Burigi Chato National Park Tanzania – Safari, Wildlife & How to Visit
Burigi Chato National Park is one of the other marvel destinations to visit while in Tanzania. Additionally, Burigi Chato is not that so famous as other Tanzania national parks. Although, there is alot about it that makes it an excellent destination for wildlife safari tours in Tanzania.
While on your trip to Burigi Chato national park, there is a lot to discover and also learn about. So in this article, here are things to know before you experience this Tanzania park.
Where is Burigi Chato National Park located
Burigi Chato national park is situated northwest of Tanzania. In addition, this Tanzania park is the country’s newest and largest protected areas in the country. The park Covers 4,707 square kilometres, and it stretches from Lake Victoria in the east to the Rwandan border in the west. Hence, encompassing a diverse array of ecosystems, including freshwater lakes, savannas, wetlands, and forests.
History of Burigi Chato National Park
Burigi Chato National Park was established in the year 2019. So, it was named Burigi because of lake Burigi and Chato because its found in Chato district in Tanzania. This national park is famous due to the different Tanzania tourist attractions found within it.
Climate of Burigi Chato in Tanzania
Burigi Chato NP experiences a tropical climate in Tanzania. Also, this tropical climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. So, the wet seasons in Burigi Chato National Park occur from November to December and March to April. Alternatively, the dry seasons in Burigi Chato start from June to September.
How to Get To Burigi Chato National Park in Tanzania
There are strictly three ways on how to get to Burigi Chato national park Tanzania. You can get to Tanzania for a safari in Burigi Chato Park by air, road and water. Those that would opt for a visit at the national park, below is what to consider using;
- By Air: Chato has an international airport with flights connecting to major cities. Private charters can also land at airstrips near the Burigi Chato park like. Airstrip near Burigi Chato include
- Nkonje Ranger Post Airstrip
- Biharamulo Airstrip
- Chato Airport
- By Road: Burigi Chato National park Tanzania is accessible via roads from towns like Chato, Karagwe, and Biharamulo.
- By Water: Visitors can reach the park via Lake Victoria, followed by a short drive to the park’s entry points.
Burigi-Chato National Park Map
Entry Gates to Burigi Chato National Park
Here are some of the access gates to the Burigi Chato in Tanzania. While on your safari trip to Burigi Chato, below are the gates to use on your way to this Tanzania park.
- Nkonje Ranger Post: Located near Lake Burigi, this is a primary entry point for visitors.
- Biharamulo and Chato: These towns serve as gateways to Burigi Chato National Park. Additionally, they have road and air connections available hence making accessibility to this park easy.
Worst/Best Time to Visit Burigi Chato National Park
Here is what to keep note of about the worst and best time to visit Tanzania for a safari in Burigi Chato national park. So, keep track of the seasons most especially when you are planning your safari to Burigi Chato Park.
Best Time:
So, the dry periods run from June to October and January to March, hence the best time to visit Burigi Chato National park. During those months of June to October and January to March, you get a chance to marvel at numerous wildlife as they congregate around water sources, enhancing viewing opportunities.
Worst Time:
Burigi Chato National Park experiences two main rainy seasons in Tanzania. These rainy seasons run from the months of November-December and March-April. The wet seasons make some areas inaccessible due to rainfall, and wildlife may be more dispersed. Additionally, those months of rain are regarded as the worst time to visit Burigi Chato National Park in Tanzania.
Wildlife & Birdlife in Burigi Chato National Park
Burigi-Chato national park is home to a wide range of wildlife. So, visitors on a Tanzania wildlife safari have all these to witness while at the park. In addition, this is one of the major reasons as to why this Tanzania national park is currently very famous amongst most tourists to Africa. Some of the wildlife in Burigi Chato national park include;
- Mammals:
- This park has various mammals in Tanzania. Visitors to Burigi Chato can spot the Tanzania big 5 like elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards. Also other mammals giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species such as eland and oribi are found in Burigi Chato. Hence, ranking this park a great wildlife spot to visit while in Tanzania.
- Birdlife:
- there are various Tanzania birding species which ranks the Burigi-Chato National Park a haven for bird enthusiasts. So, Burigi Chato features bird species like the African Fish Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork, Shoebill, and Grey Crowned Crane making a birders paradise.
