The Untamed West

KATAVI

"Tanzania's primeval frontier, where nature remains unedited and tourists are a rarity."

Vibe

Pure Wild

Sightings

Massive Density

Privacy

Absolute

Access

Remote Air

The Theater of Survival

Katavi isn't a curated safari; it is a raw survival story. During the dry season, the Katuma River becomes a clash point for thousands of animals.

01

The Hippo Bottleneck

Witness up to 600 hippos crammed into a single mud-hole—a brutal, cinematic display of territorial power.

02

The Buffalo Hordes

Home to Africa's largest concentrations, where herds of 3,000 buffalo kick up dust clouds visible for miles.

Field Intelligence

  • Far West Location: Bordering Lake Rukwa.
  • Apex Predator High: High lion/buffalo interaction.
  • Expedition Style: Fly-in safaris only.

The Heavyweights of Katavi

The Apex Hunters

Lions here are legendary for their size and bravery, often taking down buffalo in spectacular daylight hunts.

LIONS • LEOPARDS • WILD DOGS

The River Giants

Crocodiles retreat into riverbank caves during the dry heat, sharing mud with hundreds of territorial hippos.

600+ HIPPOS • MUD CAVE CROCS

Primeval Plains

Miombo woodlands and floodplains sustain massive zebra, topaz, and the rare Roan antelope.

3000+ BUFFALO • ROAN ANTELOPE

Dry Season

JUNE – OCTOBER

This is peak drama. Water vanishes, predators wait at the pools, and the dust creates an atmosphere of pure tension.

"The best time for photographers seeking raw action."

Green Season

NOVEMBER – MAY

The park transforms into a lush, green swamp. It becomes a sanctuary for 420 bird species and newborn calves.

  • Birding Paradise
  • Stunning Landscapes

Ready for the Wildest Walk in Africa?

Katavi offers guided walking safaris that track elephants and buffalo on foot—among the most exhilarating experiences on the continent.