Burigi – Chato National Park

The National Park is situated close to the border of Lake Victoria, the border of Rwanda, and is surrounded by the wondrous waters of the Kagera River and Lake Burigi.

Gazetted as a National Park in 2019 Burigi Chato covers 4,707 sq. km making it the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania. Stretching from Lake Victoria in the East to the Rwandan boundary in the West Burigi Chato is an enormous piece of the wild country 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. A key attraction in this National Park is the lakes with Lake Burigi being the 3rd largest lake in the country. It is a long lake with several islands, inlets, and bays along its length, some of which are swampy and are home to the rare sitatunga antelope, and possibly also the even rarer shoebill stork. All the lakes lie along winding valleys lined with trees and occasional palms. They are tranquil and beautiful and provide wonderful opportunities for boating and water-borne game viewing, as well as sites for camps and small lodges. There is an atmosphere here of untouched remote wilderness, and that a lifetime of exploring would not reveal all its corners and treasures. Climate and Seasons This part of East Africa has two rainfall peaks. One in November / December and another in March / April, with dry weather from June to September. Temperatures are pleasant with cool nights and warm days. From June to October conditions are dry and wildlife will be increasingly concentrated around the lakes and the many freshwater springs found throughout the Park. The green season starts in October with the first rains, but the hilly terrain and stony soils make access possible to most areas, and wildlife spreads out through green wooded valleys and numerous small plains.

One of the special features of the wildlife of this park is that one of the largest antelopes in the world the statuesque Cape Eland is found here.

Burigi–Chato National Park is the typical grassland of the African Savannah.

Burigi-Chato National Park also involves the other ecosystems of Rwanda Akagera National Park and Uganda’s Kikati game reserve, rangeland is to the north of the Katungo River and the Lake Mburo National Park.

This National Park is set among the pictorial beauty of the lakes and the riverside which is a delight for the eyes of any tourist.

The National Park has a wide collection of wildlife some of them are elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, chimpanzees, gorillas, and chimpanzees.

Some rare species of birds are also found in the Burigi-Biharamulo, Kimisi, Ibanda, and Rumanyika National Park and some of them are fish eagles, papyrus ganolek, and bizarre shoebill stork.

It also extends to the eastern side towards the Kimisi, Burigi-Biharamulo, Ibanda, and Rumanyika National Park Tanzania and also to the Akagera National Park in the west. So just book a trip to this amazing national park.

Wildlife Wildlife

Numbers are increasing throughout the Park with elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, eland, warthog, roan, topi, impala, sable, and many other smaller species being regularly seen. Oribi is also commonly found. A less common species is the swamp-dwelling sitatunga. The big cat lion, leopard, and cheetah are present and can be enjoyed on many a game drive. There are also many crocodiles and hippos in the lakes and Rivers.

Getting around

There are viewing tracks available, giving visitors access to more and more of the Park for exploring and game viewing. Boating and enjoying wildlife from the lakes is also possible by prior arrangements with the Park authorities.

Activities

Game viewing by vehicle or from a boat, guided hiking, and fishing are the main activities. Accommodation Currently there are public and special campsites and moves are underway to encourage permanent camps and lodges.

How to get there

Air. The nearest local town is Chato which has an International Airport, and private charters are possible to an airstrip near the Nkonje Ranger Post beside Lake Burigi, or to the Birahamulo airstrip. Road. Chato to the Katete Gate is 40 km.

Safari ideas

Burigi Chato National Park makes a perfect beginning or endpoint for a boat or yacht tour of the southern shores and islands of Lake Victoria. Such a safari could also start or end at Musoma and would include visits to Saanane and Rubondo Island National Parks.

BurigiChato National Park Animals

The BurigiChato National ParkAnimals include Zebras, giraffes, Chimpanzees, Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Lions, Leopards, and Gorillas. A variety of birds like Saddles, Martial eagle, Sacred ibis, and Billed stork are also found here.

BurigiChato Park Attractions

Wildlife mammals and a recent introduction of Lions.

High Number of bird species (Marabou stork Hornbills, Fish Eagle, Guinea fowls, and ducks)

Aquatic animals (fish, crocodiles, hippos)

Scenic beauty is encompassed by escarpments and unique round-topped hills and mountain ranges.

The scenic beauty of the Kagera River and Lakes, namely Burigi, NgomaKasinga/Nyarwambaire, Nyamalebe, and part of Lake Victoria

Miombo Acacia Woodlands and array catchment forests cover most of the park.

You can go through our Tanzania National Parks Guide, which will help you compare BurigiChato National Park with other National Parks and get many more ideas.

Best Things to Do In Burigi Chato National Park

A Safari game drive can be enjoyed at best here.

You can also go trekking in the park.

The National Park is best for honeymoon safaris, and couples can have a great time in the serene environment here.

Canoeing is another fun activity in the park here.

The best part is the photographic safari as you can capture the best pictures of your Tanzania Safari Tours.

Hiking is another popular activity here.

You can also go on a cultural safari in the local areas.

For more details about tips, FAQs, and things to do, go through our Tanzania Safari Guide section.

So don’t hesitate to add Burigi Chato National Park to your Tanzania Safari Tours plan. Get the Tanzania Travel Advice for the most fulfilling experience you will ever have!