Best Travel Destinations to explore on a Burundi Tour
Rusizi National Park
Rusizi National Park, also known as Parc National de la Rusizi, is one of the most visited game parks on a Burundi tour. The park is located in the Rusizi plains along the river Rusizi.
Rusizi NP is 15km from Bujumbura city, the former capital of Burundi. It can be traversed by taking a boat safari on the River Rusizi, hiking, and a safari drive in a 4X4 customized safari vehicle.
Amazing Things to See in Rusizi National Park
Among the amazing things to see in Rusizi NR when on a Burundi trip include
- Diverse animal species like sitatungas and crocodiles
- Over 200 bird species, which include Cisticola, Baglafecht weaver, Sharpe’s pied babbler, Angola weaver, and yellow-browed citril
- Rusizi River and other water streams
- Papyrus beds
Interesting Things to Do in Rusizi NP
- Sport fishing on Rusizi River with the help of tour guides and experienced local fishermen
- Guided boat cruise on Rusizi River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and other attractions
- Bird watching for species like flamingos on the Rusizi River
- Guided nature walks to traverse the park’s jungle and wetlands
- Local community tours to learn about the way of life of people living near the park
Where To Stay Near Rusizi National Park
Among the best lodging options to stay at on a Burundi holiday in Rusizi NR include Hello Vacancies, Urban Lodge, among others. These sites have rooms catering to single travelers, a family, or those traveling as a group of friends.
Ruvubu National Park
Ruvubu is another travel destination that must be traversed on a holiday in Burundi. It is the largest game park in Burundi, covering an area of 508 km². This tourist spot is in the northeastern part of Burundi.
Ruvubu National Park consists of savanna woodlands and swampy vegetation, which are home to diverse animal species worth seeing on Burundi wildlife tours. The park is known for being home to numerous migratory birds worth seeing on a Burundi birding excursion, especially during the wet season.
Fascinating Things to See in Ruvubu National Park
- Avian species including Tambourine Dove, Purple-crested Turaco, Freckled Nightjar, Ross’s Turaco, Black-backed Puffback, Green-capped Eremomela, and Trilling Cisticola, among others
- Other wild animals, including lions, leopards, antelopes, and Primate species, including olive baboons, among others
- Fish species, including tilapia, catfish, and tiger fish
- River Ruvubu
Fun Things to Do at Ruvubu National Park
The following are some of the things to do in Ruvubu NR when on a Burundi tour.
. Game viewing opportunities include observing animals such as hippos, East African bush elephants, antelopes, spotted hyenas, and buffalo in their natural habitats.
- Hiking safaris through Ruvubu National Park. The park is a hiker’s paradise with hiking trails that enable you to see the different tree species, rivers like the Ruvubu River, and hills.
- Birding to see the most elusive and stunning species like the great blue turaco, Black-backed Puffback, Green-capped Eremomela, and Trilling Cisticola, among others.
- Boat excursions, which offer a great opportunity to discover the aquatic species, the Nile crocodiles, hippos, and others.
- Camping tours are available in the designated camping areas of the game park.
- Swimming in the Ruvubu River waters
Best Accommodation Options Near Ruvubu NP
Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Inzozi Eco Camp, Volcano View, Campanail New Guest House, Guest House Shawala, and Benito Guest House, among others.
A trip to Ruvubu NP is one of the most interesting due to the availability of many attractions it offers. Book now.
Kibira National Park
Kibira National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, who often tour it when on their Burundi vacation. The park was established in 1980, covering an area of 400 km² in the northwestern region of Burundi.
It lies along the Congo Nile divide, extending from the provinces of Mutamvya to the border of Rwanda near Nyungwe NP.
It is known for a large, dense rainforest (Kibira Forest) that covers over 40,000 hectares. Its unique flora and fauna is worth seeing during a wildlife tour in Burundi.
Amazing Things to See in Kibira National Park
- Over 200 bird species, including the grey parrots, among others
- Primates, including baboons and black and white colobus monkeys.
- Different tree species, including those that have stayed for over 100 years. Some of these are Parinari excelsa, Entandrophragma excelsum, and Polyscias fulva, among others.
- Several stunning waterfalls, including Chutes de la Kagera, the highest waterfall in Burundi
- The Congo Nile divide, since many rivers are flowing west as tributaries of the Congo River
Fun Things to Do in Kibira National Park
- Bird watching to see some of the most sought-after; these include the great blue turaco, the yellow-whiskered greenbul, the black-and-white casqued hornbill, and the endemic Kibira akalat.
- Hiking where tourists hike through the jungle, which can be done on trails that range from easy to difficult.
