The Burigi Chato National Park history dates back to the 1970s, when it was given the designation of National Game Reserve. With a size of more than 2,200 square kilometers, the park is presently fourth in size among Tanzania’s national parks, behind Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park and Serengeti National park. This beautiful park is surrounded by the picturesque beauty grassland of the African Savannah, the lakes and riverside, which is a treat for visitors’ eyes. It is a must-visit location as part of Tanzania Wildlife Safari Tours because of the amount and diversity of wildlife there, including carnivores, herbivores, and uncommon bird species.
One of the unique characteristics of the wildlife of this park is that one of the largest antelopes in the world, the statuesque Cape eland, is found here in Burigi-Chato National Park, the typical grasslands of the African Savannah. Along with the rangeland area to the north of the Katungo River and the Lake Mburo National Park, Burigi-Chato National Park includes the other ecosystems of Rwanda, the Akagera National Park, and Uganda, the Kikati Game Reserve. Any tourist’s eyes will be delighted by this National Park’s setting among the picturesque splendor of the lakes and riverfront.
Location:
The National Park is located close to the border of Lake Victoria, the border of Rwanda, and is surrounded by the wonderful waters of the Kagera River and Lake Burigi. The location is busy throughout the year, and visitors are eager to see its breathtaking splendor.
Climate and Weather:
The climate and seasons of Burigi Chato National park does not differ from other famous Tanzania safari parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Tarangire etc. there are two rainy seasons in this park. One occurs in November to December, the other in March to April, and from June to September, there is dry weather. It is a lovely temperature, with mild nights and warm days.
Since the weather is dry from June to October, wildlife will be progressively more concentrated around the lakes and the numerous freshwater springs spread across the park. The start of the green season coincides with the first rains in October, but most locations are accessible due to the mountainous terrain and stony soils, and wildlife is dispersed across various tiny plains and green, forested valleys.
Accessibility: Getting to Burigi Chato National Park
You can fly to Chato airport from Mwanza city or the Kagera region (Bukoba) to reach the national park. From there, you can take a taxi to the Burigi National Park; the trip would take around 5 hours. The location is accessible by a variety of public and private transportation options.
Wildlife: Animals
There are many different species of wildlife in the national park, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, leopards, zebras, and giraffes. The Burigi-Chato, Ibanda-Kyerwa, and Rumanyika-Karagwe National Parks are home to several unique bird species, including fish eagles, papyrus ganolek, and the peculiar shoebill stork.
Expectations: What to expect on your safari tour to Burigi Chato?
You can expect to discover a wide variety of natural landscapes and stunning mountainous scenery while visiting Burigi Chato National Park. Additionally, you’ll be able to see a variety of fauna, biological systems that have been protected, and stunning lakes.
Attractions: What to see in Burigi Chato Park
- Wildlife creatures and lions that have recently been introduced
- A wide range of bird species (including the Marabou stork, Hornbills, Fish Eagle, Guinea fowl, and ducks).
- Aquatic creatures (fish, crocodiles, hippos).
- Escarpments, unusual round-topped hills, and mountain ranges surround the scenic magnificence.
- The magnificent splendor of Lake Victoria, part of Lake Burigi, Ngoma Kasinga/Nyarwambaire, and the Kagera River.
- The majority of the park is covered by Miombo Acacia Woodlands and various catchment forests.
Activities:
Burigi chato national park is blessed with a variety of different tourist activities for everyone from solo travelers, honeymooners, family and friends. Some of the activities includes;
- Game Drive
- Bird watching safari
- Camping safari
- Picnicking
- Walking safari
- Canoeing on Lake Burigi
- Photographic safari
- Honeymoon safari
- Hiking safari
- The National Park is ideal for honeymoon safaris, and couples can enjoy themselves in this peaceful setting.
- Another enjoyable pastime in this park is canoeing safari in Lake Burigi.
- In the neighborhood, you can also go on a cultural tours.
Burigi Chato National Park Safari ideas
Burigi Chato National Park is best explored over the course of two to three days, during which time you must take advantage of all the park has to offer and engage in as many safari activities as you can, including game drives, walking safaris, Tanzania canoeing, cultural tours, etc. Additionally, the Burigi Chato National Park extends eastward to include the national parks of Kimisi, Ibanda-Kyerwa, and Rumanyika-Karagwe making it easy combined in one safari itinerary.
