Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge is the Katavi National Park property in the Mbali Mbali collection, positioned in the centre of the park on an elevated point overlooking the vast Katisunga Plains. The lodge was previously known as Katuma Bush Lodge before Mbali Mbali took over operations in 2018 and fully refurbished it. Its spectacular elevated position means herds of elephant, buffalo, and other wildlife can be observed directly from the tented rooms and the sweeping main deck without leaving the property. Katavi is one of Africa’s least-visited national parks and offers a genuine off-the-beaten-track experience: predator-prey interactions play out on the seasonal lake and floodplains with no other visitors in sight.
Ten safari tents with traditional Zanzibari carved beds and polished wooden floors are spaced well apart across the property, each on a raised platform under a thatched roof with a private veranda. The spacious two-tier main lodge area overlooks the plains and houses an outdoor pool with fine views, a library, bar, and a communal dining space. Game drives go out twice daily, with an optional night game drive that provides rare predator viewing. Full-board is included; beverages are available on a house package basis.
Ten safari tents (6 doubles, 2 twins, 2 family) with Zanzibari carved beds, polished wooden floors, en-suite bathroom, private veranda, solar power, and views of the Katisunga Plains.
Katavi National Park is reached via Ikuu airstrip. Scheduled charter flights connect Arusha with Katavi every Monday and Thursday, taking approximately 3 hours. Mbali Mbali Lodges also operates its own Zantasair shared charter flights between the northern circuit and western Tanzania. Ikuu airstrip is a short road transfer from the lodge. Flights from Dar es Salaam via Mpanda Airport (3 weekly) are an alternative. Driving from Dar es Salaam is possible but takes 2–3 days and is not recommended.
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