- A trip to crater lakes, which include Lake Cohoha, Lake Rwihinda, and Lake Nyabihara.
- Monkey tracking for species like the black colobus
- Scientific research that is conducted on the many plant species
Hotels And Lodges Near Kibira National Park
Casa Gorilla Lodge Campsite, Home Haven, etc. These are equipped with the best facilities to let you have the best holiday experience.
On your Burundi trip, do not miss going to Kibira NP for an unforgettable safari experience.
Bururi Forest National Reserve
Bururi Forest NR is a natural forest located in south western part of Burundi, covering an area of 33 km². It was established in 1951 and is now under the management of the Institut National pour l’Environnement et la Conservation de la Nature.
It is situated 125 km from Bujumbura city, and traveling from Bujumbura to the reserve takes about 2 hours when using a customized 4X4 safari vehicle.
Interesting Things to See in The Bururi NR
Unique tree species, including Manil (Symphonia globulifera), wild banana trees (Ensete ventricosum), dragon trees, and other tree species.
Over 117 bird species, with some endemic and others migratory. Endemic species include the Livingstone touracos and the brown-breasted barbet. These and many others make this reserve when on a Burundi birding safari.
Rare wildlife species, including the elusive African leopard, snakes, and others
Fun Things to Do in The Bururi NR
- Bird watching to see species like Dusky Turtle-dove, Montane nightjar, Ruwenzori batis-batis, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, among others.
- Nature walks to see and study the different tree species that form the dense forest.
- Wildlife viewing to see carnivores and some primates, like baboons, among others, in their natural habitats.
- Photography
- Guided Community tours that immerse tourists in the Burundian culture
Best Accommodation Options in The Bururi Forest NR
The best places to stay include Kangaroo Hotel Bujumbura, among others.
Other reserves to visit in Burundi for wildlife encounters
These include
- Kigwena Natural Reserve,
- Lake Rwihinda NR (Lac aux Oiseaux)
- Rumonge Nature Reserve,
- Vyanda Forest Nature Reserve.
A safari to these nature reserves will give you lasting memories, given the many attractions and things to do there.
Mount Heha—The Highest in The Burundi Highlands Mountain Range
Among the many mountains that Burundi boasts, Mount Heha is the highest, which makes it a must-visit on a Burundi hiking tour. Mount Heha is located in the Bujumbura rural provinces, which are just 30 km south east of Bujumbura city.
Mount Heha stands at a height of 2684 meters (8806 ft), which makes it a challenge for mountain climbers desiring to climb to the summit.
Amazing Things to See at The Mountain Heha
- Birds, including Moorland Francolin, Alpine Chat, and Jackson’s Francolin, among others
- Challenging hiking trails
- The dense forest that is across the river
Fun Things to Do at The Mountain Heha
- Hiking Mount Heha
- Photography, whereby travelers capture the epic landscape, plants, and animals
- Birding tours to see various species, like the moorland francolin, among others.
- Wildlife spotting, like the colobus monkeys
- Cultural encounters during community tours to villages surrounding the mountain
Hotels And Lodges Near Mount Heha
The hotels and lodges near Mount Heha range from budget, mid range, to luxury. These offer a good overnight when on a Burundi tour. These include Coccinelle Apartments, Yellow Haven lodge, Hyena Hill Lodge, and Samuel’s Hope, among others.
Other Highlands in Burundi to Explore on Burundi Tours Include
- Mount Teza (2666m)
- Mount Camabari (2617m)
- Mount Mugongo (2650m)
- Mount Taba (2353m)
- Mount Ngoma (2580m)
- Mount Runyonyi (2288m)
- Mount Twinyoni (2659m)
- Mount Karavyi (2570m)
Lake Tanganyika In Burundi
Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa and the second deepest lake in the world after lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. It is one of the top travel destinations that you must go to when it comes to a safari in Burundi.
The lake has an impressive depth of approximately 1,470 meters (4,823 feet), a width of 50 km, and a total length of 673 km.
The lake lies on the borders of Tanzania, the democratic republic of Congo, Zambia, and Burundi.
Tourist Attractions at Lake Tanganyika
Stunning beaches, like Saga Beach.
- Fish species like the Sangala Pamba
- The crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding hills
- Traditional villages at the shoreline
- Relaxation at the beaches along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, like Saga Beach.
- Sport fishing to catch fish like the Sangala Pamba.
- Going to fishermen’s villages to interact with the fishermen right from their homes
- Diving where one gets an opportunity to see marine species, which include otters, speckled eels, and freshwater crabs, among others.
