4-Day Katavi Wilderness Fly-In Safari Overview

Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most untouched and least visited wildernesses, offering a raw and exclusive safari found nowhere else in East Africa. This 4-day fly-in safari from Dar es Salaam or Arusha takes you straight into a world of giant buffalo herds, massive hippo pods, roaring lions, dusty floodplains, and breathtaking isolation.

If you’re seeking a safari without crowds, with vast open landscapes and authentic wildlife encounters, Katavi delivers the ultimate remote Tanzania experience.

Safari Highlights

• Fly directly from Dar es Salaam / Arusha to Katavi
• Witness huge buffalo herds—some of the largest in East Africa
• See massive hippo pods packed tightly into shrinking rivers
• Enjoy thrilling predator action with lions, hyenas & crocodiles
• Game drives across the untouched Chada Plain & Katuma River
• Stay in an intimate lodge for a true wilderness experience
• Sundowners overlooking endless wild landscapes
• Nights filled with animal calls—pure African wilderness

4-Day Katavi Fly-In Safari Itinerary

DAY 1: Fly to Katavi National Park + Afternoon Game Drive

Your adventure begins with a morning flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha, landing inside Katavi’s remote wilderness. Your guide welcomes you and drives you to the lodge through areas filled with giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes.

After lunch and relaxation, head out for your first game drive across the golden floodplains—your chance to spot lions, buffalo, hippos, and plains game.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Katavi Wildlife Lodge / Katavi Wilderness Camp

DAY 2: Full-Day Game Drive – Katuma River & Chada Plains

Today you explore the heart of Katavi on an extended game drive:

Highlights:

• Hundreds of hippos squeezed together in pools
• Massive crocodiles basking on riverbanks
• Big buffalo herds moving like dark clouds
• Lions following prey on open plains
• Amazing photography opportunities

A bush lunch is served under the shade of acacia trees.
Return to camp for dinner and stargazing in a truly wild environment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Explore Paradise – Wildlife, Floodplains & Sundowners

Spend your third day exploring new wildlife areas, including:

• The dramatic Chada floodplains
• Woodlands full of elephants and kudu
• Marsh habitats filled with birdlife

In the evening, enjoy a sundowner with sweeping views of untouched African wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Morning Game Drive + Fly Back to Dar/Arusha

Enjoy a final early morning game drive. Katavi comes alive as predators hunt and herbivores graze in the cool morning air.

After breakfast, head to the airstrip and board your flight back.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

• Return flights: Dar/Arusha → Katavi → Dar/Arusha
• All park fees & conservation fees
• Full-board accommodation (3 nights)
• Professional English-speaking guide
• All game drives in a 4×4 open safari vehicle
• Airport pick-up & drop-off in Katavi
• Bottled drinking water during game drives

❌ What’s Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides & staff
• Personal expenses
• Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why choose Katavi National Park?

Katavi is one of the last true wildernesses of Tanzania—remote, quiet, and packed with wildlife. You get exclusivity and unmatched game viewing without crowds.

2. When is the best time to visit Katavi?

July–October is peak wildlife season. November–March is lush and great for photography.

3. How long is the flight to Katavi?

About 3–3.5 hours from Dar es Salaam and 4–5 hours from Arusha with a short stop.

4. Is Katavi good for first-time safari guests?

Yes—but it’s especially perfect for travelers who want true wilderness, not touristy parks.

5. What type of animals will I see?

Buffalo, hippos, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, hyenas, and rich birdlife.