Katavi National Park is partly located in Mpanda District; the historic village of Karema is also there. The park’s highlights include hiking trails, scenery and wildlife, while Karema offers a distinct historical connection. This lets you give nature and history different emphasis during your trip.

Hiking Trails and Waterfalls in Katavi National Park

The Sitalike Walking Trail ranges from 1 to 9 kilometres and takes more than three hours. The Chorangwa Hiking Trail is more than 10 kilometres long and takes more than five hours. Comparing distance and time can help you choose: Sitalike stays below 10 kilometres within the stated range, while Chorangwa is longer; the time thresholds also differ, at more than three hours and more than five hours respectively. These times are minimums, not exact completion times. Plan accordingly, allowing some extra time.

Another trail in the park is 17 kilometres long and leads to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the Chorangwa, Lukima and Ndido waterfalls. The remote waterfalls can be reached via guided trails. The viewpoint trail and the guided trails offer different planning considerations: check current trail conditions on site and confirm the availability of guided trails with TANAPA.

Scenery and Wildlife

The park’s landscapes include the plains around Lake Chada, Paradise and the Katsunga Plain. Katavi National Park also encompasses natural landscapes with miombo woodland vegetation. The plains and woodland vegetation therefore represent distinct landscape features. The park is home to large elephants and various bird species. Large groups of hippos, lions, zebras and buffalo are also associated with Katavi National Park. Alongside the hiking trails, the park’s nature-related highlights thus include its landscapes and wildlife.

The male spirit Katabi of the Wabende and a female spirit of the Wamweru are also associated with Katavi National Park.

Karema’s History and Getting There

Karema is a historic village in Mpanda District. Its history is linked to the arrival of missionaries in 1885. Saint Adrian Atman lived in Karema for 67 years; historical remains associated with him can be found there. The two time references are distinct: 1885 refers to the missionaries’ arrival, while 67 years refers to Atman’s life in Karema.

In connection with Lake Tanganyika, the MV Liemba is described as an old ship; it was built in 1913. Tanzania Railways passenger services connect Dar es Salaam, Tabora, Mpanda and Kigoma by train. If you are considering taking the train, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Mivunda.

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