Burigi Chato National Park

Burigi Chato National Park Tanzania: Burigi Chato was designated a national park in 2019 and covers 4,707 square kilometers, making it Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park. Burigi Chato is an enormous piece of wild country stretching from Lake Victoria in the east to the Rwandan border in the west, encompassing freshwater lakes, long hills, rocky crags along escarpments, deeply set valleys lined with forest, open plains, swamps, rivers, flood plains, and hundreds of square kilometers of medium and tall grass wooded savanna — mostly Combretum and Terminalia known as Miombo.

The lakes are a major draw in this national park, with Lake Burigi being the country’s third-largest. It is a long lake with numerous islands, inlets, and bays along its length, some of which are swampy and home to the endangered sitatunga antelope and probably the even more endangered shoebill stork.

All of the lakes are located along winding valleys adorned with trees and palms. They are serene and scenic, and they offer excellent chances for boating and water-borne game viewing, as well as locations for camping and small lodges. There is a sense of pristine isolation here, and a lifetime of exploration would not reveal all of its corners and riches.

BURIGI-CHATO NATIONAL PARK LOCATION

This national park is located at the boundary of Lake Victoria and Rwanda and is bordered by the magnificent waters of the Kagera River and Lake Burigi. Burigi Chato National Park sites are thriving all year, and people are drawn to the area’s magnificent beauty.

BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK WEATHER & CLIMATE

This region of East Africa has two rainy seasons. There will be one in November or December and another in March or April, with dry weather from June through September. The weather is nice, with mild nights and warm days. From June through October, the weather is dry, and wildlife is more concentrated around the park’s lakes and numerous freshwater springs. The green season begins in October with the first rains, but due to the mountainous terrain and stony soils, most locations are accessible, and wildlife spreads out over green, wooded valleys and countless tiny plains.

BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE

Elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, eland, warthog, roan, topi, impala, sable, and many smaller species are becoming more common across the park. Oribi is also rather prevalent. The swamp-dwelling sitatunga is a rare species. The big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, can be seen on many game drives. Crocodiles and hippos abound in the lakes and rivers.

HOW TO GET THERE AT BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK

To get to the national park, fly to Mwanza or Kagera region (Bukoba) and then to Chato airstrip. From there, you can take a cab to Burigi National Park, which is about a 5-hour journey away. The location is quite easy to reach, and different public and private transportation options are readily available.

GETTING AROUND BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK

Burigi Chato National Park
Burigi Chato National Park

There are observation tracks available, allowing visitors to explore and see wildlife in more and more areas of the park. Boating and viewing wildlife from the lakes is also allowed with advance planning with park officials.

BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES

The major activities are game watching by vehicle or boat, guided hiking, birdwatching, bush meal, camping safari and fishing. There are currently public and private campsites, and efforts are being made to attract permanent campers and lodges. Things to do at Burigi Chato National Park in summary includes:

  • Game drive wildlife safari
  • Walking safari
  • Canoeing in Lake Burigi
  • Photographic safari
  • Honeymoon safari
  • Nature hiking
  • Cultural safari

BURIGI CHATO PARK ATTRACTIONS

  • Lions have recently been introduced as wildlife mammals.
  • A large number of bird species (Marabou storks, Hornbills, Fish Eagles, Guniea fowl, and ducks) are found here (fish crocodiles, hippos).
  • Gorgeous beauty surrounded by escarpments, round-topped hills, and mountain ranges
  • Much of the park is covered by the beautiful grandeur of the Kagera River and Lakes, specifically Burigi, NgomaKasinga/Nyarwambaire, and Nyamalebe, and a portion of Lake Victoria, Miombo Acacia Woodlands, and diverse catchment forests.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK

Expect to discover a variety of natural landscapes and stunning highland scenery while visiting Burigi Chato National Park. You will also be able to see a variety of species, well-maintained ecological systems, and breathtaking lakes.

BURIGI CHATO NATIONAL PARK SAFARI IDEAS

Burigi Chato National Park is an excellent starting or ending place for a boat or yacht trip along Lake Victoria’s southern shoreline and islands. A safari of this type could potentially begin or end in Musoma and include excursions to Saanane and Rubondo Island National Parks.

Burigi National Park will add to the richness and fulfillment of your Tanzania safari tours. Therefore, don’t be afraid to include Burigi Chato National Park in your Tanzania Safari Tours itinerary.