Katavi, in the Rukwa Rift, at 4,470km2 makes it the third largest National Park in Tanzania, and one of the most remote. Its landscape is dominated by 3 large floodplains strung together by the Katuma River which boasts one of the largest populations of Hippos and Crocs and provides a habitat for an abundance of waterfowl. The savanna plains fill with huge herds during the daytime and the equally impressive selection of predators wait patiently for their return to the woodland towards the end of the day.

Katavi has an enviable selection of antelope including Topi, Roan and Sable often found in large herds, attracting large quantities of predators, including some of the most luxuriously maned lions to be found, leopards, and hunting or wild dogs. As the river dries up the hippos fight for space in the limited pools and the croc caves become visible along the bank, a fascinating sight. The greater Katavi area has 373 recorded species of bird.  The green season months will have additional migratory species.

Katavi is ancient Africa as one might imagine from days gone by; mountain ranges provide a backdrop to the low-lying seasonal lakes (Katisunga, Chada and Katavi), each one encircled by the evocative palms and scrub. The lakes, in reality, open plains in the dry season and boggy marsh in the wet, are connected by the Katuma River, which supports a refreshing belt of green, winding through the landscapes, and providing contrast to the drier areas around.