Rukwa Region
TL;DR
Remote southwest corner with Katavi hippo concentrations and Zambia trade link
Rukwa Region borders Lake Rukwa in Tanzania's southwest corner, with the Katavi National Park hosting one of Africa's densest hippo populations during dry season. Agriculture focuses on rice, maize, and tobacco, while fishing on Lake Rukwa provides protein. The remoteness that limits development preserves wilderness—Katavi sees fewer than 3,000 visitors annually despite rivaling Serengeti in wildlife density. The region serves as transit point for trade with Zambia. Seasonal flooding patterns create boom-bust cycles for both agriculture and wildlife.