- Snorkelling tours
- Swimming in the lake’s crystal waters
- Waterboarding
- Kite surfing
- Boat tours and cruises
Hotels and lodges near the Lake Tanganyika Area in Burundi
The accommodation options near the lake range from budget, mid range, and luxury options. These include Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, and Safari Gate Lodge, among others.
National Museum of Gitega
The National Museum of Gitega is Burundi’s largest museum, which is located in Gitega and was founded in 1955 under Belgian rule.
This museum has one room where all the artifacts that showcase Burundi’s past are assembled and they are worth seeing on a Burundi cultural tour.
Things To See in The National Museum of Gitega
- It has a collection of items like bark clothing, medicinal instruments, and jewellery.
- A reptile house with reptiles like snakes
- Cultural objects that showcase the social structure in precolonial Burundi
- Royal regalia, which include the royal drum, the throne, and other ceremonial items.
- Historical photographs that show the way of life of the first Burundians
- Exhibits on regional early inhabitants
- There is a small section (botanical garden) that is dedicated to Burundi’s flora and fauna, worth seeing on a Burundi wildlife safari.
Things To Do at The Museum
- Tour various ethnographic exhibits that display traditional tools, royal regalia, weapons, and household items.
- Learn about Burundi’s civilization through the prehistoric tools.
- Explore the reptile house to observe the different reptiles.
- Walk through the botanical garden to learn about different plant species.
- Take a tour of the new university. After traversing and discovering what the big room contains, there is an opportunity to explore the polytechnic university, which will give you an insight into Burundi’s education system.
Where To Stay near the National Museum of Gitega
There are different places to stay when on a Burundi tour. These range from budget, mid range to luxury options. These include the King’s Conference Centre, among others.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary
The Gishora drum sanctuary is one of Burundi’s top tourist destinations that tourists on their Burundi cultural experiences cannot miss. The Gishora drum sanctuary is located around 7 kilometers from Gitega, Burundi’s second-largest city.
This cultural site was established by King Mwezi Gisabo, who made it a point to put the sanctuary on a hill, something that offers a panoramic view of Burundi’s downtown surroundings.
Traversing the Gishora drum sanctuary is not only an intriguing activity to gaze at, but it will also immerse you in Burundi’s rich cultural heritage.
This famous drumming tradition, the royal drummers, has become a symbol of Burundi’s rich cultural heritage.
Things To See at The Gishora Drum Sanctuary
The royal drummers are renowned for their rhythmic and energetic drumming.
Things To Do at The Gishora Drum Sanctuary
Interacting with the locals. Here, guides, tourists, and the drummers engage in deeper interaction, which gives a deeper insight into the Burundi cultural practices and its history.
Learn more about the Burundi culture and have insight into the drumming tradition.
Where To Stay Near the Gishora Drum Sanctuary
These include Jerusalem Hotel Gitega, among others sites.
The Source of The Nile (Source Du Nil)
This is one of the most visited places when it comes to interesting Burundi holidays. This tourist spot is situated in the epic mountains of Burundi in the provinces of Makamba, 115 km south east of Bujumbura city.
It springs from Mount Gikizi at the bottom of the Kibimbi massif. It is also known as the southernmost source among the many sources of the Nile.
Amazing Things to See
- Numerous fish species, including the Sangala Pamba
- Commemorative pyramid
- A river emerging from underground springs
- Karera falls
Interesting Things to Do
- White Water Rafting
- Boat tours
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Photography to capture stunning scenery
- Bungee jumping
- Learning about the cultural practices and history of the place
Top Accommodation Options
Among the best places to stay are Goodlife Residence, among others
The Best Time to Visit Burundi in East Africa for A Safari
The best time for a Burundi vacation in many of the country’s travel destinations is during the two dry seasons, with one running from June to August and the other from December to January or mid-February. This is considered the best time because it favors most of the outdoor activities in the different tourist destinations.
However, you can still engage in indoor activities during the wet season, although it’s not a recommended time to travel.
Costs Of Burundi Tours
The cost of Burundi tours varies from the budget-friendly options to the luxury options.
For accommodations
Budget Safaris:
Can start as low as $150 per person per night.
Mid Range Safaris:
Typically costs around $400 per person per night.
Luxury Safaris:
Can range from $1,500 to $5,500 or more per night.
Tour Activity Price
Boat ride: $50 per person
Bujumbura city tours and Rusizi NP start from $330 per person.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary: $80+ per person
Rusizi NP: $20+ per person
Ruvubu NP: $20+ per person
Packing List for Burundi Tours
The following are very important to consider when planning a Burundi trip.
Travel Documents
These travel documents are a must-have for one to be allowed into Burundi to enjoy the best safaris.
