Why Visit Burigi Chato National Park
Why Visit Burigi Chato National Park, Encounter an indelible experience in Burigi Chato National Park: A majority of travelers visiting Tanzania choose the Northern Circuit attractions, including the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, the enigmatic Serengeti National Park, and additional sites such as Mount Meru. Nevertheless, there remains much to investigate in other Zones, particularly the Lake Zone and Southern Highlands Zone. The Lake Zones, referred to as “Kanda ya Ziwa” in Swahili, encompass several natural attractions, including Lake Victoria and the remarkable Burigi Chato National Park. Tanzania possesses numerous picturesque locations and attractions throughout its territory. One such blessing is the Burigi Chato National Park, which provides a picturesque perspective of Lake Victoria.
Burigi Chato National Park is situated in the Kagera and Geita areas. The Kagera region encompasses the districts of Muleba, Ngara, and Biharamulo, whereas the Geita region includes only the Chato district. Accessing Burigi Chato National Park is facilitated by multiple transportation alternatives, including airstrips and roadways. If your initial arrival in Tanzania is at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you must proceed to either Mwanza Airport or Chato International Airport. From these airports, you can travel to your preferred location in Burigi Chato National Park. From Dar es Salaam, one can purchase an airline ticket to either Bukoba Airport or Chato International Airport. Alternative means to access this area include driving from the Serengeti, particularly if you choose to have a combined safari between the two parks. Encounter an indelible experience in Burigi Chato National Park.
Why Visit Burigi Chato National Park, Burigi Chato is a recently constructed national park in Tanzania. Founded on July 9, 2019, by the late President of Tanzania, His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli, Burigi Chato is one of the few remarkable national parks featuring pristine landscapes that support diverse flora and fauna species. It is renowned for housing the world’s largest antelope, the emblematic Cape eland. This magnificent creature is frequently observed by several tourists in the little islands of the Burigi Chato lakes. Burigi Chato National Park encompasses around 4,707 square kilometers, ranking it as the fourth largest national park in Tanzania, following Nyerere, Ruaha, and Serengeti National Parks, which occupy the first, second, and third positions in size, respectively. This striking park extends from the eastern border of Lake Victoria to the western boundary with Rwanda. The optimal period to visit Burigi Chato National Park for wildlife observation is from June to September, while birdwatchers should plan their visit between March and May, as well as November and December. Encounter an indelible experience in Burigi Chato National Park.
Why Visit Burigi Chato National Park, Burigi Chato National Park is endowed with numerous features that leave many people astounded upon encountering them. Here are many of these attractions summarized:
Pristine grasslands. The majority of the terrain in Burigi Chato National Park consists of wide grasslands that accommodate a diverse array of wildlife, including herbivores like as buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes, as well as carnivores like lions, the apex predators of the African Savannah. The savannah grasslands of this park are sparsely populated with trees, particularly acacia woods. This vegetation is advantageous for wildlife observation due to the less obstruction from large, towering trees.
The lakes situated in Burigi Chato National Park. The natural water bodies encompass the renowned Lake Victoria and the enigmatic Lake Burigi. A visit to this park will enhance your understanding of the world’s largest tropical lake and the largest lake in the African Great Lakes region, which feeds the longest river, the Nile. Lake Victoria hosts a diverse array of freshwater fish species, including ratfish and catfish. Lake Burigi is the second-largest lake in Tanzania. This lake contains various islands and beaches that you may explore at your convenience, and you might be fortunate enough to observe uncommon animals such as the Sitatunga antelope and the shoebill stork. In addition to the two lakes, Burigi Chato National Park is bordered by the formidable Kagera River, the largest river in the Lake Zone. This location offers a historical remembrance of the Kagera War that occurred in the 1970s.
