Overview
Burigi-Chato became a national park in 2022, joining three old game reserves into a 4,707 sq km protected area that stretches from Lake Victoria towards the Rwandan border, with lakes, long ridges, forested valleys and open grassland.
This six-day trip pairs Burigi-Chato with Rubondo Island, a forested national park in Lake Victoria known for walking safaris, chimpanzees and birdlife rather than typical savannah game. It is a very different experience from the busy northern circuit.
Contact us to book this safari.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
MWANZA TO BIHARAMULO
You leave Mwanza at 7 am with packed lunches and drive about 258 km on tarmac to Biharamulo (4-5 hours). The rest of the day is free to explore the town or relax at the lodge.
Overnight at Biharamulo Giraffe Lodge, all meals included.
LAKE BURIGI GAME DRIVE AND WALK
An early game drive takes you around the Lake Burigi area, rich in animals and birds. You spend the whole day in the park, including a short walking safari with an armed ranger for safety, and return to Biharamulo in the evening.
Overnight at Biharamulo Giraffe Lodge, all meals included.
LAKES NGOMA AND NYAMALEBE, THEN CHATO
A full day of game drives with packed lunches and an armed ranger, visiting Lake Ngoma and Lake Nyamalebe. You may see elephant, zebra, giraffe, hippo and eland, and leopard are sometimes spotted. In the afternoon you drive to Chato town, ready for the trip to Rubondo Island.
Overnight at Chato Beach Resort, all meals included.
BOAT TO RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
A short drive from Chato brings you to the Rubondo park gate for registration, followed by a boat trip across Lake Victoria to the island, looking out for water birds and primates along the shore.
Overnight at Rubondo Island Tented Camp, all meals included.
WALKING SAFARI ON RUBONDO ISLAND
A full day exploring Rubondo on foot with packed lunches, discovering the island's forests and shoreline and looking for its chimpanzees and other primates. You can also add a boat trip on Lake Victoria, where elephants are sometimes seen along the shore.
Overnight at Rubondo Island Tented Camp, all meals included.
RETURN TO MWANZA
After breakfast you return to the Rubondo gate, where your safari vehicle and driver are waiting to take you back to Mwanza.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Burigi-Chato National Park and ends in Burigi-Chato National Park.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.