopies, and if you’re particularly eagle-eyed you might be rewarded with a rare sighting of the elusive roan and sable antelope species.
When is The Best Time to Visit Katavi National Park?
The best time to visit Katavi National Park is during the main dry season, from June to October, when good weather conditions can be expected across the country and wildlife viewing should be spectacular. During the dry season, the shallow trickle of the Katuma River is the only source of drinking water for several miles around, offering you an exceptional opportunity for game viewing at its best.
With up to 4,000 elephants have been known to gather, as well as herds of more than 1,000 buffalo. Moreover, a horde of giraffes, zebras, impalas and reedbucks attract lion prides and spotted hyena clans to converge on the floodplains.
Can You See Hippos in Katavi National Park?
The real spectacle at Katavi, though, is the hippos. Towards the end of the dry season, as many as 200 might gather, and it’s not long before male rivalry heats up. Aggressive and bloody territorial fights flair up multiple times a day and are quite a show to behold. Just don’t get in their way!
