Welcome to the heart of Africa, Burundi, a home of top-quality safaris. Most of the places to visit in Burundi are endowed with the beauty and natural wonders that will give you a breathtaking experience while on your East Africa safari.
Burundi, despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by colonial settlers, featuring national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, forests, lakes, rivers, beautiful cities, and religious centers.
Visit these awe-inspiring destinations, featuring a variety of tourist attractions in Burundi, including hippos, birds, diverse animal species, stunning landscapes, and fun activities.
Let us delve into the specifics of these magnificent destinations in Burundi to create a lifetime of unforgettable experiences.
National Parks in Burundi
Burundi has many parks, all gifted with tremendous tourist attractions, which make them the best travel destinations while on an African safari. Some of these include
Rusizi National Park
Rusizi National Park, also known as Parc National de la Rusizi, ranks among the places to visit in Burundi. It is situated in the Rusizi plains near the River Rusizi, 15 km from Bujumbura. This place was established in 1990, and it covers an area of 90 km².
The park is under the governance of the Office Burundais pour la Protection de l’Environment.
Things to see in the Rusizi National Park
- Nile crocodile
- Hippopotamuses
- Sitatungas
- Lions
- Rusizi River
- Water streams
- Papyrus beds
- Over 150 bird species, including Migratory birds from Asia and Europe, e.g., sandpipers
Fun tourist activities in Rusizi National Park.
- Walking safaris
- Bird watching
- Boat safaris
- Sportfishing
Hotels in Burundi near Rusizi National Park for a good night’s stay include The Keza Hotel, La Classe Hotel, Rusizi Hotel, and Safari Gate Hotel, among others.
Visit Rusizi National Park, home to hippos, for your memorable experience.
Ruvubu National Park
Ruvubu National Park is one of the best places to tour in Burundi, established in 1980. It is the largest national park, covering an area of 508 km². The park lies on the northeastern side of the country, with its borders falling within the provinces of Karuzi, Muyinga, Ruyigi, and Cakunzo.
Ruvubu National Park derives its name from the river Ruvubu that runs through it. It is known for migratory birds, e.g., sandpipers, that migrate to the park throughout the year.
Interesting Things to See in Ruvubu National Park
- Cape buffalo
- Nile crocodile
- Waterbuck
- Hippopotamus
- Primates, e.g., red colobus monkey, vervet monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, etc.
- Over 200 birds
- Rare plants.
Tourist Activities in Ruvubu National Park Include
- Bird watching
- Monkey tracking
- Wildlife viewing
- Sportfishing
- Interaction with the locals
Where to stay near Ruvubu National Park
- Kyaka Motel
- Green-Hills Hotel
- Hotel Icizanye
Book now; your wildlife adventure awaits.
Kibira National Park
Kibira National Park, a place to visit in Burundi, established in 1980, covers 400 km² in Burundi’s northwestern region near Mutamvya, boasting diverse ecosystems and an elevation of 1,100 m.
Things to see in Kibira National Park are
- Primates, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys
- Over 250 bird species, including mountain buzzards and grey parrots, etc.
- Trees, including Newtonia buchananii, etc.
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Birding
- Monkey tracking
- Scientific research
Hotels and lodges near Kibira National Park
Hotel Le Paradis, Home Haven, Hotel La Maravilla, etc. These are equipped with the best facilities to let you have the best safari experience.
For natural beauty and wildlife experiences, Kibira National Park is your final travel destination.
Contact our team of experts for an affordable and tailor-made national park safari package.
National Reserves in Burundi
Burundi is home to several natural reserves that protect the diverse flora and fauna of the country. The notable ones include
Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve
This natural reserve also ranks among the known tourist places in Burundi. It is a large reserve located on the Burundi-Rwanda border covering an area of 8000 hectares that comprises forests, woodland, and shrubland.
Tourist attractions
- Lake Rwihinda
- Birds like the African fish eagle
- Animals like hippos, crocodiles, bushbucks, warthogs, and primates like L’hoest monkeys
- Fish species like catfish and tilapia
Fun activities
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Sportfishing
- Canoeing
- Camping and picnicking
- Animal viewing
Accommodation
Kiriri Garden Hotel, Roca Golf Hotel, and Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, among others.
Tour Rwihinda Natural Reserve for a breathtaking experience of the beautiful sceneries of the reserve.
Bururi Forest Nature Reserve
Visit the Bururi Forest Nature Reserve, one of the tourist places in Burundi, commonly famous for chimpanzee trekking. The reserve is in southwestern Burundi at the end of the Congo Nile. It was created in 1951 and declared a protected area, covering an area of 33 km².
Despite the reserve’s fame for housing a large population of chimpanzees, it also boasts over 93 tree types and around 87 bird species.
