Burigi Chato National Park is one of Tanzania’s most recent and least-explored protected areas, offering a raw and authentic wilderness that few have experienced. Officially gazetted in 2019, the park merges three former game reserves—Burigi, Biharamulo, and Kimisi—into an immense conservation area spanning more than 4,700 square kilometres. This vastness gives Burigi Chato its distinct sense of isolation and grandeur. The park stretches across Tanzania’s Kagera and Geita regions, bordering Rwanda and lying close to Uganda, which makes it an essential ecological corridor within the more expansive Great Rift Valley. Travellers who visit Burigi Chato quickly discover that it is an untamed mosaic of landscapes, endless open plains, sprawling wetlands, papyrus-fringed lakes, forested hills, and acacia woodlands—all teeming with life that is still recovering from years of under-protection. This feeling of pioneering exploration, combined with spectacular biodiversity, is precisely why Burigi Chato is often described as Tanzania’s best-kept safari secret.
Location and How to Get There
Situated in northwestern Tanzania, Burigi Chato is more remote than the country’s famous northern parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Yet, it offers a sense of discovery that few places can match. Despite its off-the-beaten-path character, it is surprisingly accessible by both road and air, making it a rewarding destination for adventurous travellers.
By Road
Most travellers arrive by road via Mwanza or Bukoba, which serve as the main gateways to the park. If you are departing from Mwanza, the drive typically takes four to five hours, following a route that passes through a series of rural settlements, stretches of farmland, and eventually the expansive Tanzanian bush. Approaching from Bukoba is somewhat easier, with a journey of around two to three hours, depending on the condition of the roads and the season.
By Air
For those wishing to save time or add an element of luxury, it is possible to fly directly into the region. Bukoba Airport receives scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and connects seamlessly with road transfers into the park. Chato Airport, which sits closest to the park boundary, mainly serves private charters and memorable fly-in safaris. These options significantly reduce travel time and can turn your arrival into a scenic experience in itself.
Park Landscapes and Habitats
One of the most remarkable features of Burigi Chato National Park is the diversity of its landscapes, which together create a stunning patchwork of ecosystems. In the north and east, sweeping open grasslands extend as far as the eye can see, their golden tones broken only by scattered acacias and the occasional herd of antelope. These plains are perfect for wildlife viewing and photography, particularly in the dry season when animals gather in search of water. As you venture deeper into the park, the scenery shifts into dense acacia woodlands that harbour elusive species and provide shady refuge for giraffes and elephants. Moving towards the heart of the park, expansive wetlands and swamps become the dominant features, acting as breeding grounds for fish, amphibians, and countless waterbirds. Perhaps the park’s most dramatic landscape is Lake Burigi itself, a vast inland sea whose shoreline is fringed with towering papyrus and dotted with hippos basking in the shallows. Additional seasonal lakes such as Lake Katwe and Lake Nyamagoma attract thousands of migratory birds when the rains arrive. In the west, the land rises into rolling forested hills that form part of the Albertine Rift ecosystem and conceal an entirely different community of plants and animals. Every corner of Burigi Chato feels like a different world, rewarding explorers with a sense of discovery at every turn.
Wildlife Highlights in Burigi Chato
Though Burigi Chato is still young in conservation terms, its wildlife populations are steadily recovering thanks to ongoing protection efforts. Sightings here can be just as rewarding as in more famous parks like Serengeti or Ruaha. The sense of raw, untamed nature, combined with the chance to spot rare and thriving species, makes Burigi Chato a truly unique safari destination.
Large Mammals of the Grasslands and Wetlands
Large mammals thrive throughout the park, particularly across the grasslands, open plains, and wetland zones. Elephants are often seen moving slowly through woodlands, browsing on leaves and bark, while Cape buffalo form formidable herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Graceful giraffes are another common sight, their long necks rising above the acacia trees as they feed quietly across the savannah.
Rare Antelope Species
One of Burigi Chato’s most prized wildlife features is its population of rare antelope species. The park is among the few places in Tanzania where visitors stand a strong chance of encountering roan antelope and sable antelope, two of Africa’s most elusive and majestic herbivores. Their striking appearance, long curved horns, and cautious behaviour make any sighting a highlight and a cherished memory for wildlife enthusiasts.
Other Plains Game
The open plains of Burigi Chato are also home to numerous other grazing species. Sightings of topi, eland, and waterbuck are frequent, often observed in groups against the backdrop of endless grasslands. These species add diversity and movement to the ecosystem, attracting predators and shaping the landscape through their grazing patterns.
Elusive Predators
Although predators in Burigi Chato can be more elusive than in other parks, they are very much present. Lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas patrol the park’s more secluded areas, especially during the cool hours of morning and night. Even when they are not directly seen, their presence is felt through paw prints on sandy tracks, claw marks on trees, or haunting calls echoing across the plains after dark.
Aquatic Giants: Hippos and Crocodiles
Along the lakeshores and swamplands, pods of hippos dominate the waterways, often spotted submerged during the day or grazing at dusk. Sharing these territories are large Nile crocodiles, sunning themselves on mudbanks or lying in wait near the reeds. These creatures are a reminder of the vital role water plays in sustaining life in Burigi Chato’s diverse habitats.
Birdwatching Paradise
For bird lovers, Burigi Chato is a true paradise. With over 400 recorded bird species, it offers some of the best birdwatching in Tanzania. The most coveted sighting is the shoebill stork, a rare and prehistoric-looking bird that inhabits the park’s papyrus swamps and draws birders from around the world. In addition to the shoebill, visitors can expect to see African fish eagles, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and the brilliantly colored papyrus gonolek. Every walk, drive, or boat safari opens up new birding possibilities for cameras and binoculars alike.
