Burigi-Chato National Park, nestled in southwestern Tanzania, sprawls across districts like Karagwe, Biharamulo, and Muleba in Kagera Region, as well as Chato in Geita Region. Established as a national park in 2019, it boasts an impressive 4,707 square kilometers, earning its spot as Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park.
This vast wilderness stretches from the shores of Lake Victoria in the east to the western borders of Rwanda, encompassing a diverse tapestry of landscapes. Rolling hills, rugged rocky outcrops, and scenic valleys cloaked in forest give way to expansive plains, swampy wetlands, meandering rivers, and floodplains. The park’s terrain is dominated by Miombo woodlands, characterized by Combretum and Terminalia tree species.
One of the park’s crown jewels is Lake Burigi, the country’s third-largest lake. Visitors can also explore the park’s other natural wonders, including undulating hills, valleys lined with primeval forests, and open grasslands. The park’s unique geography supports a wide range of wildlife, providing a habitat for rare and elusive species like the sitatunga antelope and the iconic shoebill stork.
What to do in Burigi-Chato National Park
Birding
Burigi Chato National Park, located in northwestern Tanzania, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting a diverse range of habitats that support an incredible array of birdlife. The park’s wetlands, savannas, and woodlands are home to over 400 species of birds, including iconic species such as the Shoebill Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, African Fish Eagle, Wattled Crane, and Red-necked Francolin. The best time for birding is during the dry season, from June to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. Guided bird walks, game drives, and boat trips can be arranged, allowing visitors to spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitats. With its incredible diversity of birdlife, stunning landscapes, and range of birding activities, Burigi Chato National Park offers an unforgettable birding experience.
Wildlife Viewing
Burigi Chato National Park, located in northwestern Tanzania, offers an exceptional wildlife viewing experience, with its diverse habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, supporting a wide range of wildlife. The park is home to large herbivores such as elephants, Elands, Impalas, and Defassa waterbucks, as well as antelopes like Roan antelopes, Sable antelopes, and Oribis. Semi-aquatic mammals like hippos and Sitatungas inhabit the park’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands, while predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas roam the savannas and woodlands.
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October, when the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot wildlife. Guided game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips can be taken to spot the park’s incredible wildlife, and visitors are advised to stay with a guided tour, keep a safe distance, and be patient to ensure a safe and enjoyable wildlife viewing experience.
Lake Burigi
Lake Burigi, located in the heart of Burigi Chato National Park, is a stunning and tranquil freshwater lake that plays a vital role in supporting the park’s diverse ecosystem. The lake is a vital source of water for the park’s wildlife and its shores are home to a wide range of birdlife, including water birds, waders, and raptors. With over 200 species of birds documented in the area, Lake Burigi is an important habitat for aquatic life, including fish, crocodiles, and hippos. Visitors can enjoy guided boat trips, fishing, and
Birdwatching on the lake, while conservation efforts are in place to protect the lake’s aquatic habitat, promote sustainable fishing practices, and engage local communities in conservation efforts.
Canoeing
Canoeing on Lake Burigi is a serene and exhilarating experience. It offers a unique perspective on the lake’s stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors can paddle across the lake’s calm waters, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests. As they glide across the lake, canoeists may catch glimpses of hippos, crocodiles. And a variety of bird species, including fish eagles, storks, and herons. Guided canoe trips can be arranged, providing visitors with expert knowledge of the lake’s ecosystem and wildlife, as well as ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether paddling at dawn, when the lake is shrouded in mist, or in the late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow, canoeing on Lake Burigi is an unforgettable experience.
Sport Fishing
Lake Burigi, located in the heart of Burigi Chato National Park, offers an exciting sport fishing experience for anglers. The lake is home to a variety of fish species including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch. These can be caught using various techniques such as trolling, casting, and bottom fishing. Anglers will need to bring their own fishing gear, including rods and reels, lures and bait, and fishing line. To ensure the sustainability of the fish population, fishing regulations are in place, including catch limits, minimum size limits, and closed seasons. With its abundant fish population and stunning scenery, Lake Burigi is an ideal destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking in Burigi Chato National Park is an exhilarating experience. Offering breathtaking views of the park’s stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors can embark on guided hikes through the park’s rolling hills, woodlands, and savannas. Taking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. As they hike, visitors may catch glimpses of a wide range of wildlife. For example elephants, antelopes, and birds, as well as enjoy the stunning views of Lake Burigi and the surrounding landscape. With trails ranging from easy to challenging, hiking in Burigi Chato National Park is suitable for visitors of all ages. And also fitness levels, providing an unforgettable experience of Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Walking Safari
A walking safari in Burigi Chato National Park is a unique and exhilarating experience. It allows visitors to connect with the African wilderness in a way that’s not possible on a traditional game drive. Accompanied by an experienced guide and armed ranger. Visitors can explore the park’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife on foot. While taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world.
As you walk through the park’s rolling hills, woodlands, and savannas, you’ll spot a wide range of wildlife. These include elephants, antelopes, and birds. Your guide will provide expert insights into the behavior, habitat, and characteristics of the animals you encounter. As well as share knowledge about the park’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts. With a walking safari, you’ll experience the thrill of being on foot in the midst of wild Africa. With the added safety and expertise of your guides.
Getting to Burigi Chato National Park
Located in the northwestern part of Tanzania, Burigi Chato National Park offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience. The park can be accessed by both air and road, providing travelers with flexibility and convenience.
By Air
For those preferring a quicker and more scenic route, flying is an excellent option. The nearest international airport is in Chato town, which receives flights from various destinations. From Chato Airport, you can take a private charter to one of two airstrips. These are Nkonje Ranger Post Airstrip located beside Lake Burigi, and Birahamulo Airstrip. The flight duration from Chato Airport is around 30-40 minutes.
Private charters can be arranged in advance, providing a convenient and hassle-free travel experience.
By Road
Those who prefer a more leisurely journey or are on a tighter budget, driving to Burigi Chato National Park is a viable option. The park is approximately 40 km from Chato town taking about 1-2 hours to reach the park gate Katete. This depends on the road conditions. Visitors can also reach the park via bukoba town which is 120 km from Burigi-chato National Park. This takes around 3-4 hours of travel. The road conditions can be rough, especially during the rainy season. Therefore it’s essential to have a reliable 4×4 vehicle. Additionally, consider hiring an experienced driver or guide who knows the roads. And also can provide valuable insights about the park.
When to visit Burigi-Chato National Park
Burigi Chato National Park can be visited as a standalone destination or combined with other exciting safaris in the region. Consider adding Saanane National Park or Rubondo Island National Park which are both situated on islands in Lake Victoria. And are known for their diverse wildlife and stunning sceneries.
Visitors can also combine Burigi Chato National Park safari with a visit to either Uganda’s National parks for Gorillas. OR Rwanda’s genocide monuments for a more extensive and unforgettable East African adventure.
The park can be visited all year round. However the dry seasons (June to September) are ideal for game viewing in the park. This is because, the dry seasons forces animals to congregate around Lake Burigi making it easier for sighting. The dry seasons favor nature walks as trails are not slippery and offers good photography.
Whereas the dry seasons are good for game viewing, the wet seasons on the other hand are ideal for birding experience. Because during this time, majority of the migratory birds can be spotted in the park. And it’s the breeding period of birds, so visitors can see most of the bird species.