Kagera Region
Burigi-Chato National Park
Tanzania's fourth-largest national park — a vast northwest wilderness of savanna, forest valleys, and Lake Burigi's shores, home to the elusive shoebill stork and sitatunga antelope.
Best for
How to get there
Fly to Mwanza or Bukoba, then road transfer to the park (~2–3 hours)
Average trip length
2–4 days
Overview
Tanzania's fourth-largest national park (4,707 km²) stretches across northwest savanna, forest valleys, and the shores of Lake Burigi — the country's third-largest lake. Wildlife highlights include elephant, giraffe, sitatunga antelope, and the elusive shoebill stork.
First time visiting here?
Learn what to expect, what to carry, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to get there
- 1Fly to Mwanza or Bukoba, then road transfer to the park (~2–3 hours)
- 2Drive from Bukoba town (~80 km to the western park boundary)
- 3Road from Mwanza to Chato town, which serves as the main park gateway
- 44WD essential — roads inside the park are unpaved and seasonally challenging
Top activities
Best time to visit
June – October
The dry season brings wildlife to water sources and makes park tracks navigable. The wet season (November–May) turns roads impassable in places but the park is lush and birdlife is exceptional.
Operators for Burigi-Chato National Park
No operators listed for Burigi-Chato National Park yet.
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See how to get there, how much it costs, and how to plan it step by step.
Approximate costs
Budget
Budget camping safari from $100–$150/person/day
Mid-range
Lodge-based safari $200–$400/person/day
Premium
Very limited luxury options — this is an emerging destination
Frequently asked questions
What makes Burigi-Chato special?
It is one of Tanzania's least-visited parks, offering a genuine wilderness experience without the crowds of the northern circuit. The shoebill stork — one of Africa's most sought-after birds — is a rare highlight.
Can I see the shoebill stork here?
Yes — the papyrus swamps of Lake Burigi are among the best places in East Africa to spot this prehistoric-looking bird. A local guide and boat are essential for the best sightings.
Location
Travel tips
- Burigi-Chato is one of Tanzania's newest parks (est. 2019) — tourism infrastructure is still developing
- The shoebill stork is the star attraction; boat trips on papyrus swamps around Lake Burigi give the best sightings
- Combine with a visit to Rubondo Island National Park nearby on Lake Victoria
- Book through an established operator — independent navigation is difficult without local knowledge
- The park borders Rwanda, so combine with a cross-border gorilla trekking trip