Katavi, Tanzania's third largest national park, lies in the remote southwest of the country to the east of Lake Tanganyika, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa.  It is 4,471 square kilometers in size, and is home to substantial but elusive populations of the localized eland, sable and roan antelopes.  The main focus for game viewing is the Katuma River and associated floodplains such as the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada.  During the rainy season, these lush, marshy lakes are a haven for myriad of water birds, and support Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippo and crocodile.

Katavi’s most singular wildlife spectacle is provided by its hippos.  Towards the end of the dry season, up to 200 individuals might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth.  As more hippos gather in one place, so does male rivalry heat up – bloody territorial fights are an everyday occurrence, with the vanquished male forced to lurk hapless on the open plains until it gathers sufficient confidence to mount another challenge.

A tough but spectacular day's drive from Mbeya (550 km/340 miles) or in the dry season only from Kigoma (390 km/240 miles) will get you to the park.  It is possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar via Tabora, then to catch public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged.  If travelling overland, allow plenty of time to get there and back.  Charter flights are also available from Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

Visits are most appropriate during the dry season (May-October) as roads within the park are often flooded during the rainy season but may be passable from mid-December to February.