Katavi National Park

Best Time to Visit

7 Katavi Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

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

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