2-Day Katavi National Park Tanzania Safari

This is a vehicle-based safari, no fitness threshold applies and no walking is required. Game drives are conducted from a safari vehicle on the park's tracks. Travellers with limited mobility are welcome, let us know in advance so we can confirm suitable accommodation.

The dry season, roughly June to October, is by far the best time to visit. Roads into the park are most reliably accessible then, and animals concentrate in huge numbers around the shrinking pools of the Katuma River, the only remaining water source for miles. Outside the dry season, road access can be difficult and wildlife disperses more widely across the park.

Katavi is known for some of Tanzania's largest elephant gatherings, with several thousand animals possible in the dry season, alongside large buffalo herds, lion, hyena, giraffe, zebra, impala and reedbuck. Wild dog sightings are possible but less predictable. Because the park sees very few visitors, you'll often have these sightings entirely to yourself. No operator can guarantee specific sightings.

The price covers game drives inside Katavi National Park, park entrance fees, full-board accommodation while on safari, a professional driver-guide, transfer to the Mpanda airport or bus terminal, and drinking water. Onward flights or road transport beyond Mpanda, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included. See the full "What's included" and "Not included" sections on this page for the complete breakdown.

Mpanda is most commonly reached by domestic flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or other Tanzanian hubs, or by road or rail from Kigoma or Mbeya for travelers combining this with other western Tanzania destinations. We can advise on routing and timing once you let us know your starting point and dates.

Most nationalities can obtain a Tanzania tourist visa online via the eTA system before travel, or on arrival at major airports. The visa costs USD 50 for most nationalities and USD 100 for US citizens. Malaria prophylactics are recommended for this part of Tanzania. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended given how remote this park is.