Katavi National Park - gallery from a 3 day visit!
I spent three days in Katavi in September and had an amazing time, we were lucky to see lions, which hadnt been seen for a month, and also spent an hour with a relaxed leopard - which I didnt expect. Katavi isnt really the place for big cats, it is about some particular species and behaviour and its true remoteness that appeals. Perhaps Katavi’s most distinctive wildlife spectacle is the extraordinary density of hippos and crocodiles during the latter part of the dry season. As the Katuma River dwindles to a series of isolated pools, hundreds of hippos can become crowded into surprisingly small areas of water, with barely enough room for the animals to submerge. The scene can be noisy, muddy and intensely physical, with territorial males jostling for space and occasionally engaging in violent confrontations. Along the banks, enormous Nile crocodiles bask in the sun or shelter in burrows and muddy hollows as the water recedes. The concentration of animals is remarkable, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of survival when an entire ecosystem becomes dependent on a handful of remaining water sources. These are not simply picturesque river scenes, but living demonstrations of the seasonal pressures that shape life in the African bush. It is an amazing place - if you dont like crowds - there are only three camps there so don't see vehicles for hours - total bliss.
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