Burigi–Chato National Park: Tanzania’s Untouched Wilderness

Burigi–Chato National Park is one of Tanzania’s most remarkable yet least explored protected areas, offering an authentic glimpse into the country’s vast natural heritage. Officially established in 2019, the park forms part of Tanzania’s Western Safari Circuit and stands as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism development.

Covering an expansive area of approximately 4,707 square kilometers, Burigi–Chato National Park is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania. Its immense size allows wildlife to roam freely across diverse habitats, creating a true wilderness experience far removed from the busier northern safari destinations. The park stretches across the Kagera and Geita regions, extending from the eastern edge of Lake Victoria toward the international border with Rwanda, placing it in a geographically and ecologically significant position.

What sets Burigi–Chato apart is its exceptional landscape diversity. The park is a mosaic of open savannahs, dense miombo woodlands, wetlands, rolling hills, river systems, and large freshwater lakes. Lake Burigi, one of Tanzania’s largest inland lakes, serves as the ecological heart of the park, supporting rich aquatic life and attracting large concentrations of wildlife and birds throughout the year. These varied ecosystems sustain a wide range of species while offering visitors constantly changing scenery.

Burigi–Chato National Park was formed through the consolidation of several former game reserves, including Burigi, Biharamulo, and Kimisi, creating a single, well-protected conservation area. This strategic unification has strengthened wildlife protection corridors and improved long-term ecological stability, making the park an important refuge for large mammals, predators, and migratory species.

For travelers, Burigi–Chato represents untamed Africa at its purest. The park remains largely undeveloped, with minimal tourist traffic, allowing visitors to experience wildlife encounters in a peaceful, exclusive setting. Whether exploring its wide plains on a game drive, cruising quietly along Lake Burigi, or observing rare bird species in its wetlands, Burigi–Chato National Park offers a sense of discovery that is increasingly rare in modern safari tourism.

As Tanzania continues to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional routes, Burigi–Chato National Park stands out as a destination for adventurous travelers, conservation enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Location and Size

Burigi–Chato National Park lies within the Kagera and Geita regions, stretching from the shores of Lake Victoria toward the Rwanda border. Covering approximately 4,707 square kilometers, it is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania, making it a true stronghold for wildlife and natural ecosystems.

History of the Park

The park was officially gazetted in 2019, following the merger of several protected areas, including Burigi, Biharamulo, and Kimisi Game Reserves. Its creation aimed to strengthen conservation efforts while promoting tourism in Tanzania’s Western Circuit.

Landscape and Ecosystems

Burigi–Chato National Park is characterized by a remarkable diversity of landscapes, including:

• Open savannah plains

• Miombo woodlands

• Wetlands and swamps

• Rolling hills and rocky escarpments

• Freshwater lakes and rivers

One of its most prominent features is Lake Burigi, one of the largest inland lakes in Tanzania, which supports a wide variety of aquatic life and bird species.

Wildlife

The park is home to an impressive range of wildlife, thriving in its vast and lightly disturbed habitats. Species commonly found include:

• Elephants

• Buffaloes

• Giraffes

• Zebras

• Antelopes

Predators such as lions and leopards are present, while hippos and crocodiles inhabit the lakes and rivers. Burigi–Chato is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous water birds, raptors, and migratory species recorded in the park.

Activities

Visitors to Burigi–Chato National Park can enjoy a variety of safari activities, including:

• Game drives across expansive plains and woodlands

• Boat safaris on Lake Burigi

• Birdwatching excursions

• Guided walking safaris

• Cultural visits to nearby local communities

These activities offer an immersive experience in one of Tanzania’s least explored conservation areas.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (June to September) is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources and road conditions are favorable. The green season brings lush scenery and excellent birdlife, though some areas may be less accessible due to rain.

Getting There

Burigi–Chato National Park can be reached by:

• Road from towns such as Chato, Biharamulo, and Karagwe

• Air, via Chato Airport or charter flights to nearby airstrips

Why Visit Burigi–Chato National Park?

Burigi–Chato National Park is perfect for travelers looking for:

• Quiet, uncrowded safaris

• Vast wilderness landscapes

• Authentic wildlife encounters

• A unique alternative to Tanzania’s northern circuit parks

This emerging destination represents the future of sustainable tourism in Tanzania’s western region.