Activities in the reserve
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Birding
- nature walks
- photography
The best accommodation options include Martha Hotel and Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, among others.
We invite you to reserve your chimpanzee trekking tour at your earliest convenience.
Vyanda Forest Natural Reserve
It was established in 1980 to support animal life. Though small, covering only 44.97 km², it is among the tourist places in the country. The reserve is located fairly close to Vyanda city in Bururi province.
Tourist attractions include chimpanzees, birds, and various trees, among others.
Tourist activities in the reserve are
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Nature walks
- Birding
- Community tours
Visitors can stay at Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, which is located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Choose Vyanda Natural Reserve to be added to your chimpanzee trekking safari and enjoy a memorable safari experience.
Rumonge Natural Reserve
Established in 1980, the Rumonge Natural Reserve is one of the places for tours in Burundi, covering an area of about 50 km² (19 sq mi).
It is situated in Rumonge province at an elevation of 1641m (5384 ft).
The reserve is home to some rare birds, some of which are migratory birds from Europe and Asia that can be spotted here throughout the year, as well as exotic plant life.
Makamba Nature Reserve
Located in the southern part of the country, this beautiful reserve offers a unique and diverse experience for nature lovers, making it rank among tourist places in the country.
The Rusizi River, which acts as a natural border between Burundi and Rwanda, runs along the reserve, contributing to its picturesque setting.
Tourist attractions in the reserve
- Saga (pronounced sagga) Beach
- Old German cave
- Oldest skyline in East Africa
- Waterfalls,
- Numerous animals and birds
- Gishora Drum Sanctuary
- Muramvya Hot Springs, among others, etc.
Activities in the reserve
- Camping
- Forest walk
- Birdwatching
- View of the old skyline
- Cold swimming
- Educational tours
Makamba Reserve should be your final tourist destination.
Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve
The reserve is located in Rusizi National Park. For tourists seeking to immerse themselves in natural beauty, Rusizi Delta Reserve should be your final destination.
It is home to
- Birds
- Flowing rivers
- Lush wetlands
- Animal life and their habitats, etc.
Tourist activities include a guided tour, birding, and nature trails through the reserve, among others.
Visit Rusizi Delta National Park and have your spirit rejuvenated and connected to the entire world.
Kigwena Natural Forest Reserve
Kigwena Natural Forest Reserve is another tourist place in Burundi, conveniently located near the shores of Lake Tanganyika on National Route No. 3 in the Rumonge commune of Burundi. It is visited for its unique flora and fauna.
Tourist attraction in Kigwena natural forest reserve
- Primates like chimpanzees,
- Over 200 bird species
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Smaller mammals, e.g., bushpigs
Activities in Kigwena Natural Forest include chimpanzee trekking, birding, and a guided tour through the country’s environmental and conservation institute, among others.
Book your safari package to Kigwena Natural Forest Reserve for a breathtaking wildlife experience.
Sanctuaries in Burundi
The country is home to both cultural and natural sanctuaries. One of the most commonly visited is the Gishora Drum Sanctuary.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary
Located in the province of Makamba, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a well-known tourist place in Burundi, established in 1903 by King Gisabo Mwezi IV.
The sanctuary is visited for cultural tours run by local men called Abatimbo. The place hosts important events, e.g., political events, etc.
It is one of a kind in the country and is known for traditional drumming ceremonies and hosting cultural events not only in Burundi but also in East Africa.
Things to see include local dressing attires, ancient royal drums, unique handicrafts, and skilled local drummers, among others.
Some tourist activities include
- Witnessing drumming performances done by experienced local drummers
- Interacting with the locals
- Visiting well-built huts
- Storytelling
- Cultural events
- Purchasing souvenirs
- Drumming workshops where they can learn basic drumming techniques
- Guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the drums
- Photography, among others
Visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, which offers a window into Burundi culture through the rhythmic beats and passionate energy that create an immersive experience.
Mountains in Burundi
Burundi boasts numerous mountains, making it a popular destination for mountaineering enthusiasts on an African safari trips.
Mount Heha (The Highest in The Burundi Highlands mountain range)
Mount Heha is an outstanding place to tour, located in Bujumbura Rural Province, about 30 km southeast of Bujumbura, which is a convenient location to use before mountain climbing.
It is the highest mountain and the highest point in Burundi, standing at an elevation of 2684 meters (8806 ft), which makes it a good challenge for everyone looking for the summit. This height makes it a paradise for mountain climbers and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting things to see at Mount Heha include
- Dense forest across the river.
- Primates, e.g., colobus monkey
- Birds, etc.
Fun activities at Mount Heha include mountain climbing, birding, spotting animals, cultural encounters where you interact with the locals, a taste of the traditional Burundi cuisine, and many more.
