Burigi Chato National Park is a protected area located in the northwestern part of Tanzania, covering an area of about 2,200 square kilometers. The park was established in 1974 and is named after two of its most important landmarks, the Burigi and Chato hills. It is situated within the Lake Victoria Basin, and it borders the Serengeti National Park and the Mara River to the south and west, the Ibanda Game Reserve to the east, and the Kagera River to the north.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with over 400 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Some of the notable animal species found in Burigi Chato National Park include elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelopes. The park also has a variety of primate species, including baboons, colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
Burigi Chato National Park is an important conservation area due to its location within the Lake Victoria Basin, which is a crucial ecosystem for many species of animals and plants. The park also plays a vital role in the migration patterns of various animal species between Tanzania and Kenya, especially during the dry season. The park is managed by the Tanzanian government and is open to tourists for game drives, bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor activities. However, due to its remote location and relatively low number of visitors, the park remains a hidden gem for adventurous travelers looking to explore Tanzania’s wilderness.