"The most untrammelled of East Africa’s major safari destinations, Katavi is Tanzania’s third-largest national park, set in a remote arm of the western Rift Valley close to Mahale Mountains, with which it is often visited in tandem on fly-in safaris. Possibly the last on the continent where a visitor can expect to encounter more lions than they will other safari vehicles, Katavi is also home to massive seasonal concentrations of elephant, buffalo and hippo. ”
- Philip Briggs
Katavi National Park
Among the most rigidly seasonal of safari destinations, Katavi is all but inaccessible during the rains (late November to May), when its black cotton soils are transformed into a treacherously sticky quagmire likely to bog down even the sturdiest 4×4.
By contrast, after the rains subside, the handful of piddling perennial streams that traverse its wide grassy floodplains the only source of water for miles around. And the game-viewing can be truly awesome: lions and elephants are common, as are thousand-strong buffalo herds, while other wildlife includes giraffe, zebra and half a dozen antelope species. Most impressive of all are the peerless concentrations of hippopotami: towards the end of the dry season, any pool of sufficient depth becomes an orgy of grey-pink flesh, with up to 200 individuals flopping over each other in the shallow water, and territorial fights taking place on a daily basis.
After dark, the few small camps that service this wildest of African parks are set below a vast, sparkling night sky undiluted by electric light, while the shrill white noise of a million cicadas is regularly punctuated by a the deep booming grunts of lions and demonic rising whoops of hyena. This, most visitors agree, evokes Africa as it must have been a century ago.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is a rather unsettled time of the year, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms. Usually these occur in the afternoon and are short-lived, though travellers should consider that roads may be tricky to navigate at this time. Humidity can also be uncomfortable during this season, particularly in the middle of the day. Altogether, the wet season is not an ideal time to visit Katavi. Only travellers keen to view migratory birds should prioritise this season.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON
This is a rather unsettled time of the year, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms. Usually these occur in the afternoon and are short-lived, though travellers should consider that roads may be tricky to navigate at this time. Humidity can also be uncomfortable during this season, particularly in the middle of the day. Altogether, the wet season is not an ideal time to visit Katavi. Only travellers keen to view migratory birds should prioritise this season.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON
This is a rather unsettled time of the year, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms. Usually these occur in the afternoon and are short-lived, though travellers should consider that roads may be tricky to navigate at this time. Humidity can also be uncomfortable during this season, particularly in the middle of the day. Altogether, the wet season is not an ideal time to visit Katavi. Only travellers keen to view migratory birds should prioritise this season.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON
This is a rather unsettled time of the year, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms. Usually these occur in the afternoon and are short-lived, though travellers should consider that roads may be tricky to navigate at this time. Humidity can also be uncomfortable during this season, particularly in the middle of the day. Altogether, the wet season is not an ideal time to visit Katavi. Only travellers keen to view migratory birds should prioritise this season.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
TRANSITION FROM WET TO DRY SEASON
May generally marks the end of the wet season, and as time moves on the showers become milder and less frequent. Regardless, we would still caution travellers against visiting during this month unless you are very keen to view migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land begins to dry up following the long rains, and the Katuma River shrinks to a narrow stream. As this happens, wildlife will begin to migrate back to the water, making the Katuma River and the surrounding floodplains a magnet for wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land begins to dry up following the long rains, and the Katuma River shrinks to a narrow stream. As this happens, wildlife will begin to migrate back to the water, making the Katuma River and the surrounding floodplains a magnet for wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land begins to dry up following the long rains, and the Katuma River shrinks to a narrow stream. As this happens, wildlife will begin to migrate back to the water, making the Katuma River and the surrounding floodplains a magnet for wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land begins to dry up following the long rains, and the Katuma River shrinks to a narrow stream. As this happens, wildlife will begin to migrate back to the water, making the Katuma River and the surrounding floodplains a magnet for wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land begins to dry up following the long rains, and the Katuma River shrinks to a narrow stream. As this happens, wildlife will begin to migrate back to the water, making the Katuma River and the surrounding floodplains a magnet for wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON
The start of the wet season brings about unpredictable weather conditions. Travellers can expect frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms, though these are usually in the afternoon and are short-lived. The heat combined with humidity can make things a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day. Roads may also be tricky to navigate. Altogether this is not an ideal time to visit unless you are particularly keen to sight migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
WET SEASON
The start of the wet season brings about unpredictable weather conditions. Travellers can expect frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms, though these are usually in the afternoon and are short-lived. The heat combined with humidity can make things a little uncomfortable, especially during the middle of the day. Roads may also be tricky to navigate. Altogether this is not an ideal time to visit unless you are particularly keen to sight migratory birds.
Its proximity to the equator means that Katavi National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures nevertheless remain hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 32°C/90°F during midday. Temperatures at times can exceed this, with peaks of over 40°C/104°F possible at the end of the dry season. Mornings are a more pleasant 17°C/63°F on average, so our advice would be to get up early to take advantage of these cooler temperatures.
Unlike most of Tanzania, where there are two distinct wet seasons, Katavi has just one long wet season that extends from November to May. This wet season is characterised by short, afternoon thunderstorms; it is unusual to have more extended periods of rain.
Katavi is a seasonal park, with superb game viewing in the driest months of the year when vegetation thins and wildlife becomes more concentrated. Ideally it is best to visit during the height of the dry season.
Explore Katavi National Park Properties
Chada Katavi
Chada Katavi
For a truly unique frontier experience in the wilds of Katavi National Park, Chada Camp is hard to beat.
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