Tourist Attractions in Burigi Chato National Park
Burigi-Chato National Park is a home to various tourist attractions in Tanzania. Also, these have gained it fame and this leads numerous visitors to come for a wildlife safari in the park. These people come to see these things in Tanzania and marvel at these attractions. Below are some of the top tourist attractions found in Burigi Chato National Park Tanzania.
- Lake Burigi: This on of the most famous attraction in the national park. As the third-largest lake in Tanzania, Lake Burigi is central to the park’s top tourist attractions. Also, lake Burigi is known to have numerous islands, inlets, and bays. So, these provide scenic beauty and are habitats for various wildlife species in Tanzania’s Burigi Chato National Park.
- Diverse Ecosystems: The varied landscapes of Burigi Chato National Park, including swamps, floodplains, and wooded savannahs, support a rich biodiversity. Additionaly, they offer visitors a chance to experience different habitats within one park in Tanzania.
- Cultural Encounters: The proximity to local communities to burigi Chato allows visitors to engage with the indigenous cultures. So, they learn about traditional lifestyles and customs of these people. Hence, getting to have a better insight of the locals and the history of Burigi Chato at length.
Things to Do in Burigi Chato
Burigi Chato has a lot to offer to all those that visit its premise. So, there are various Tanzania things to do in Burigi Chato and include the following;
- Game Drives: Visitors can get to engage in game drives while at Burigi Chato as they explore the itsvast terrains. Also, observe wildlife in their natural habitats during morning or evening game drives in Burigi.
- Boat Safaris: Visitors navigate the waters of Lake Burigi for unique perspectives on the park’s landscapes and wildlife. So, these boat safaris in Tanzania are very thrilling to engage in while at Burigi Chato National Park.
- Walking Safaris: Sightseers can also get to have guided treks which offer an immersive experience among the Burigi Chato things to do in Tanzania. So, this allows visitors to connect with nature on a deeper level all this adds to the beauty of the park.
- Birdwatching tours in Burigi Chato: As earlier mentioned, the park is home to various bird species and to all those that are bird lovers. Also, its diverse habitats provides opportunities to spot a wide array of bird species.
- Cultural Tours in Burigi Chato: Visitors can as well get to interact with local communities to learn about their traditions and way of life from the near by villages. Therefore, this permits them with more insight about their way of life and the parks history as well.
Accommodations in Burigi Chato
When it comes to accomodations, Burigi-Chato national park is still developing its infrastructure. Though, for those that may wish to have a visit at the park, you can find accommodations in nearby towns such as Chato and Biharamulo. Accommodations in Towns near Burigi Chato National Park have different price ranges and these range from budget, midrange to luxury.
Accommodation options in Burigi Chato range from basic campsites to more comfortable lodgings at the national park. So, note that its best book for your budget, midrange or luxury accommodations in Burigi Chato earlier most especially during the high seasons.
- Nkonje Rangers Post: This offers bandas and a tented camp in Tanzania hence providing basic amenities for visitors.
- Accomodations in Nearby Towns: Establishments like GSS Hotel in Kayanga offer en-suite rooms with hot showers, suitable for those preferring accommodations outside the park
Costs for Safari Activities in Burigi Chato National Park
As of the 2025–2026 period, the Park entrance fees for Burigi Chato are as follows. Also, it should be noted that these entrance fees prices for a safari in Burigi Chato are not constant. So, vary and can change at any given time of the year depending on the seasons;
- East African Residents: 5,000 TZS for adults (16+ years), 2,000 TZS for children (5–15 years).
- Non-East African Visitors: $30 USD for adults, $10 USD for children.
- Expatriates/Residents: $15 USD for adults, $5 USD for children.
Top Selling Burigi Chato safari Packages (Itineraries)
Tanzania National Parks Tour Company offers affordable luxury safari Packages for Burigi Chato in Tanzania. Customise your dream Africa safari trip to Burigi Chato National Park with the experts for the best experience. Ensure to book early in order not to miss out on the fun during the peak season for Burigi Chato National Park.
