Nestled in the heart of Tanzania, the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (Burunge WMA) serves as a crucial ecological bridge between two of the country’s renowned national parks—Tarangire to the west and Lake Manyara to the east. This unique position not only makes Burunge WMA a pivotal conservation site but also a spectacular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike.
Strategic Location and Ecological Importance
Burunge WMA boasts a strategic locale that encompasses the lush shores of Lake Burunge. This proximity to Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks supports diverse wildlife, especially during the green season in March and April. During these months, Burunge’s superior grass quality makes it a crucial grazing ground for animals like wildebeests, zebras, and elephants.
Activities at Lake Burunge Wildlife Management Area
The number of activities includes:
- Night Game Safaris: Burunge WMA allows night safari activity. Night game safaris offer a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal animals and their behaviors, rarely seen during the day. March and April are the best periods for night safari here.
- Wildlife Safaris: During daylight, Burunge WMA’s diverse ecosystems showcase elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes in their natural habitats. The best time for a wildlife safari is the month of November.
- Walking Safaris: For those who wish to connect more deeply with the environment, Burunge WMA is a great place for doing walking safaris. Walking safaris in Burunge WMA can be done throughout the year.
- Eco-Tourism to Nearby Villages: Engage with local communities through eco-tourism visits to nearby villages. These visits support local economies and provide a deeper understanding of the local people’s way of life and their traditional practices.
Getting There
Accessing Burunge WMA is straightforward—a mere two-hour drive from Arusha, a tarmacked road. The journey offers scenic views and the chance to begin wildlife spotting even before reaching the area.
Entry and Accommodation Fees to Burunge WMA
Burunge WMA promotes sustainable tourism with fee structures supporting conservation and benefiting local communities.
– Entry Fees: $10 per adult and $5 per child.
– Accommodation Fees: $15 per bed night for adults and children.
These fees ensure that visitors contribute directly to the preservation of the area and the well-being of the surrounding communities. The costs above excludes VAT.
Tarangire Baobab Camp:
Our camp is strategically located along the migration corridor to Lake Burunge, not within the Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Baobab Camp is perfectly positioned to offer guests the best wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season. The camp’s location allows visitors to observe wild animals as they pass by, heading toward Lake Burunge. During the dry season months of June to March, the camp is filled with a migratory of animals that move from Tarangire to Burunge WMA.