Katavi National park Ecosystem: Tanzania har bours four circuits of tourism namely the famous Northern Circuit Eastern Circuit , Southern Circuit and Western .Most visitors who come to Tanzania know much about the Northern Circuit since vit hosts the world famous park like serengeti
Katavi National Park is one of themust -visitpark in the western regions of Tanzania .It lies between Katavi and Rukwa regional of Tanzania it is well know for being home to largest population of Cape buffalos. These giant wild bulls are usually spotted in open grasslands and floodplains. Katavi National park host large number of seasonal swamps and lakes which are homes to the black hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Katavi National park was established as a national park in 1974 and was only 2200 square kilometers in size In 1997-2271 square kilometers were added to makes it 4471 square kilometers in size and in named after Katabi, a local legendary hunter said to be buried in this park.According to Wabnde (locals residing Katavi regio), Katabi was exceptional hunter was buried in a tamarind tree close to lake Katavi.Visitors pay tribute to this legend by giving offerings to the tamarind tree
Katavi National park can be accessed by air and road.
Access to Katavi via ground transportation: estimates vary widely; it is generally discussed not in hours but in days. The town of Mbeya is (550 km/340 miles) distant and is described as a “…tough but spectacular…” drive .Google Maps indicates that Mbeya is 838 km from Dar es Salaam, making the total distance approximately 1,400 km (870 mi) and requiring 20+ hours. The most direct route to Dar es Salaam as per Google Maps is approx. 1250 km (~800 miles) and requiring 16+ hours. Arusha is similarly distant: 1000+km /13.5 hours. The percentage of transit on unpaved surfaces is unknown, but parts of all of these routes will definitely be on dirt roads. Since all of the above times from Google Maps assume an average transit speed of 80 km (50 mph), all these indicated travel times should be considered to be optimistic
Wildlife
Wildlife features include large animal herds, particularly of Cape Buffaloes, Zebras, giraffes and elephant ,plus along the Katuma river crocodiles and hippopotami which upon annual dry seasons results in modules that can be packed with hundreds of hippos modules.Carnivorous animals that roam this park are cheetahs,wild dogs, hyenas, leopards and lion . ome sources claim a very high biodiversity in the park, although there are also reports of wildlife decline due to illegal hunting and poaching , presumably
During the Dry season, the Katuma River is packed with hippo, and crocodile can be seen in caves in the river banks. Huge herds of buffalo, zebra and impala gather with elephant and defassa waterbuck around the drying water reserves of Lake Katavi and Lake Chada. Opportunistic lion are never far from the remaining water sources, waiting for their prey to come to them
The birdlife in Katavi is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. The rains usually arrive in November and last until early June. For birding specifically, November to March is the best time. The
problem, however, is that many roads become hard to travel after continuous rain. As a result, most camps are closed from March to May. For wildlife viewing, the middle and end of the Dry season (June-October) is considerably better
Scenery
The habitat is mainly grassland savannah and brachystegia (miombo) woodland on the east of the park. After the rains, the place transforms to lush marshes and shallow lakes, leaving behind dusty floodplains of the Dry season
Weather & Climate
Katavi is a hot place in the Dry season (May to October), except for the evenings when the temperature sinks along with the sun. Not by much, though – nights average a warm 17°C/63°F. The Wet season (November to April) is when things get really uncomfortable, with high levels of heat, plus humidity thanks to the brewing rain.
The climate in Katavi is hot throughout the year. Katavi’s nights are pleasant (around 20°C/68°F). Temperatures during the day are around 32°C/90°.
Katavi has one continuous Wet season (from November to April). It tends not to rain all day long but afternoon thundershowers can be expected. The Dry season is from May to October.
Dry season–May to October
May – This is the end of the Wet season. It still rains occasionally during this month.
June, July, August & September – Afternoon temperatures are usually around 31°C/88°F. Most days are sunny and clear. Rain would be very rare at this time. June to August have the coldest nights but are still moderate with minimum temperatures of about 17°C/63°F on average.
October – This is the end of the Dry season. October has the highest temperatures of the year, differing only slightly from other months. Rain can be expected on some days and humidity will gradually increase.
Wet Season
November, December, January, February, March & April – The humidity is high, and it can feel incredibly hot. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 32°C/90°F and night temperatures are around 21°C/70°F. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are probable – and it will rain almost every day – but rarely all day long
Best Time To Visit
It’s best to visit Katavi in the Dry season (May to October). Unlike during the wetter months, you won’t get cooked by the temperature, savaged by mosquitoes, or have to negotiate boggy tracks. Most importantly, the drier months are when animals congregate on the floodplains to get a drink, and the thin vegetation won’t shield them from your view.
Package Amenities
Swimming Pool
Safari Drive
Sun Downer
Accommodation Amenities
Air conditioner
Cable TV
Wifi & Internet
Towels
Slippers
Hair Dryer
Shampoo
Espresso Machine
Safe Box
Welcome Drinks
Pet Friendly
In-room Refrigerator
What’s included in this package?
- Private balcony
- 140x200 cm Elite bed
- Upholstered seat beside the panoramic window
- TV-UHD screen for watching mountaineering films
- Writing desk with USB ports for documenting your adventures
- Room safe for your top mountain photos
- Service station with Lavazza coffee machine, kettle and tea
- Bathroom with rain shower
- Comfortable terry towels and bathrobes
