Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge

Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge — The Most Remote Safari in Tanzania

Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge is one of only three camps in Katavi National Park — Tanzania's most remote and least-visited major wildlife destination in the western interior. The park is well-known among serious safari travellers for experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else: herds of buffalo numbering in the thousands, enormous hippo pools fighting for territorial dominance in receding dry-season pools, and animals so unfamiliar with human contact that encounters have a genuinely wild quality rarely found in East Africa's more visited parks.

The camp is situated in the centre of the park on an elevated point overlooking the vast Katisunga plains — "far far away" in Swahili, which is what "Mbali Mbali" means. The ten canvas tents on wooden platforms with Zanzibari beds, writing desks and en-suite facilities are beautifully furnished against the extraordinary wilderness setting. As one reviewer wrote: "It was as if we had the whole of Katavi National Park to ourselves."

Accommodation

Ten safari tents (6 doubles, 2 twins, 2 family tents) on wooden platforms with thatch roofs overlooking the Katisunga plains. Zanzibari beds, fine linen, writing desks, en-suite facilities with hot and cold water. Outdoor swimming pool, fireplace, restaurant. Rate includes accommodation, daily meals, six house beverages, unlimited soft drinks and water, limited laundry. Game drives and airport transfers additional. Night game drives available. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required.

Activities

Game drives twice daily on the Katisunga plains. Optional night game drives. The dry season (June–October) concentrates animals at water sources in extraordinary numbers — thousand-strong buffalo herds, hippo pools, lion prides and crocodile concentrations. Pelican flotillas are a noted Katavi speciality. Walking safaris available.

Who Is Mbali Mbali Katavi Best For?

Katavi is for experienced safari travellers seeking Tanzania's most authentic, crowd-free wilderness experience. If you've done the Northern Circuit and want something genuinely different — unfamiliar wildlife, no other vehicles, animals that haven't been shaped by tourism — Katavi is the answer. The Mbali Mbali brand provides reliable quality in extremely remote conditions.