Hotels and lodges near Mount Heha.
- Coccinelle apartments
- Yellow haven lodge
- Hyena Hill Lodge
- Samuel’s hope
Mount Heha is the best mountain climbing destination. Book now.
Other Mountains in Burundi
These include
- Mount Teza (2666m)
- Mount Twinyoni (2659m)
- Mount Mugongo (2650m)
- Mount Camabari (2617m)
- Mount Ngoma (2580m)
- Mount Karavyi (2570m)
- Mount Taba (2353m)
- Mount Runyonyi (2288m), etc.
Make Burundi your mountain climbing destination as you contact our expert team for a tailor-made safari.
Lakes, Rivers, and Waterfalls in Burundi
Discover the magic of Burundi’s lakes, where the wonders of nature converge. Each lake offers an exceptional experience with numerous activities to enjoy.
Here are a few examples:
Lakes in Burundi
Burundi, while considered a small nation, is rich in lakes, boasting almost eight of them. However, the most visited is Lake Tanganyika.
Lake Tanganyika
Are you interested in touring water activities? Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake shared by Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, is your final destination. Covering an area of 32000 km².
Lake Tanganyika is home to various birds, reptiles, mammals, over 300 fish species, and amazing beaches.
Tourist activities at Lake Tanganyika include
- Sport fishing
- Boat cruises
- Relaxing on beautiful beaches
- Wakeboarding
- Swimming
- Kite surfing
- Waterskiing
Where to stay near Lake Tanganyika
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Aparthotel Jardin Tropical Bujumbura, and Safari Gate Lodge, among others.
Why wait? Visit Lake Tanganyika for your water sports safaris and amazing life experiences on the beautiful beaches while relaxing from long life hustles.
Other Lakes in Burundi to Be Added to Your Bucket List
These include
- L. Rweru in northern Burundi covering an area of 100 km².
- L. Rwihinda in Kirundo province covering an area of 80 km²
- L. Cohoha covering 74 km²
Rivers in Burundi
Rivers also attract many tourists, but most visitors visit the Source du Nil, which ranks among the best tourist destinations.
Source Of the Nile (Source du Nil)
Situated in the Makamba province, the Source du Nil is one of the remarkable places in Burundi.
This spot, located 100 km from Gitega, appears to be an insignificant spring, yet it serves as the southernmost source of the Nile River, marking the beginning of its journey to the rest of Africa.
Tourist attractions at the source du nil
- River emerging from underground springs
- Numerous fish species
- Karera falls
- Commemorative pyramid
Things to do
. Photography
. White Water Rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Boat trips
. Learning about the culture and history of the place
- River cruises
- Birdwatching
Nearby lodges and hotels
| · Hotel Source du Nil | · Burundi Palace Boutique Hotel |
| · Goodlife Residence | · Hotel Des Plateaux |
Contact us to help you plan your next safari visit to the Source du Nil.
Other rivers in Burundi
Kinyankuru, Ndurumu, Sanzu, Buyongwe, Kagunuzi, Jiji, Malagarasi, Kagunuzi, Mwiruzi, Mugere, Nyabaha, and other rivers.
Chutes de la Karera (waterfalls)
Chutes de la Karera is a collective name for the four waterfalls near Rutana. The falls are 64km south of Gitega, but as there’s no public transport, you’ll have to charter a vehicle in Bujumbura to get there.
These waterfalls include
- Nyakai I waterfalls a parking spot.
- Nyakai II waterfalls, a shower spot
- Mwaro Fall for sacred character and ancient religious significance.
- Kagera, the area’s namesake, which is the tallest and is feared by many during the wet season
Tourist activities at Chutes de la Karera include
- Leisure hikes
- Having breathtaking views at different features along the way
- Taking showers at the Nyakai waterfalls
- Capturing stunning photographs
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, Chutes de la Karera (Karera Waterfalls) is your safari destination located in Makamba, Burundi.
Cities in Burundi
The country has cities arranged and built in a way that will impress every visitor.
Bujumbura
Commonly known as Buji and formerly as Usumbura, the city is an economic capital with a lot of developments. Bujumbura is also the largest city and acts as the main port of the country.
It covers an area of about 127 km², and it was formerly the country’s capital before declaring Gitega.
Major tourist attractions include
- Living Stone Monument,
- Reptile Park and some wild animals
- Monument de l’Unite
- French cuisine in most of the restaurants
The city has continually maintained the French culture since its period as a French colony; that is why even the French cuisine can’t be missed at any meal.
The beautiful hotels in Bujumbura will also give you an amazing day and nightlife experience. Plan your visit now.
Gitega
Compared to Bujumbura, this city is smaller. This wonderful place in Burundi was once a colonial capital, and it was declared the country’s capital in 2007.
