Katavi National Park Map
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Katavi National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Katavi National Park lies in the Rift Valley of far western Tanzania, southeast of Lake Tanganyika and near the town of Mpanda. The Katuma River flows through the heart of the park, linking the Lake Katavi floodplain in the north with the Lake Chada floodplain further south. Most visitors fly into airstrips such as Ritchie or Sitalike and explore the river and floodplains on game drives.
Katavi Areas at a Glance
The main areas visitors explore. Numbers on the map match the list.
Access Points
How travellers usually arrive and enter.
| Access point | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ritchie airstrip | Airstrip | Light-aircraft flights serving camps in the park |
| Sitalike airstrip | Airstrip | Near the park headquarters and main gate |
| Sitalike gate | Road | Reached by road from Mpanda |
| Mahale Mountains | Air link | Commonly combined on a western circuit safari |
Katavi Safari Tours
Every traveler experiences Katavi differently. Choose the safari style that suits you, and Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris will tailor a private itinerary around your dates, budget and interests.
Family Safari
Families with children, grandparents and multi-generational groups
Private vehicle, family rooms and a flexible, unhurried pace
Katavi works well for families who plan ahead: our guides turn every sighting of huge buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools and Nile crocodiles into a learning adventure, and we tailor activities to the ages and energy of your group.
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Honeymoon Safari
Honeymooners, anniversaries and couples celebrating something special
Sundowners, private dinners and secluded, romantic stays
Pair huge buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools and Nile crocodiles with private sundowners, candle-lit dinners and a secluded room with a view. Many couples finish with Mahale Mountains chimpanzee trekking or a Ruaha National Park safari for the perfect escape.
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Photography Safari
Wildlife photographers and keen amateurs who want the best light
Flexible timings, patient guiding and golden-hour outings
Flexible timings and patient guiding put you in the right place at dawn and dusk. In Katavi, expect huge buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools and Nile crocodiles, plus game drives and guided walks across the Katuma River floodplains for varied angles and stories.
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Seniors Safari
Mature travelers who value comfort, safety and a gentle pace
Short transfers, comfortable stays and an attentive private guide
Reached by light aircraft rather than long drives, with relaxed game drives on flat floodplain terrain, though the remoteness and simple bush camps suit travelers comfortable with basic facilities. We plan a gently paced itinerary with rest time each day and an experienced guide who handles every detail.
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Flying Safari
Travelers short on time who prefer flights to long road transfers
Scenic flights and more time for wildlife
Scheduled and charter light aircraft reach airstrips in and near Katavi, often connecting via Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Ruaha. Flying in maximises your time with huge buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools and Nile crocodiles and links neatly with Mahale Mountains chimpanzee trekking or a Ruaha National Park safari.
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Luxury Safari
Travelers seeking the finest stays, service and exclusivity
Private guiding, fine dining and exclusive experiences
Stay at the finest available camps and lodges with private guiding, fine dining and exclusive experiences such as game drives and guided walks across the Katuma River floodplains, all while enjoying huge buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools and Nile crocodiles in comfort.
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Mid-Range Safari
Travelers who want comfort and quality without luxury prices
Comfortable en-suite rooms, full-board meals and private guiding
Comfortable, well-located accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, full-board meals and private guiding: the best-value way to experience huge buffalo herds, crowded hippo pools and Nile crocodiles.
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Solo Safari
Solo travelers who want safety, privacy and flexibility
Private vehicle, dedicated guide and sociable camp evenings
Travel on an individual private, tailor-made safari with your own vehicle and dedicated guide. Katavi is welcoming for solo guests, with game drives and guided walks across the Katuma River floodplains and sociable evenings at camp.
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Katavi National Park Map: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Katavi National Park?
Katavi is in far western Tanzania, in the Katavi Region near the town of Mpanda and southeast of Lake Tanganyika. It is part of the remote western circuit, usually combined with Mahale Mountains National Park.
Which areas of Katavi are best for game viewing?
The Katuma River and the Lake Katavi and Lake Chada floodplains are the most productive areas, especially in the late dry season when hippos crowd the river pools and buffalo herds gather on the plains.
How do I get to Katavi?
Most visitors fly in by light aircraft to airstrips such as Ritchie or Sitalike, often from Arusha or in combination with Mahale. Road access via Mpanda is possible but long, so flying is the usual choice.
Can Katavi be combined with Mahale?
Yes. Katavi and Mahale are linked by light aircraft and are the classic western Tanzania combination: big game and hippo spectacles in Katavi, followed by chimpanzee trekking and Lake Tanganyika beaches in Mahale.
Plan Further: Katavi National Park Guides & Resources
Explore Katavi National Park
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