Night game drive Safari in Katavi National Park: Katavi National Park is situated in the remote western region of Tanzania, covering an expansive area of approximately 4,471 square kilometers. It lies in the Katavi and Rukwa administrative regions and can be accessed via the town of Mbeya. the park was gazetted in 1974, Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s least explored and most pristine wilderness areas, distinguished by its vast landscapes, including open grasslands, dense woodlands, and seasonal floodplains. The park’s remoteness and limited accessibility contribute to its untamed nature, providing a sanctuary for a rich variety of flora and fauna. One of the highlights of visiting the park is the opportunity to embark on a night game drive safari, where you can witness the park’s nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
Night game drives are also available for tourists visiting Katavi National Park and they provide an opportunity to catch sight of the nocturnal wildlife species in the national park. This form of game drive is accompanied by a ranger guide. The thrill of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat, coupled with the stunning African scenery, makes game drives in the park unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and this usually starts at 8 pm at night with a ranger guide. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species such as cape buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards, crocodiles, monitor lizards, waterbucks, topi, greater kudu, eland, duikers, warthogs, serval cats, primates like monkeys, baboons and bush babies among others. Many of this bird offers opportunities for night game drives in the park.
As the sun sets over the vast plains of Katavi National Park, a whole new world comes alive. The darkness brings out a plethora of nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen during the day, offering visitors a unique and exciting safari experience. During your game drive safaris, you will have the chance to spot some of the nocturnal species as they do with their daily activities such as leopards, lions, genets, bush babies, and hyenas among others
One of the best parts of the night game drive safari in Katavi National Park is the chance to see the park’s legendary lions’ pride in action. Katavi National Park is one of the largest lion populations in Tanzania, and witnessing these majestic animals hunting under the cover of darkness is truly a sight to behold. The adrenaline of seeing a lioness on the prowl or male lion roaring in the night is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the park.
In addition to lions, the night game drive safari in Katavi National Park offers the opportunity to see other fascinating nocturnal animals such as bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, and porcupines. The park’s expert guides and skilled at spotting these elusive creatures and providing valuable insights into tire behavior and habitat.
For those who are looking for a truly immersive safari experience, spending a night in the park’s wilderness camps is highly recommended. These camps offer the chance to be completely surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush, with the added thrill of knowing the lions and other predators may be roaming just beyond the camp’s perimeter. Falling asleep to the calls of hyenas and waking up to the sight of elephants grazing nearby is an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
A night game drive safari in Katavi National Park is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that allows visitors to see the park on a whole new night. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari goer, the opportunity to witness the park’s nocturnal animals up close is sure to be a highlight of your visits to this hidden gem of Tanzania.
Cost of a night game drive in Katavi National Park
A night game drive safari in Katavi National Park costs $ 50 for non-east African citizens and Tanzania residents per persons above 16 years and $ 25 per person between 5 and 15 years, 10,000 Tshs for East African citizens per person above 16 years, and Tshs 5,000 per persons between 5 and 15 years. Night game drive safari is only restricted to tourists staying within the park and the use of Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA) guides is mandatory for a night drive.
Best time to do a night at Katavi National Park
Night game drives in Katavi National Park can be done anytime throughout the year but the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, October, and then December, January, and February because during this period there is less or little rainfall in the parks therefore vegetation will be short which gives you an opportunity to view the nocturnal animals clearly.
Other activities in Katavi National Park
Besides a night game drives safari in Katavi National Park, the national park also offers other thrilling activities that tourists can engage in during the Tanzania safari including day game drives, birding, wildlife viewing nature walks, and cultural encounters among others. A night game drive in Katavi National Park is an adventurous activity that can also be combined with other exciting activities in Mahale Mountains National Park, Gombe Stream National and Saanane Island National Park among others.
Where to stay in Katavi National Park
There are a number of accommodation safaris ranging from luxury, midrange and budget where you can stay while on a Uganda night game drive in Katavi National Park such as Chada Fly Camping, Katuma Bush Lodge, Palahala Luxury Camp, Ikuu public campsite, Nomad Tented Camp, Katavi Wildlife Camp, Chada Camp, Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge, Chada special campsite, Kapimbye special campsite, and Katavi picnic site among others
