Burigi-Chato National Park

Why Burigi-Chato Is Tanzania’s Wild New Frontier

Burigi-Chato is one of Tanzania’s newest national parks, gazetted in 2019, and one of its largest at roughly 4,700 square kilometres. It sprawls across the far north-west in the Kagera region, west of Lake Victoria, a little-known mosaic of rolling savanna, acacia woodland, papyrus wetland, and the shores of Lake Burigi.

Once a neglected game reserve, the area is being reborn as a protected wilderness. It holds elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, topi, roan antelope, hippo, and the elusive sitatunga in its wetlands, along with rich birdlife on its lakes and marshes. Wildlife densities are still recovering, but the sense of space and discovery is extraordinary.

This is a frontier destination for adventurous travellers who want somewhere genuinely off the map. Infrastructure is minimal and developing, which is precisely its appeal. Burigi-Chato suits those exploring north-western Tanzania, the Lake Victoria zone, or combining a Serengeti safari with the cultural and historical sights of the Kagera region near the Rwanda and Uganda borders.

Wildlife Highlights

• One of Tanzania’s largest and most recently established parks
• Elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, topi, and roan antelope across open savanna
• Lake Burigi and papyrus wetlands with hippo and secretive sitatunga
• Excellent, little-watched birdlife on the lakes and marshes
• True frontier wilderness with almost no other visitors

How a Visit Works

Burigi-Chato is reached overland from Mwanza or via the regional airports at Bukoba or Mwanza, then by road into the park. Facilities are basic and still developing, so visits are best arranged as guided, well-prepared expeditions. It suits adventurous travellers exploring the Lake Victoria zone and the Kagera region rather than those seeking polished lodge comforts.

We spent two days exploring savanna and lakeshore without seeing another vehicle. Burigi-Chato is raw, new, and full of promise — a park to visit before the rest of the world catches on. — Guest review, TripAdvisor

Wildlife Highlights

• One of Tanzania's largest and most recently established parks
• Elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, topi, and roan antelope across open savanna
• Lake Burigi and papyrus wetlands with hippo and secretive sitatunga
• Excellent, little-watched birdlife on the lakes and marshes
• True frontier wilderness with almost no other visitors

Things to Do

• Guided exploration and wildlife viewing
• Photography-focused safari days
• Custom private itinerary planning