Exploring the beauty of Bugiri-Chato National Park: Burigi-Chato National Park is located in the southwestern part of Tanzania covering districts like Karagwe, Biharamulo and Muleba of Kagera Region and Chato of Geita Region. The national park was gazetted as a National Park in 2019 and it covers an area of approximately 4,707 sq. km making it the 4th largest National Park in Tanzania. Stretching from Lake Victoria in the East to the Rwandan boundary in the West Burigi Chato is an enormous piece of the wild country encompassing freshwater lakes, long hills, rocky crags along escarpments, deeply set valleys lined with forest, open plains, swamps, rivers, flood plains and hundreds of square kilometers of medium and tall grass wooded savanna – mostly Combretum and Terminalia known as Miombo. The national park is home to the 3rd largest lake in the country known as lake Burigi. The park encompasses other amazing features such as long hills, rocky crags along escarpments, deeply set valleys lined with forest, open plains, swamps, rivers, flood plains, and deep valleys, some of which are swampy and are home to the rare sitatunga antelope, and possibly also the even rarer shoebill stork.
Attractions in Bugiri-Chato National Park
Wildlife
The wildlife of Burigi-Chato National Park is a captivating blend of species that reflects the rich biodiversity of the region. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife species such as Elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, eland, leopards, cheetah, hyenas, lions’ warthog, roan, Topi, impala, sable, crocodiles and hippos, fish, pythons and many other smaller species such as insects, are among the numerous wildlife species that are becoming more numerous throughout the park. Oribi is also typically encountered. conservation efforts are crucial in preserving this rich wildlife, making Burigi-Chato National Park a vital home for biodiversity and a popular destination for antelopes’ species.
Birds
Burigi-Chato National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting a remarkable diversity of bird species. The varied habitats, from wetlands to woodlands allow for the flourishing of both residents and migratory birds. Such bird to be looked at include fish eagles, papyrus gonolek, bizarre shoebill stork, Martial eagle, Sacred ibis, billed stork, Arabian bird, the hawk, the eagle, the kanga, ducks, fish eagles, papyrus jailed, and bizarre shoebill stork, and many other species.
Natural vegetation
The natural vegetation of the Burigi-Chato National Park is a vibrant mosaic of tropical forest, wooded savannah (Miombo), and grasslands these are classified as Zanthoxylum usambarense, Gardenia ternifolia, Faidherbia albida, Harrisonia abyssinica, Anona senegalensis, and Pappea capensis are six other rare plant species found at the Burigi-Chato. Also, there are various species of flowers with attractive colors decorating the vegetation of those forests. Other attractions related to natural vegetation include open plains, long hills, rocks, escarpments, flood plains, and deep-set valleys
Amazing things to do in Burigi-Chato National Park
Game drives
Burigi-Chato National Park is home to a range of wildlife including as Elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, eland, leopards, cheetah, hyenas, lions’ warthog, roan, Topi, impala, sable, crocodiles and hippos, fish, pythons and many and numerous bird species. Game drives in the park is the perfect way to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures and witness them in their natural habitat.
Boat safari
The national park is situated along the western shore of Lake Victoria, one of African largest lakes. Taking a boat safaris allows visitors to explore the lake shoreline, spot aquatic animals such as crocodiles and hippos and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Bird watching
Burigi-Chato National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 300 species of birds calling the park home. During your bird-watching safari, you will have the chance to spot different colorful birds such as Saddles, Martial eagle, Sacred ibis, billed stork, Arabian birds, the hawk, the eagle, kanga, ducks, fish eagles, papyrus jailed, bizarre shoebill stork, and many other species.
Cultural experience
The national park is also home to several local communities that have preserved their traditional way of life for generations. Visitors can engage in cultural activities such as visiting a local village, participating in traditional dances and learning about the customs and traditions of the local people.
Honeymoon safaris
The park is one of the great destinations in Tanzania offering Honeymoon safaris to its visitors. Honeymoon safaris in Bugiri-Chatu National Park create unforgettable romantic experiences set against a stunning backdrop. Couples can indulge in private game drives, enjoying intimate wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscape.
Hiking and nature walks
The park offers several hiking trials that allow visitors to explore diverse landscapes, including dense forest, rolling hills, and open savannas. Hiking and nature walks offer a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park and get a closer look at its flora and fauna
Camping
For those looking to truly experience the wilderness of Burigi-Chato National Park, camping is a popular option. Several campsites are available within the park, offering visitors the chance to spend the night under the star and listen to the sounds of the African bush.
Photography
With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture, Burigi-Chato National Park is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re capturing the sunrise over Lake Victoria, the majesty of an elephant grazing in the savanna or the colorful traditional attire of the local people, there are endless opportunities for stunning shots in this beautiful national park.
Best time to visit Burigi-Chato National Park
The best time to visit Burigi-Chato National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this time, the park experiences less rainfall, making it easier to navigate the trails and spot wildlife. Visiting the park during the dry season also provides a higher chance of seeing a wide range of animals, as they are more likely to gather around the water sources, making them easier to spot. This is especially true for large mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes as well as predators like lions and leopards. Additionally, the cooler temperatures during the dry season make for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors. The lush green vegetation and blooming flowers also add to the park’s beauty during this time.
Accommodation facilities in Burigi-Chato National Park
In Bugiri-Chatu National Park there is a wide range of accommodation establishments that are lodges and camps offering accommodation to travelers visiting the park for a Tanzania safari, accommodation establishments in Bugiri-Chatu National Park are of various statuses that are luxury, midrange and budget. These accommodation facilities include Happy Wallet Garden Hotel, Gilgali Guest House, Gilgal Highway Center, Chato Beach Resort, Fios Hotel, Nalphin Hotel, and Annex Smart Hotel among others
Getting to Bugiri-Chato National Park
To get to the national park you can take a flight to Mwanza or Kagera region (Bukoba) to Chato airport. From there you can take a cab drive to Burigi National Park which will take us like 5 hours drive to the park. Reaching the place is relatively easily and various public and private transports are easily available
