Burigi-Chato National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

While the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater dominate the headlines, a quiet revolution has taken place in Tanzania's northwestern circuit. Burigi-Chato National Park, gazetted in 2019, has emerged as a pristine, untouched wilderness that offers what modern travelers crave most: exclusivity. Spanning a massive 4,707 square kilometers, this park connects the grandeur of Lake Victoria with the rugged beauty of the Rwandan border, creating a sanctuary where nature rules supreme.

If you are looking to escape the safari crowds and explore a landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and shimmering lakes, Burigi-Chato is your destination. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable adventure.

Burigi-Chato is not "new" in terms of nature, but its status is. Formed by combining three former game reserves—Burigi, Biharamulo, and Kimisi—it was officially elevated to National Park status in July 2019. This upgrade was a strategic move to boost tourism in the Lake Zone and protect the vital migration corridors used by elephants moving between Tanzania and Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

Unlike the endless short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, Burigi-Chato offers a dramatic, textured landscape. The park is defined by the Miombo woodlands, towering rocky crags, and long valleys that channel water into the park’s lifeblood: the lakes. Lake Burigi, the third-largest lake in the country, stretches like a long ribbon through the park, creating a lush ecosystem that contrasts sharply with the semi-arid hills surrounding it.

The primary reason to visit Burigi-Chato is serenity. In established parks, you might share a lion sighting with twenty other vehicles. Here, you are likely to be the only vehicle for miles. It offers a raw, authentic African experience reminiscent of safaris from the 1970s. It is perfect for seasoned safari-goers seeking a new frontier or photographers wanting unspoiled landscapes.

While the wildlife densities are still recovering compared to the Serengeti, the sightings in Burigi-Chato are rewarding. The park is home to a significant population of African elephants, often seen in large herds near the lakeshores. Predators are present but stealthy; lions rule the savannas, while leopards frequent the rocky outcrops and wooded valleys. Buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes are commonly spotted grazing on the open plains.

Burigi-Chato shines when it comes to rare species. It is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can spot the Sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope with splayed hooves adapted for walking on floating vegetation. Another prize for wildlife enthusiasts is the majestic Eland, the world's largest antelope, which thrives in the park's woodlands.

For birders, this park is nothing short of a paradise. The wetlands surrounding Lake Burigi are a haven for waterbirds. The prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork has been recorded here, a bucket-list sighting for any birder. You can also expect to see Fish Eagles, Papyrus Gonoleks, and a variety of kingfishers and herons.

Game drives here are an exploration. The road network is continuously being improved, allowing access to the park's diverse habitats. A typical drive might start in the woodland hills searching for leopards and descend to the lakeshore to watch elephants drink. The lack of traffic means you can linger at sightings for as long as you wish without pressure to move on.

One distinct advantage Burigi-Chato has over many other parks is the ability to do a boat safari. Gliding over Lake Burigi allows you to approach hippos and crocodiles safely while getting a unique perspective on the wildlife on the banks. It is also the best way to photograph the diverse birdlife inhabiting the papyrus reeds.

To truly feel the pulse of the wild, book a guided walking safari. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you can explore the smaller details of the bush—animal tracks, medicinal plants, and insects—that are missed from a vehicle. For the ultimate immersion, camping inside the park is highly recommended. Nights here are filled with the sounds of the African bush, free from the light pollution of large lodges.

• Dry Season (June to October): This is the peak time for wildlife viewing. As the bush thins out and water sources dry up, animals congregate around Lake Burigi and the rivers, making them easier to spot.
• Green Season (November to May): The landscape turns lush and green, and migratory birds arrive in their thousands. While wildlife spotting can be harder due to thick vegetation, the scenery is spectacular.

Accessibility has improved significantly with the expansion of local airports.
By Air: The easiest route is to fly into Chato Airport (from Dar es Salaam or Mwanza) or Bukoba Airport. From Chato, it is roughly a 4-5 hour scenic drive to the park gates.
By Road: For the adventurous, a road trip from Mwanza takes you through the heart of the Lake Zone, offering a glimpse into rural Tanzanian life.

Currently, accommodation options are more limited than in established parks, adding to the adventure.
Inside the Park: There are designated public and special campsites for self-sufficient travelers or mobile camp operators. Tanapa (Tanzania National Parks) also operates cottages/bandas for a comfortable, no-frills stay.
Nearby Towns: For more luxurious amenities, visitors often stay in hotels in Chato or Muleba and enter the park for day trips.