Everything you need to know
"Katavi is the place for the wildlife Connoisseur, and for those who think the African bush can offer up no more surprises. Happily indulged, watching the elephants head to water as dusk falls, you feel like one of the last great pioneers; binoculars in your hand, Africa filling your head".
Location - In the heart of Katavi National Park, western Tanzania.
Setting - Chada Katavi sits on the edge of the wide Chada Plain, under a canopy of acacia and tamarind trees. It's a magnet for game, with the best game-viewing seen often from your tent veranda.
Accommodation - Six traditional East African safari tents follow the line of the edge of the plain. The tents are wide and spacious, with large shade net windows to let in light and air. The private bathroom tents are set just behind, and have traditional bucket showers and long drop toilets. Hot and cold water is available on request.
Activities - Daily game drives in 4WD vehicles, fly camping under the stars, outstanding birding, and walking safaris.
Highlights - Unbelievable game with vast herd of buffalo roaming the plains, also elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, crocodiles and masses of hippos. After a day of adventure and discovery, return to the creature comforts of Chada Katavi.
How to Get There - Access is only by aircraft using our shared charter flights, which operate on Monday's and Thursdays only (from Arusha), or by private charter. The nearest airstrip is Ikuu, a 20 minute drive from Chada Katavi.
Child Policy - we are delighted to accept children of 8 and over at Chada Katavi, but please note that only children of 12 and over can go fly-camping, or do walking safaris.
Seasons - From December to February, Katavi is green and lush after the short rains, with great elephant and plains game sightings. It's a fantastic time for birding, and everywhere you look the plains are covered in wildflowers.
In May and June, it's still green and lush after the long rains, and this is a wonderful time of year to visit.
From July to October, the weather is getting hotter as the plains dry out. The rivers and pools are drying up which concentrates the game in specific areas making for amazing sightings of animals, particularly the crocs and hippos who congregate in their masses in the pools.
Gratuities - we often get asked about what to tip. We find that most people will leave around $10 per person per day, which then gets split amongst the general staff, with the guides being tipped separately. Obviously tipping is not taken for granted, but if you've had a fantastic safari and would like to leave something for the guys, then great. Can we please ask however, that any tips are left in cash. Chada Katavi does not have credit card facilities, and is unable to deal with any cheque payments. In Tanzania, any staff tip payments made through our bank accounts will likely be charged VAT and our staff will certainly charged income tax. Thank you for your understanding.