Katavi National Park is Tanzania's third largest national park and lies in the country's remote southwest, in a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that ends in the shallow, murky expanse of Lake Ruwka. Remote, unruly and untouched by the tourist crowds, Katavi is a pristine wilderness that embodies the Africa of over a century ago.
Most of Katavi is covered by dense Miombo forest, which is home to many different species of antelope. The highlight at Katavi National Park, however, is the Katuma River with its alluvial plains, which include Lake Katavi and Lake Chada. During the rainy season in March/April/May, the sometimes very swampy lakes attract a large number of waterfowl, and the alluvial plains are home to the densest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in Tanzania.
During the dry season, when the water recedes, the Katavi National Park takes on a very different aspect: the Katuma River is the only source of drinking water around at this time, leading to a large concentration of animals on the river's muddy banks. Large numbers of elephants can then be found in this area, as well as various herds of buffalo numbering thousands or more, while a variety of giraffes, zebras, impalas and reedbucks are easy prey for the numerous prides of lion and spotted hyena whose territories are on the alluvial plains meet.
Katavi's most spectacular animal experience, however, is the many hippos. Towards the end of the dry season you can see up to 200 animals sharing a river pond. For animal watchers, the everyday territorial battles of the male hippos in the much too narrow waters are an absolute eye-catcher. Here, ruthless arguments are commonplace.
