Located in northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria, Burigi-Chato National Park is one of the country’s newest and most pristine protected areas. This vast park spans over 4,700 square kilometers, making it one of Tanzania’s largest national parks. It combines dramatic scenery, rare wildlife, and peaceful isolation — offering a truly unique experience for travelers seeking adventure far from the typical safari routes.
For visitors who crave authentic wilderness, Burigi-Chato National Park delivers a sense of serenity and discovery that few destinations can match. Rolling plains, shimmering lakes, wetlands, and miombo woodlands create a strikingly diverse ecosystem teeming with life.
Burigi-Chato National Park is home to an impressive variety of animals, making it a haven for both wildlife photographers and nature lovers. Elephants roam freely across open grasslands, while hippos and crocodiles thrive in the park’s many lakes and rivers. You may also spot zebras, roan antelopes, sitatungas, and even the elusive leopards that patrol the miombo forests.
The park’s wetlands and lakes attract over 300 species of birds, including shoebills, crowned cranes, and malachite kingfishers. For serious birders, Burigi-Chato offers exceptional opportunities to observe both migratory and endemic species in peaceful, uncrowded surroundings.
One of the defining features of Burigi-Chato National Park is its location within the Great Lakes biodiversity belt, a vital ecological corridor shared by Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. This interconnected region supports rich biodiversity and plays a crucial role in East Africa’s conservation network.
The park’s landscapes vary from wide grasslands to wooded savannahs and dense riverine forests. The presence of Lakes Burigi, Ngoma, and Kimisi adds to the region’s beauty — mirror-like waters surrounded by green hills, ideal for scenic photography and peaceful reflection.
To learn more about Tanzania’s conservation efforts, visit the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Morning and evening game drives provide excellent chances to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and countless antelope species. Because Burigi-Chato remains relatively undeveloped, safaris here feel wild, exclusive, and deeply authentic.
The park’s chain of lakes and rivers makes it perfect for boating excursions. A boat safari on Lake Burigi lets you glide past hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of aquatic birds. Fishing is also permitted in designated zones, allowing travelers to experience the park’s peaceful waters up close.
Guided walking safaris provide a more intimate encounter with nature. Experienced rangers lead visitors through forest trails, teaching them about animal behavior, bird calls, and local plant species. Photographers will find endless inspiration — from golden sunsets to the reflections of elephants drinking by the lakeshore.
(Add a Private Safari Extension to your itinerary to explore Burigi-Chato alongside other northern parks.)