Burigi-Chato National Park is a Tanzanian national park gazetted as in 2019 Burigi-Chato covers 4,707 sq. km, making it the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania. It stretches from Lake Victoria on the eastern side all the way to the border with Rwanda in the west. More so, Burigi-Chato National Park lies in two regions of Kagera and Geita in the districts of Ngara, Karagwe, Biharamulo, Muleba and Chato respectively the vast wilderness of this stunning park includes fresh water lakes, long hills, rocky crags along escarpments, deeply set valleys lined with forest, open plains, swamps, rivers, flood plains and hundreds of square kilometres of medium and tall grass wooded savanna – mostly Combretum and Terminalia known as Miombo.
Climate and weather Burigi-Chato National Park
Burigi-Chato National Park, located in East Africa, experiences two main rainy periods. One in November / December and another in March and April. The dry spell last from to September, the temperatures are generally comfortable, featuring cool nights and warm days. As the dry season progresses, animals tent to gather more around the lakes and the many fresh water springs found throughout the park. The green season starts in October with the first rains. However, the landscape’s hills and rocky soil can make some parts of the park harder to reach, which allows wildlife to spread out into the lush wooded valleys and small grasslands. The best time to visit the park is June-October and January to March.
Tourist attractions: Burigi-Chato National Park
Wildlife
The wildlife in Burigi-Chato National Park is thriving, with a variety of animals frequently spotted. the park is home to One of the world’s largest antelope, the statuesque cape eland (Taulotragus Oryx) is found in this park. You can see Elephant, Buffalo, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, eland, warthog, roan, topi, impala, sable, Reedbuck, Bushbucks, dik-dik and many other smaller creatures. Oribis are also often seen in the area. A unique sight is the sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope that isn’t as commonly found. If you’re looking for big cats, you can find lion, leopard and cheetah while on a game drive. The park also has plenty of crocodile and hippo in its lakes and rivers.
Lakes
The most key tourist attraction in this National Park are the lakes with Lake Burigi being the 4th largest lake in the country. It is a long lake with a number of islands, inlets and bays along its length, some of which are swampy and are home for the rare sitatunga antelope, and possibly also the even rarer shoebill stork.
Birdlife
Burigi-Chato National Park also encompasses a number of different bird species including migratory (palearctic and afro tropical migrants) and birds native to the area. Some of the bird species you may sight here includes the rare bizarre shoebill stork, African fish eagles, Red necked francolin, Saddle bill stork, papyrus gonolek, white-browed coucal, cattle egret, village weavers, wattled crane, Senegal lapwing and wattled lapwing among others
Vegetation
Burigi-Chato National Park is a stunning place filled with wide-open grassland vegetation, with mixed forests, some bushlands, acacia woodland vegetation forming habitat for giraffes, the evergreen Miombo woodland where most monkey species, leopards and other animals spend their time. Visitors can enjoy the sights of five beautiful lakes, round-topped hills, and wetlands that serve as a safe haven for wildlife during the dry season.
Adding to the park’s charm in the Kagera River at the far western edge, which also marks the boundary with the neighboring Rwanda. The combination of amazing wildlife in this park together with the scenic beauty of the surrounding makes the park more exciting.
Tourist activities
Game Drive: Exploring Burigi-Chato National Park on a game drive is an unforgettable experience. The most spectacular activity that makes you close to nature. During your game drive safari, you can spot diverse wildlife, including e Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Roan antelopes, Impala, Leopards, Zebra, Giraffes, Spotted hyaena, Sitatunga, Oribi, Topi, Reedbuck, Bushbucks, dik-dik and Waterbuck while enjoying stunning scenery.
Walking Safari: A walking safari in Burigi-Chato allows you to connect with nature intimately. The park offers both short and long walks up round hills, led by experienced guides, you trek through the park, enable you to see animals at the closer distance and make wildlife photographs of your choice. This immersive experience offers a chance to witness wildlife up close, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wilderness.
Bird Watching: Bird watching in Burigi-Chato National Park is a delight for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. With over 400 bird species, including endangered ones, the park offers excellent viewing opportunities. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll spot different bird species such as includes the rare bizarre shoebill stork, African fish eagles, Red necked francolin, Saddle bill stork, papyrus gonolek, white-browed coucal, cattle egret, village weavers, wattled crane, Senegal lapwing and wattled lapwing among others. With an aid of qualified guides one can conduct a birding safari and enjoy a variety of bird species present in the park.
Camping: Camping in Burigi-Chato provides a unique chance to immerse yourself in nature. Camping provides you with an opportunity to spend you night listening to beautiful bird songs coupled with sounds from nocturnal. With facilities available, you can enjoy campfires, storytelling, and the thrill of sleeping in the wild, creating lasting memories with family or friends.
Star Gazing: The clear skies of Burigi-Chato National Park make it an ideal location for stargazing. This activity is normally done in an open sky and provide a new wilderness experience.
Canoeing: Canoeing in the park’s rivers and lakes offers a tranquil way to experience its natural beauty. Paddle alongside hippos and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterway. You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy the views of different wildlife, water birds including Shoe Bill and Wattled Cranes and spectacular view of beautiful landscapes that make the park more attracting.
Guided Hiking: Guided hiking trips in Burigi-Chato allow you to explore hidden trails and learn about the ecosystem. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, encounter local wildlife, and discover the park’s flora. This active adventure combines fitness with the chance to experience the park’s natural wonders.
Fishing: Fishing in Burigi-Chato National Park provides a serene escape. Anglers can cast their lines in lakes or rivers and may catch species like tilapia. It’s a peaceful activity that allows you to appreciate the park’s tranquil beauty while enjoying the thrill of the catch, making for a perfect day outdoors
How to get to Burigi-Chato National Park
You can get to Burigi-Chato National Park by either by flying or driving.
If you’re using air transport means, you will start at Chato International Airport in the Chato district. From there, you’ll need to travel about 40km by road to reach to Kijuu gate which is one of the park’s entrances. So, plan your trip with us at Focus east Africa tours, we will organise for you flights and private charters can bring you into the park through Nkonje airstrip which is located at Nkonje tourist circuit. Other nearby airports/ airstrips include; Biharamulo airstrip and Bukoba airport.
The park is also accessible from neighboring countries of Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda through the Rusumo, Manyovu and Mutukula borders, respectively. If you’re coming from the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi, its best to enter through the Nyungwe entry gate. For those visitors from Uganda, you have the option to enter through the Ruhita and Kijuu gates. If you’re travelling from other parts of Tanzania, but are far from the Kagera region, you can also use the Nyungwe and Kijuu gates where as those coming from Kagera region can use any of the three gates depending on the districts they come from.
Where to stay at Burigi-Chato National Park
Currently there are public and special campsites and moves are under way to encourage permanent camps and lodges. Visitors can be accommodated in the low cost/low budget hotels and lodges in the nearby towns of Biharamulo, Chato, Ngara, Karagwe, Muleba, Geita and Bukoba.
In conclusion, Burigi Chato National Park makes a perfect beginning or end point 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. Visit this stunning park and experience the real side of an African culture where locals can share their traditions and cultural values; where you can contribute by improving their livelihood in this ever-changing world!
