Safari Activities to do in Burigi-Chato National Park : Burigi Game Reserve can be visited for a number of activities such as bird watching, game drives and nature walks to explore the exceptional attractions.
Game Drive: Exploring Burigi-Chato National Park on a game drive is an unforgettable experience. The most spectacular activity that makes you close to nature. During your game drive safari, you can spot diverse wildlife, including e Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Roan antelopes, Impala, Leopards, Zebra, Giraffes, Spotted hyaena, Sitatunga, Oribi, Topi, Reedbuck, Bushbucks, dik-dik and Waterbuck while enjoying stunning scenery.
Walking Safari: A walking safari in Burigi-Chato allows you to connect with nature intimately. The park offers both short and long walks up round hills, led by experienced guides, you trek through the park, enable you to see animals at the closer distance and make wildlife photographs of your choice. This immersive experience offers a chance to witness wildlife up close, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wilderness.
Bird Watching: Bird watching in Burigi-Chato National Park is a delight for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. With over 400 bird species, including endangered ones, the park offers excellent viewing opportunities. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll spot different bird species such as includes the rare bizarre shoebill stork, African fish eagles, Red necked francolin, Saddle bill stork, papyrus gonolek, white-browed coucal, cattle egret, village weavers, wattled crane, Senegal lapwing and wattled lapwing among others. With an aid of qualified guides one can conduct a birding safari and enjoy a variety of bird species present in the park.
Camping: Camping in Burigi-Chato provides a unique chance to immerse yourself in nature. Camping provides you with an opportunity to spend you night listening to beautiful bird songs coupled with sounds from nocturnal. With facilities available, you can enjoy campfires, storytelling, and the thrill of sleeping in the wild, creating lasting memories with family or friends.
Star Gazing: The clear skies of Burigi-Chato National Park make it an ideal location for stargazing. This activity is normally done in an open sky and provide a new wilderness experience.
Canoeing: Canoeing in the park’s rivers and lakes offers a tranquil way to experience its natural beauty. Paddle alongside hippos and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterway. You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy the views of different wildlife, water birds including Shoe Bill and Wattled Cranes and spectacular view of beautiful landscapes that make the park more attracting.
Guided Hiking: Guided hiking trips in Burigi-Chato allow you to explore hidden trails and learn about the ecosystem. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, encounter local wildlife, and discover the park’s flora. This active adventure combines fitness with the chance to experience the park’s natural wonders.
Fishing: Fishing in Burigi-Chato National Park provides a serene escape. Anglers can cast their lines in lakes or rivers and may catch species like tilapia. It’s a peaceful activity that allows you to appreciate the park’s tranquil beauty while enjoying the thrill of the catch, making for a perfect day outdoors
How to get to Burigi-Chato National Park
You can get to Burigi-Chato National Park by either by flying or driving.
If you’re using air transport means, you will start at Chato International Airport in the Chato district. From there, you’ll need to travel about 40km by road to reach to Kijuu gate which is one of the park’s entrances. So, plan your trip with us at Salt Holidays, we will organise for you flights and private charters can bring you into the park through Nkonje airstrip which is located at Nkonje tourist circuit. Other nearby airports/ airstrips include; Biharamulo airstrip and Bukoba airport.
The park is also accessible from neighboring countries of Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda through the Rusumo, Manyovu and Mutukula borders respectively. If you’re coming from the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi, its best to enter through the Nyungwe entry gate. For those visitors from Uganda, you have the option to enter through the Ruhita and Kijuu gates. If you’re travelling from other parts of Tanzania, but are far from the Kagera region, you can also use the Nyungwe and Kijuu gates where as those coming from Kagera region can use any of the three gates depending on the districts they come from.
