Best Time to Visit – Katavi NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

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Katavi is a classic dry-country reserve. During the Wet season, from November to April, the wildlife disperses into the woodland and wildlife viewing becomes a challenge. The heat and humidity is oppressive in the Wet season. During the Dry season, the Katuma River is reduced to a narrow stream, and the floodplains become a magnet for wildlife.

Best Time August to October
High Season July to October (Katavi is rarely crowded)
Low Season April and May (Many lodges are closed)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather November to April (Wet season)

May to October –Dry Season

  • Vegetation is thin, so animals are easier to spot
  • It is clear and sunny – rain is very rare
  • Malaria risk is lowered because there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Humidity and heat is less oppressive
  • It is very dry and dusty
  • Some lodges might still be closed in May

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (20)
+18 Photos Want to Visit

November to April –Wet Season

  • The scenery is lush
  • November to May is low season with better rates
  • Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its prime
  • Roads might be hard to travel
  • Most wildlife disperses into the woodland and wildlife viewing becomes very hard
  • Many lodges close for the whole Wet season or part of it
  • It gets very hot and humid, and there are many mosquitoes and other insects

Wildlife Photos
+18 Photos

Best Time to Go to Tanzania by Major Park

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Want to Visit Katavi NP?