Chada Katavi, Katavi National Park

Introduction

Isolated, unspoiled by tourists and seldom visited, Katavi National Park is a true wilderness  It  provides those, eager enough to make the journey, a thrilling taste of Africa as it must have been when the first adventurers set foot upon it.

As Tanzania's third largest national park, it lies in the remote southwest of the country. Filling the floor of the Rukwa Valley - a minor fault of the western rift - Katavi National Park spans over a million acres. From the escarpments, rivers run down through Tamarind and Albida forests to feed vast floodplains. Across these plains run the last great herds of buffalo in east Africa. 

For the Off the Beaten Track experience and strictly recommended for those of an adventurous spirit, this lodge, Chada Katavi is situated in the core of Katavi National Park, western Tanzania.  It is reputed to be one of the wildest places on earth.

Camp Description

From its elevated vantage point on a peninsula that rises out of the miombo woodland, Chada Katavi sits on the edge of the wide Chada plain, perfectly positioned for sundowners with panoramic views.  Hidden on a shady spit of acacias and tamarinds, the camp effortlessly blends with the browns and golds of the surrounding bush. 

Ten years from the first rope pitch, Chada Katavi has evolved into a rather civilized lodge. Dinnertime highlights the exclusivity and simple luxury of this camp with silverware and glasses glinting in the lamplight.

Accommodation 

Hidden in the trees that flank it are six guest tents, with fine wooden furniture, and large comfortable beds spread with crisp white Egyptian cottons, and floors covered with thick woven rugs. The tents are large, romantic and airy with many shade netting windows to allow the cool breezes through.

The bathrooms are bush deluxe, and set just behind each bed tent. Although supremely comfortable, the camp neither intrudes upon nor detracts from the majesty of the place itself.

Game Viewing

Chadas Flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways are home to a huge population of hippo and varied birdlife. In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud herds of buffalo and elephant. The park is also home to the rare roan and sable antelope species.

It is during the dry season, when the floodwaters retreat, that true Katavi emerges. Seasonal lakes fill with dirt coloured water and forms the only source of drinking water for miles around, hence the flanking floodplains support huge game concentrations. An estimated 4,000 elephants might converge on the area, together with several herds of 1,000-plus buffalo, while an abundance of giraffe, zebra, impala and reedbuck flock to the water supply.   Never far behind, lay numerous lion prides and spotted hyena clans waiting in the shadows.

Katavis is famous for its hippos. Towards the end of the dry season, up to 200 individuals might converge in any pool sufficiently deep enough, providing daily entertainment in the form of trysts and territorial fights, an occurrence that is unavoidable in a large group of males competing for status.

Activities

Walking safaris take you even deeper into Katavis untamed world. Rare roan and sable antelope, normally skittish and shy, graze openly on these plains. On foot you experience another side of Africa, that which takes flight at the sound of approaching vehicles. The game is unbelievable with sightings of elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, crocodiles and hippo amongst many others. And then at the end of a day of adventure and discovery, you return to the creature comforts and welcoming fireside of camp.

To tip the balance from African safari to intrepid adventure, Fly camping brings you to the very heart of the Katavi wilderness. Sleeping with only a mosquito net between you and the night sky, the experience of the bush is inimitable. The fabulous bush chefs are on hand for open air meals, and the drinks are ice-cold. Western Tanzania is largely undiscovered and very definitely off the beaten track.   

The traditional 4x4 safaris are also catered for here.  All the safaris are run professionally and by competent and committed safari guides.

Seasons

Camp Facts

Age Restrictions

Please note that Chada Katavi do not accept children under the age of 8. Only children of 12 and over can participate in fly camping and hiking activities.

Climate & Clothing

Much of Katavi National Park is accessible only during the dry season (June to mid-October)
Long rains are March May and Roads within the park are often flooded during the rainy season but may be passable from mid-December to February.  Temperatures range from 15C at night and up to 35C during the hottest hours.  Chada Katavi is open year round except when the camp closes for maintenance.

Extras Payment

Curios and or imported drinks will be billed to the guest and settled on check out. If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Guides - US$5.00 per person per day
General Camp Staff - US$3.00 per person per day
Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

Please contact us for suggested itineraries.

How to get there

By air, using shared charters which operate on a Monday and Thursday, or by private charter. Nearest airstrip is Ikuu, a 20 minute drive from camp.

Sun Safaris can arrange all transfers.

Read more about:

Katavi National Park