Katavi Region

Katavi is an administrative region in western Tanzania with varied landscapes ranging from flat plains to plateaus and mountain areas. The terrain shifts across these different zones, creating a landscape with multiple character types.

The territory became its own administrative region in 2012 when Dr. Rajab Mtumwa Rutengwe took office as the first Regional Commissioner. This separation marked a new chapter in how the area was governed.

The name Katavi comes from a traditional spirit associated with Lake Tanganyika, showing how local communities see themselves connected to the water around them. This spiritual link shapes how people relate to their landscape today.

Most of the population works in farming, growing crops like maize, rice, and groundnuts in different parts of the region. Visitors should expect a rural setting where agriculture shapes daily life and the landscape.

The area holds moonstone and other minerals that are extracted in places like Karema and Kapalamsenga. These deposits make the region geologically interesting for those curious about natural resources.

Location: Tanzania

Inception: 2012

Capital city: Mpanda

Elevation above the sea: 1,100 m

GPS coordinates: -6.40000,31.33333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46