Katavi National Park is tucked away in Tanzania’s remote western region, near Lake Tanganyika. It’s about 40 km south of the town of Mpanda in the Rukwa Valley, making it one of the most isolated parks in the country.
Covering roughly 4,471 square kilometers, Katavi is Tanzania’s third-largest national park, but it gets fewer than 2,000 visitors a year. That means you’ll likely have the place to yourself. No crowds, no traffic jams, just you, your guide, and the wild.
This is not a typical tourist safari stop, and that’s the magic. Here’s why Katavi is worth the trek:
Massive buffalo herds, sometimes in the thousands
Hippo pools so crowded they spill over with grunting, groaning giants
Incredible predator action: lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles
Birding paradise: over 400 species
Very few tourists feel like a true explorer, not just a visitor
Seasonal drama: rivers dry up, concentrating wildlife around the remaining water
It’s raw. It’s real. It’s the Africa that most people only dream about.
Despite its remoteness, Katavi is rich in biodiversity. The seasonal floodplains and grasslands attract a wide range of animals.
| Animal | Why It’s Special in Katavi |
|---|---|
| Cape Buffalo | Herds of over 1,000 are common |
| Hippos | Gather by the hundreds in shrinking pools during the dry season |
| Elephants | Roam freely through miombo woodlands and open plains |
| Lions | Regularly hunt buffalo, high drama for photographers |
| Leopards & Hyenas | Spotted near riverine forests and grasslands |
| Crocodiles | Seen sunbathing or lurking near hippo pools |
| Birds (400+ species) | Fish eagles, storks, spoonbills, and numerous migratory species |
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Katavi is seasonal, and its wildlife concentrations vary depending on the water levels.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | Best wildlife viewing; animals gather at water holes |
| Wet Season | November to April | Park is lush and green; fewer sightings but great birding |
📝 Note: Some camps close during the heavy rains (March to May), and the roads can become impassable.
Every Tanzania safari we offer is crafted from scratch, fully customized to match your preferences, travel style, and budget. The sample itineraries below are simply starting points, designed to spark ideas and showcase the incredible possibilities for your personalized safari adventure.
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To secure the best lodges and ensure park availability, we recommend booking at least six months in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel during peak seasons, such as June to October or December to February.
It’s simple. Reach out to us directly through our website, email, or WhatsApp. Let us know your:
Preferred travel dates
Group size
Budget and interests
We’ll send you a customized itinerary within 24–48 hours.
We’ll need your:
Travel dates (fixed or flexible)
Number of travelers (adults and children)
Safari preferences (e.g., luxury, mid-range, or budget)
Activities you’re interested in (e.g., game drives, hot air balloon, cultural visits)
To confirm your safari, we ask for a 30–50% deposit depending on the itinerary. The remaining balance is due 30 to 45 days before your safari begins.
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.
A 30% to 50% deposit is required to confirm your safari booking.
The balance must be paid in full no later than 30 to 45 days before the safari start date.
Bookings made within 30 days of the safari require full payment at the time of confirmation.
We accept the following payment options:
Bank wire transfer (details provided upon request)
Credit/Debit card (processing fees may apply)
Mobile payment options are available in Tanzania
USD ($) is the preferred currency for all transactions
Please note: All bank charges and currency conversion fees are the responsibility of the client.
If you choose to cancel your safari, the following refund terms apply based on the number of days before your safari start date:
| Notice Period Before Travel | Refund on Total Payment |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 90% refund |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refund |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refund |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refund |
| Less than 15 days | No refund |
All refunds exclude transaction, bank, and administrative fees.
No refunds will be issued for no-shows, missed departures, or unused services once the safari begins.
In the unlikely event that we must cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. natural disaster, political instability, or other force majeure events), you will be offered:
A full refund, or
The option to reschedule your safari at no extra cost
Date or itinerary changes are allowed free of charge up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability.
Within 30 days, amendments may incur extra charges based on supplier policies (lodges, airlines, etc.).
All approved refunds are processed within 14 business days.
Refunds are returned using the same method of original payment, unless otherwise agreed.
Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Tanzania, with at least two blank pages.
Tourist Visa: Required for most nationalities. You can:
Apply online via the official Tanzania Immigration website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
Or get a visa on arrival at major airports (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar)
Cost: Typically $50 USD, $100 USD for U.S. citizens (subject to change)
Tip: We recommend applying online at least 2–3 weeks before travel for faster processing.
Yellow Fever Vaccination:
Required only if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever–risk country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia).
You must carry your Yellow Fever certificate if applicable.
Recommended Vaccines:
Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and COVID-19 (not mandatory but encouraged)
Malaria Prevention:
Tanzania is a malaria-risk zone; consult your doctor for suitable anti-malarial medication.
Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk.
Travel insurance is mandatory when booking with Northern MasaiLand Safaris. Your policy should cover:
Medical emergencies and evacuation
Trip cancellation or interruption
Lost or delayed baggage
COVID-19-related delays (if applicable)
You must provide proof of insurance before arrival.
Main Airports:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – most common for Northern Circuit safaris
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – for southern Tanzania or Zanzibar connections
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) – for beach holidays
Domestic Flights: We can book internal connections (Arusha to Serengeti, Zanzibar, etc.) as part of your itinerary.
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though USD is widely accepted.
Cards: Credit/debit cards accepted at most lodges (some with surcharges), but carry cash for tips, local markets, and small purchases.
ATMs: Available in major towns (Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar), but not in national parks.
