Burigi-Chato National Park: New Safari Frontier

Burigi-Chato National Park: Tanzania’s New Safari Frontier

Burigi-Chato National Park, gazetted in 2019, represents a significant expansion of Tanzania’s protected areas and marks a new frontier for safari enthusiasts seeking an authentic, less-traveled wilderness experience. Located in northwestern Tanzania, stretching from the shores of Lake Victoria in the east to the border of Rwanda in the west, this vast park is a result of the merger of three former game reserves: Burigi, Biharamulo, and Kimisi. At approximately 4,707 square kilometers, it is now Tanzania’s fourth largest national park.

A Landscape of Untamed Beauty and Diversity

What makes Burigi-Chato particularly captivating is its incredibly diverse and picturesque landscape, a stark contrast to the more arid plains of the central and northern safari circuit. Here, you’ll find:

  • Freshwater Lakes: A defining feature, the park is home to several beautiful freshwater lakes, including Lake Burigi, which is the third largest lake entirely within Tanzania. These lakes are characterized by their winding valleys, numerous islands, inlets, and bays, some of which are swampy. They offer serene boat safari opportunities and are vital water sources for wildlife.
  • Rolling Hills and Escarpments: The park is characterized by long, undulating hills and rocky crags along escarpments, providing stunning panoramic views and varied terrain for game drives and walking safaris.
  • Diverse Vegetation: Expect a mix of open plains, vast savannah grasslands (typical African savannah), deep valleys lined with forest, swamps, rivers, floodplains, and extensive Miombo woodlands (dominated by Combretum and Terminalia trees).
  • Kagera River: This significant river borders and influences parts of the park, adding to the rich aquatic ecosystem.

Wildlife: A Growing and Diverse Population

As a relatively new national park, wildlife populations are still consolidating and growing, but Burigi-Chato already boasts a impressive array of species:

  • The Big Five: Elephants, lions, leopards, African buffalo, and rhinoceros (though rhino sightings are rare and concentrated in specific, highly protected zones).
  • Large Herbivores: Zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hartebeest, elands (including the impressive Cape Eland, one of the world’s largest antelopes), impalas, waterbucks, roan antelopes, topi, reedbucks, bushbucks, dik-diks, and oribis are regularly sighted.
  • Aquatic & Semi-Aquatic Species: Hippos and large Nile crocodiles are abundant in the lakes and rivers. The rare and elusive sitatunga antelope, a swamp-dwelling specialist, is also found in the swampy areas around the lakes.
  • Predators: Besides lions and leopards, spotted hyenas and cheetahs are also present.
  • Primates: Chimpanzees (though tracking opportunities are still developing and localized) and other primates can be found in the forested valleys.
  • Exceptional Birdlife: With over 400 recorded bird species, Burigi-Chato is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Highlights include the iconic African fish eagle, various storks (Marabou, Saddle-billed), hornbills, guinea fowls, ducks, kingfishers, and the highly sought-after, bizarre shoebill stork (found in swampy habitats).

Safari Activities and Experiences

Burigi-Chato offers a range of activities that leverage its unique landscapes and wildlife:

  • Game Drives: The primary activity, allowing visitors to traverse the varied terrains and spot a wide array of wildlife from a 4×4 vehicle. Early morning and late afternoon drives are best for spotting active animals.
  • Boat Safaris / Canoeing: A major highlight due to the numerous lakes. Explore Lake Burigi and other smaller lakes, getting close to hippos, crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds. This offers a tranquil and unique perspective of the park’s beauty. Sport fishing is also possible with prior arrangement.
  • Walking Safaris / Guided Hikes: Accompanied by armed rangers, these offer an intimate encounter with the bush. You can trek through diverse habitats, focusing on smaller details like tracks, plants, and insects, and even hike up some of the rolling hills for panoramic views.
  • Bird Watching: Dedicated birding excursions are highly rewarding given the park’s extensive avian diversity.
  • Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to visit local communities bordering the park to learn about their traditions and way of life.
  • Wild Camping: For those seeking a truly immersive wilderness experience, camping under the stars is an option.
  • Photographic Safaris: The diverse landscapes, unique lakes, and abundant wildlife offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography.

Accommodation

As a relatively new park, Burigi-Chato’s tourism infrastructure is still developing. This contributes to its untouched, remote feel.

  • Limited Internal Options: Currently, there are no large, established luxury lodges within the park boundaries.
  • Campsites: Several designated campsites are available within the park for those opting for a full camping safari experience.
  • External Options: Visitors may find basic lodges, guesthouses, and a few emerging mid-range options in nearby towns like Chato or Biharamulo. Some tour operators may also arrange mobile tented camps for private safaris.
  • Chato Beach Resort: Located on Lake Victoria near Chato town, it offers a more established accommodation option outside the park, suitable for combining a safari with a lakeside stay.

As tourism grows, more permanent accommodation options are expected to emerge.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (June to September): This is generally considered the best time for game viewing as animals congregate around the permanent water sources (lakes and rivers), making them easier to spot. The weather is also milder and trails are less muddy.
  • Wet Season (November to May): While roads can be more challenging, this period offers lush green landscapes, migratory birds (making it excellent for birdwatching), and the chance to witness newborn animals.

Getting There

Burigi-Chato National Park is situated in a relatively remote part of Tanzania, making access part of the adventure.

  • By Air:
    • Fly from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to Bukoba Airport or Chato Airport. From these airports, you would then arrange a road transfer to the park (which can still be a few hours’ drive).
    • Private charter flights can sometimes be arranged to smaller airstrips closer to the park, such as near the Nkonje Ranger Post beside Lake Burigi, or to Biharamulo airstrip.
  • By Road:
    • It’s a long drive from major cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha (over 1000 km), so flying is generally recommended for convenience.
    • The park can be accessed by road from Mwanza, or as part of a cross-border itinerary from Rwanda or Uganda. The roads within the park require a 4WD vehicle, and signposting is still developing, so a reputable tour operator and experienced guide are highly recommended.

Future Potential

Burigi-Chato National Park holds immense potential as a future safari hotspot. Its unique combination of savannah, Miombo woodlands, and beautiful freshwater lakes sets it apart from other Tanzanian parks. Its proximity to Rwanda (Akagera National Park) and Uganda (Lake Mburo National Park, Kikati Game Reserve) positions it as an excellent option for cross-border safaris, allowing travelers to combine chimpanzee or gorilla trekking with a classic East African safari in a less crowded, authentic wilderness. As infrastructure improves and awareness grows, Burigi-Chato is poised to become a sought-after destination for adventurous travelers.