Katuma Katavi Tented Camp

Newly opened in 2006 Katuma Katavi is another stunning logistic acheivement - a luxury tented camp in one of Tanzania's most inaccessable regions. The camp overlooks the vast Katisunga floodplain and with a resident elephant named Fred you are never far from the big game which makes Katavi one of Tanzania's most exciting wildlife destinations.

THE ACCOMMODATION

12 luxury tented bandas raised on wooden platforms all with a large private balcony overlooking the floodplain discreetly blend in with their natural surroundings. The tents are extremely spacious and have en suite tiled bathrooms with shower and toilet and 24 hour hot water.

THE FACILITIES

Meals are taken in the large dining area and there is a small bar in a seperate building. Sometimes a barbeque outside under the tamaring bushes offers an alternative dinner location. A campfire is lit each night - the perfect spot to appreciate the vast night sky.

THE SAFARIS

Game drives of full day or half day duration are taken in open sided safari vehicles and focus on the woodland areas along the seasonal lakes and floodplains. Short guided walking safaris can also be taken from the camp and there are plans to introduce fly camping in different areas of the park.

THE VERDICT

The camp is of an extremely high standard considering the location and will certainly help to attract more visitors to one of Tanzania's least visited national parks. Katavi itself is probably Tanzania's best kept wildlife secret and a safari combining Katavi with Mahale Mountains could well be the finest combination of parks in Africa for diversity of wildlife experiences on offer.