More than 28 distinct avian species. This park is home to several unusual bird species that astonish birdwatchers when observed. They possess both beauty and intelligence. What is the rationale behind genius? Due of their ability to vocalize amorous melodies, particularly during the breeding season. Included among these avian species are the white-browed coucal, cattle egrets, saddle-billed stork, red-necked francolin, African fish eagle, Senegal lapwing, wattled cranes, wattled lapwings, shoebill storks, village weaver, and numerous others. These striking birds will transform you into an avid birder, even if you never aspired to be one.
Acquire further knowledge regarding the distinctive animal species inhabiting Burigi Chato National Park. First, the Sitatunga antelope. This semi-aquatic antelope is typically seen in the marshy lakes of Burigi Chato National Park. While Sitatunga inhabit various parks around the nation and continent, Burigi Chato National Park is a reliable location for frequent sightings. This unusual antelope is well adapted to the watery habitat due to its elongated, spread hooves and flexible foot joints, facilitating movement on muddy terrain.
Why Visit Burigi Chato National Park, Secondly, the Balaeniceps rex. This carnivorous avian species acquires its sustenance through predation. It is well-suited for predation due to its bill, which can grasp substantial prey. Its preferred prey consists of snakes, lungfish, and eels. In Burigi Chato National Park, the shoebill can be observed in the swampy regions, particularly around the park’s lakes. They are highly suited to this type of habitat. For example, their elongated legs and broad feet facilitate walking in muddy conditions. They are delightful to observe since they produce pleasant sounds in their nests. Their distinctive and exceptional hunting technique, termed “collapsing” (falling forward upon their victim), is highly stunning. Other remarkably rare avian species you may encounter include fish eagles and papyrus gonoleks.
Finally, the Giant Eland antelope. The eland, resembling a cow, located in Burigi Chato National Park, is the largest antelope globally. This horned creature resides in the broad grasslands, savannahs, and forests prevalent in Burigi Chato National Park. This antelope species is exceedingly rare in most parks; thus, encounter an exceptional experience in Burigi Chato National Park.
Encounter the Big Five species. Indeed, you will encounter four animals that constitute the Big Five Animal group. These include Cape buffaloes, the African elephant, the largest terrestrial animal, leopards, and lions, the sovereign of the African savannah. You will not encounter the black rhinoceros, the most endangered species globally. If you are interested in this historical mammal, consider organizing a combined safari from Burigi Chato National Park to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where sightings are assured. Additional wildlife observable in Burigi Chato National Park comprises giraffes, hyenas, elands, impalas, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, warthogs, among others.
Things to do When you Visit Burigi Chato National Park
There are numerous compelling reasons to visit Burigi Chato National Park. Now, let us examine the activities available at this park. This park permits several activities, including the following:
Canoeing. Burigi Chato National Park is encircled by several significant water bodies, including Lake Burigi, Lake Victoria, and the Kagera River. Canoeing is permitted on Lake Burigi. This lake is home to several aquatic species, including fish and amphibians. Most tour operators provide spot fishing for those interested in learning more about the activity. Certain tour operators will facilitate interactions with local fishermen for enhanced learning opportunities.
Safari excursion. Burigi Chato National Park comprises flat, wide meadows and grasslands accessible by vehicles. This park offers two game drives: one in the morning and another in the afternoon. In the game, you will appreciate observing the aesthetically pleasing creatures, such as buffaloes in vast herds and elephants; with fortune, you may witness the predation of astute carnivores like leopards and cheetahs. Lions are typically observed in short grass, often in small groups.
Camping. Burigi Chato National Park, being a recently founded park, has a limited number of permanent lodges and motels. Conversely, there exist various campsites that are ideal for you and your companions. These campsites provide contemporary amenities intended to ensure your comfort and enhance your experience at Burigi Chato National Park. They are located in desirable and picturesque areas.
Photography expedition. This is a unique excursion provided by Burigi Chato National Park for people interested in cinematography and photography. Request your tour guide to direct you to the remarkable sites within the park.
Your vacation to Burigi Chato National Park would be an unparalleled tourism experience if you explore this magnificent park. You will investigate numerous subjects beyond what you have read or heard. Reputable tour operators provide VIP services, allowing you to experience the African wilderness. Best of luck