Burigi Chato National Park
The history of Burigi Chato National Park dates to the 1970s, when it was designated as a National Game Reserve. The park, encompassing about 2,200 square kilometers, currently ranks fourth in size among Tanzania’s national parks, following Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Serengeti National Park. This exquisite park is encircled by the scenic splendor of the African Savannah’s grasslands, lakes, and rivers, providing a visual delight for tourists. This location is essential for Tanzania Wildlife Safari Tours because to its abundant and diverse wildlife, encompassing carnivores, herbivores, and rare avian species.
A distinctive feature of the wildlife in Burigi-Chato National Park is the presence of the Cape eland, one of the largest antelopes globally, inhabiting the typical grasslands of the African Savannah. Burigi-Chato National Park encompasses the rangeland area north of the Katungo River, Lake Mburo National Park, as well as the ecosystems of Rwanda, including Akagera National Park, and Uganda’s Kikati Game Reserve. This National Park’s location amidst the scenic beauty of lakes and riverfront would captivate any tourist.
Location of Burigi Chato National Park The National Park is situated at the boundary of Lake Victoria and Rwanda, encircled by the picturesque waters of the Kagera River and Lake Burigi. The site is perpetually bustling, and tourists are keen to witness its stunning beauty.
Attractions in Burigi Game Reserve.
Burigi Game Reserve harbors a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, elephants, sitatungas, impalas, lions, roan antelopes, elands, oribis, Defassa waterbucks, sable antelopes, and bushbucks, as well as over 28 avian species such as the saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, Senegal lapwing, shoebill stork, wattled lapwing, wattled crane, village weaver, red-necked francolin, cattle egret, and white-browed coucal, among others. An exceptional feature of this region is the migratory route connecting Moyo-Wesi and Burigi Game Reserves, particularly utilized by elephants.
Burigi Game Reserve offers many activities, including bird watching, game drives, and nature walks, to discover the remarkable attractions within the region.
Illegal activities, including hunting, poaching, and invasive fishing practices within the Protected Area, have adversely impacted wildlife populations, particularly elephants. Furthermore, a significant portion of the Lakeshore remains unprotected by the Game Reserve, potentially jeopardizing the breeding of aquatic bird species, notably the shoebill storks.
The wildlife and avifauna of Burigi Chato National Park encompass a diverse array of species, including hippopotamuses, elephants, sitatungas, impalas, lions, roan antelopes, elands, oribis, Defassa waterbucks, sable antelopes, and numerous others. Additionally, notable bird species include the saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, Senegal lapwing, shoebill stork, wattled lapwing, wattled crane, village weaver, and red-necked francolin, all of which merit exploration during safaris in Tanzania.
Activities conducted in Burigi-Chato National Park.
Bird watching
Burigi-Chato National Park is home to a diverse array of vibrant bird species, including the Saddle-billed Stork, African Fish Eagle, Senegal Lapwing, Shoebill Stork, Wattled Lapwing, Wattled Crane, Village Weaver, Red-necked Francolin, Cattle Egret, and White-browed Coucal, among others. Bird enthusiasts visiting the park can observe some of the most remarkable avian species on the planet.
Game Drive
The park harbors a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, elephants, sitatungas, impalas, lions, roan antelopes, elands, oribis, sable antelopes, and numerous others, allowing tourists to observe these species up close, thereby creating indelible memories. The guests typically appreciate observing the Sitatunga antelope, a unique species.
Canoeing.
Visitors to Burigi-Chato National Park partake in canoeing on Lake Burigi, which provides tranquility and alleviates stress while they relish the lake’s waters.
Fishing
The park offers fishing opportunities, allowing people to engage in the pastime and enjoy their vacation by catching various fish species from the lakes.
Boat Cruise
These are self-propelled, floating vessels in Lake Burigi and other adjacent small lakes, where guests appreciate the natural beauty of the water while observing various animal and bird species on boat trips. Burigi Chato National Park Boat excursions Nature hikes. While on your safari in Burigi-Chato National Park, you are permitted to engage in foot-based nature walks throughout most areas of the park. This opportunity is remarkable as it allows for close encounters with various animal species, including elephants, hyenas, impalas, lions, and hippos. Given that some of these animals are endangered, a guide is always provided to assist you during your exploration of the park.
Camping.
The park features dependable and optimal camping areas, categorized into public and special campsites. Guests consistently appreciate camping with family and friends in the reserve, immersing themselves in the park’s environment, relishing the nighttime campfire, and the sounds of diverse animal and bird species at dawn.
When is the best time to Burigi-Chato National Park?
The park is accessible year-round for tourists; however, the dry season from June to September is optimal for game viewing, while the wet months of March to May and November to December are best for birdwatching.
Accommodation options at Burigi-Chato National Park.
The park offers a variety of accommodation options, including cheap, mid-range, and luxury establishments such as Happy Wallet Gardens Hotel, Gilgali Guest House, and GilGal Highway Center, among others. The park features both public campsites and specialized campsites that offer accommodations for guests.