Safari Activities in Burigi Chato
Burigi Chato offers a wide variety of safari experiences, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned explorers and first-time visitors. The park’s untouched landscapes and low visitor numbers mean you’ll often feel like you have the entire wilderness to yourself. Whether you’re interested in classic wildlife viewing or more immersive adventures, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.
Game Drives
Game drives are the most popular way to explore the park, offering a chance to cover large distances and spot wildlife in different ecosystems. These drives are best taken early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when animals are most active and the golden light enhances the beauty of the landscapes. Routes pass through open plains, along lakeshores, and into woodland tracks, where you might encounter everything from towering elephants and giraffes to smaller creatures like dik-diks darting into the underbrush.
Guided Walking Safaris
For guests who wish to experience the bush on a more personal level, guided walking safaris provide an intimate connection with the environment. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll learn how to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and observe the fascinating behaviours of insects and birds. These walks reveal a hidden world often missed from a vehicle and give you a greater appreciation for the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Boat Safaris on Lake Burigi
One of the unique highlights of Burigi Chato is the opportunity to take boat safaris on Lake Burigi. Gliding silently along the water’s edge, guests can observe hippo pods bobbing just below the surface, crocodile nests hidden along the banks, and a spectacular variety of waterbirds flying overhead or resting among the reeds. The calm waters and peaceful surroundings offer a tranquil contrast to land-based safaris, and the experience is advantageous for photographers and birdwatchers.
Fishing Opportunities
Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the park, offering a more relaxed way to enjoy the natural surroundings. With the proper permits in place, visitors can spend a quiet morning or afternoon by the lake, casting a line for species like tilapia or catfish. It’s an excellent activity for those who want to slow down and appreciate the serenity of Burigi Chato’s water systems.
Cultural Visits and Community Interaction
Beyond wildlife, Burigi Chato offers authentic cultural experiences through visits to the local communities that surround the park. These excursions provide meaningful insight into traditional lifestyles, farming practices, and handicrafts unique to the region. Engaging with local people not only deepens your understanding of the area’s cultural heritage but also helps support community-based tourism initiatives that are essential to long-term conservation efforts.
Best Time to Visit
Burigi Chato can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience. From June to October, the dry season provides the best conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and vegetation is sparse. Days are warm, skies are clear, and photography is excellent.
Between November and May, the wet season transforms the park into a lush, green paradise, ideal for birdwatching as migratory species arrive in large numbers. However, rain can make roads challenging, and visitors should be prepared with proper vehicles and flexible plans. For those seeking solitude and dramatic landscapes, the wet season can be enriching.
Accommodation Options in Burigi Chato
Accommodation in Burigi Chato National Park is still developing, which means staying here feels refreshingly authentic and close to nature. Whether you prefer camping under the stars or a simple cottage with basic comforts, you’ll find an option that matches your spirit of adventure. While facilities are fewer compared to Tanzania’s established parks, this is precisely what makes Burigi Chato so special; you’ll experience genuine wilderness without crowds.
Public Campsites
For those who love the idea of traditional safari camping, public campsites within the park provide a basic yet rewarding experience. These sites allow you to sleep surrounded by the sounds of the bush—lion calls in the distance, rustling leaves, and the night chorus of insects. Campsites offer simple amenities, including pit latrines, designated fire pits, and cleared areas for tents. Travellers must bring their equipment and food, making this option best suited to adventurous guests who appreciate self-sufficiency and the raw beauty of the wild.
Self-Catering Bandas
If you prefer more comfort without losing the rustic atmosphere, the park offers self-catering bandas, modest cottages equipped with beds, en-suite bathrooms, and small kitchen facilities. These bandas are ideal for families or small groups who want shelter from the elements and a bit of extra privacy. Guests should plan, as you’ll need to bring your supplies and provisions or prearrange catering services through your tour operator. Staying in a banda provides a simple yet comfortable way to experience Burigi Chato without sacrificing convenience.
Mobile Tented Camps
For the ultimate immersion in the wilderness, mobile tented camps can be set up in beautiful, remote areas of the park. Kanuth Adventure Safaris specialises in creating fully serviced mobile camps, complete with spacious canvas tents, private bucket showers, bush toilets, and a dedicated camp crew who prepare delicious meals each day. This option offers the best of both worlds: the thrill of being surrounded by nature and the comforts of warm hospitality. Waking up to sunrise over the plains or falling asleep to the distant calls of hyenas is an experience that defines the spirit of an authentic safari.
Lodges in Chato Town
For travelers who prefer modern amenities and easier logistics, several comfortable lodges and guesthouses in Chato town are located about an hour’s drive from the park entrance. These accommodations feature private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, electricity, and on-site dining, making them a convenient base for day trips into Burigi Chato. Staying in Chato allows you to combine daily game drives with the comforts of a small town, while still enjoying easy access to the park.
Kanuth Adventure Safaris is ready to design a custom itinerary that captures the spirit of Burigi Chato, whether you dream of secluded mobile camps, photographic game drives, tranquil boat safaris, or unforgettable cultural encounters. To start planning your journey to Tanzania’s hidden gem, you are invited to reach out for expert advice, personalized recommendations, and seamless arrangements. Contact us at +255 754 967 544.