- A Burundi visa. The travelers can obtain it from the Burundi embassy. The visa must be valid for at least 6 months before traveling.
- A passport
- Flight ticket
Electronics
Among the electronics you should consider packing are a smartphone, a torch, a camera, a portable charger, headphones, and GPRS devices to help locate different places.
Medication
Travelers with some health complications must first do a medical checkup with their doctors and ensure that they pack all the essential medications as advised.
Essential medications may include anti-diuretic tablets, painkillers, among others, as per the doctor’s prescription.
Clothing
- A long-sleeved shirt and long trousers are good for hiking in the lush vegetation. Pack short-sleeved shirts and shorts for other activities, like relaxing on the beaches.
- Gardening gloves are also used to protect you from sharp tree branches during trekking activities.
- Pack good footwear like hiking shoes and stockings.
Toiletries
Pack essential toiletries, including insect repellent to protect against insect bites, as well as skin and hair care products, deodorant, conditioners, and sunscreen.
How To Get to Burundi for a Safari
Burundi can be accessed by air, road, and water.
Traveling By Air
To travel to Burundi by air, one can book a flight into the Bujumbura International Airport. This can be done using Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Burundi, Ethiopian Airlines, or Rwanda Air.
Travelers then have a transfer from Burundi International Airport by road, which can be arranged by a tour operator representative, to any lodge.
Traveling By Road
Burundi can be accessed by road when traveling from different neighbouring nations like Uganda, Rwanda, the democratic republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya. This can be done using the main border crossing points.
Traveling By Water
Travelers can still access Burundi by water. Lake Tanganyika can be used by travelers traveling from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Burundi Tours (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Which Country Has the Best Safaris in the World?
Botswana is considered the best country in the world for the best safaris. The country caters to the needs of different tourists, including those seeking a luxurious and exclusive wilderness experience. Botswana ranks high because of its vast untamed wildness, stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife species, and greater commitment to conservation.
What Is the Number 1 Safari in Africa?
The number 1 safari in Africa is Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It ranks as number 1 because of its great wildebeest migrations, which is one of the seven natural wonders in the world.
Why Travel to Burundi?
Burundi offers several unique travel experiences, some of which include
- Cultural tours, especially the famous traditional drumming practice at the Gishora drum sanctuary.
- Wildlife encounters in game parks and reserves
- Adventure safaris, like exploring the source of the Nile
- City tours in cities like Bujumbura and Gitega, among others
- Discovering the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, which is evident in museums.
Which Is the Safest Safari in Africa?
Botswana is considered the safest country when it comes to African safaris. This is greatly contributed to by its political stability, low crime rates, strict anti-poaching and many other factors. Other countries that are also considered safe include Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, and many more.
How Safe Is Burundi for Tourists? | Is It Safe to Travel to Burundi Right Now? | Is Burundi Good for Tourists?
Burundi is safe for anyone traveling now, especially in the different tourist places; however, there are a few political threats, so non-essential travel is discouraged. It is also advisable to always inquire from your trusted tour company for up to date information about the political state of the country.
What Is the Most Beautiful Place in Burundi?
The shores of Lake Tanganyika are considered the best place in Burundi, given its pristine beaches like Saga beach that offer the best opportunities for relaxation, among other experiences.
What Part of Africa Is Best for Safaris?
The best part of Africa for the best safaris is East Africa and South Africa. In the case of East Africa, it is considered the best because of the famous wildebeest migration that happens in Tanzania’s Serengeti NP and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
South Africa is also regarded as one of the best regions in Africa for safaris due to its reputation for safety, diverse wildlife species, significant conservation efforts, and the availability of luxurious and exclusive wildlife experiences.
When Should I Go to Burundi?
The best time to go to Burundi for a safari is during the dry season (dry months), which is from June to August and December to January, or mid-February. This is considered the best time because it favors most of the outdoor activities in the different tourist destinations.
How Many Tourists Visit Burundi?
Annually, Burundi receives around 300,000 tourists. Burundi’s small size, which also leads to a limited number of tourist destinations, partially contributes to the low number of tourists going to Burundi.
What Is Burundi’s Most Famous For?
Burundi is most known for its rich cultural heritage, evident in the famous traditional drumming practice in the Gishora drum sanctuary, a UNESCO site. The country is also known for the production of quality coffee and tea.
Contact our team of safari experts to help you in booking one of the best safari packages for a fun-filled Burundi holiday. For all your requests and inquiries concerning the many safari packages, our team is ready to respond. Book your Burundi trip now to immerse yourselves in the Burundi culture, enjoy wildlife encounters, and much more with your family for an unforgettable safari experience.
