Katuma Bush Lodge in Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is relatively unknown compared to the more prominent national parks of Tanzania, such as the famed Serengeti, but has fantastic big game and offers an exclusive and private safari experience. Other words used to describe this park are “remote”, “undeveloped” and “bristling with wild animals”. Its great distance from Arusha and any other safari destinations, is undoubtedly what has saved it from becoming over run by tourists. The park is an incredibly exciting place and has a truly wild, almost primeval feel, which hits you intensely from the moment you first see the game scattered over the Katisunga flood plain as you approach by air. In the dry season, herds of buffalo, two or three thousand strong graze on the plains, pods of several hundred hippo cram the seasonal rivers, herds of elephant feed on the plains and drink from the springs.
Located in the centre of the park, on an elevated point over looking the vast plains of Katisunga, Katuma Bush Lodge consists of spacious and comfortably furnished tents, each with writing desks, lamps, fine linen and ensuite facilities offering hot and cold water. The lodge has been designed to blend in with its surroundings to avoid distracting from the beauty of Katavi, and herds of animals can be seen right from your tent.
Meals are a sumptuous affair, and a variety of dishes are accompanied with tropical fruits and juices. On the last evening of your stay, a barbecue will be served under the shade of tamarind trees, so you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences you’ve had at Katavi while watching the sun setting over the plains.
Game Viewing is exceptionally rewarding at Katavi National Park due to the sheer abundance of wildlife, and we tend to begin game viewing early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Game drives in our 4 X 4 vehicles centre around the woodland areas along the seasonal lakes, where most of the game can be found including the big cats. We also offer short guided walking safaris leaving in the late afternoon when the light is at its best.
For those that want to get even closer to nature, we also offer fly camping – sleeping in the bush with just a mosquito net between you and the stars. With more than 4,000 sq km to explore, fly camping means that you can discover even the most remote and distant areas of this stunning park.
