Kitavi and Sumbawanga
The Western mountain range Mbizi, with Kitavi National Park to the North, the remote Lake Rukwa game reserve to the east, the Waterfalls at Kalambo all surround the town of Sumbawanga.
The area is seldom visited by tourists and is reachable only on longer vehicle safaris, or flying safaris.
Sumbawanga is the capital of Rukwa region located in Western Tanzania . Katavi national park is located in Sumbawanga district. The name Sumbawanga translates as 'throw away your witch crafts' in Fipa language which may stem from local superstitions and practices relating to spiritual healers.
Katavi National park is the closest tourist destination to Sumbawanga which is also easily accessible by road. It is the third largest park in Tanzania, and the total number of animals per sq km in Katavi is more than any other protected area in east Africa. Densities of buffalo, roan, water buck, and bush pig is higher than anywhere else in Tanzania. Lakes Chanda and Katavi have the greatest numbers of animals in the park. 450 species of birds have been seen in the area and about 24 species of fish have been identified in lake Rukwa. Fish include oreochromis, and rukwaensis.
The best time to visit Katavi is between May and October.
Kitavi and Sumbawanga Locations view all
Katavi National Park more info ->
Katavi National Park is located in the western area of Tanzania. Wild, remote and isolated, Katavi is one of the most untouched areas of the entire country. In 2001, for example, the Serengeti received 100,000 guests; in contrast the Katavi National Park had only 83 guests. Katavi offers unspoilt wildlife viewing and is the third-largest national park in Tanzania at approximately 4471 sq km.