Among the main things to see in this city is the Gitega National Museum, with a collection of the artifacts of the country that presents its past.
Gishora
Gishora remains a spectacular place to visit while on a Burundi safari, given its location at the top of the hill chosen for having the most convenient location by King Gasabo. This gives travelers a panoramic view of the country’s downtown.
The city hosts numerous cultural events, among others.
The Drum Sanctuary makes Gishora an amazing spot for all cultural lovers. The drums played here during important events display Burundi’s rich cultural heritage.
Religious Centers in Burundi
There are several religious centers that not only play religious roles but also contribute to the tourism sector of the country. These include
Mugera Marian Shrine—popular for pilgrimages
Cathedrale Regina Mundi – in Bujumbura
Eglise Vivante de Jesus Christ – an evangelical church located in Kirundo.
Paroisse Christ Roi de Cibitoke – a serene church in the heart of Cibitoke.
These and many other religious sites will give you an amazing experience.
Historical Sites and Museum
Burundi is home to a rich cultural heritage, given the many historical and cultural sites and museums that also show Burundi’s past.
Be certain to fully immerse yourself in Burundi culture, from the traditional drummers at the Gishora drum sanctuary to the sacred forests of Burundi.
| Historical site | Brief information |
| The Livingstone–Stanley Monument | Located at Mugere, it’s where Dr. Livingstone, a missionary, and Henry Morton, an explorer, spent two nights on their visit to Burundi. |
| The Gishora drum sanctuary | This is the location of the Royal Drummers, renowned for their captivating performances. It hosts a variety of cultural events. |
| Institut Français Burundi | This place accommodates many artifacts related to the French way of life. It hosts numerous cultural events. |
| The Sacred Forests of Burundi | These are dispersed forests where Burundians summon spirits on various occasions, such as in Nyakazu Forest. |
| The Karera Waterfalls | It is in northern Burundi. It gathers local communities; it is a place for storytelling, rituals, and other celebrations. |
| Museum | Brief information |
| Living Museum of Bujumbura | The Living Museum is the leading national museum nestled in Bujumbura with a unique blend of a museum and a zoo. It also hosts political events. |
| Traité de Kiganda | It is located in Kiganda and houses a collection of historical artifacts, such as astronaut gear, that show Burundi’s past. The center is an educational center that provides information to people of all ages. |
| Gitega National Museum
| The Gitega National Museum is the largest national museum, located in Gitega. It was founded in 1955 under Belgian rule. All its artifacts are assembled in one room; these show Burundi’s past. |
A visit to any historical site or museum will immerse you in the history and culture of Burundi.
Travel guide
What you need to know and have.
Travel documents
- A flight ticket
- A valid passport
- A tourist visa obtained from any Burundi embassy.
Currency and cards
- US dollars are most acceptable, but local currencies are used in smaller shops.
- International credit cards are also accepted, that is, Visa and MasterCard.
Clothes
Dress in long-sleeved shirts, jeans or safari trousers, a jacket or sweater for colder days, shorts, easy/comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and swimming costumes.
Electronic gadgets
- Smartphone with a charger.
- A camera
- Torches
- GPS devices.
Medication
You should carry simple medication such as painkillers or consult your doctor first to determine what to pack.
National route to get to Burundi
Here are some of the best routes to Burundi.
- Nemba-Gasenyi: Connects Rwanda’s Southern Province with Burundi’s Cibitoke Province.
- Rusumo: Links Rwanda’s Eastern Province with Burundi’s Kayanza Province.
- Kobero: A border point that links Tanzania to the northeast of Burundi.
- Rusizi. A border point with the DRC.
Places to visit in Burundi (FAQs): Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Burundi Known For?
Burundi is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, particularly its drumming traditions.
Is Burundi Good for Tourists? | What Is the Current Situation in Burundi?
Burundi is safe, though there have been recent events involving a military coup, so nonessential travel may not be good.
How Many Tourists Visit Burundi? | How Many Tourists in Burundi? | How Many Tourists Visit Burundi Each Year?
Annually, Burundi receives around 300,000 visitors. This is partly contributed to by its small size because it is among the smallest countries in Africa.
What Is Unique in Burundi?
The unique cultural traditions of Burundi center around drumming traditions (Royal Drummers of Burundi) at the drum sanctuary.
What Is the Big City in Burundi?
Bujumbura is the biggest city in Burundi, with administrative, economic, and industrial centers.
Does Burundi Have Tourism?
Burundi has a tourism industry, and more strategies are being laid to develop it to encourage more visitors to visit this small nation.
Why Should You Visit Burundi?
One should visit Burundi for its cultural blend, especially at the Gishora drum sanctuary; the natural beauty in the national parks, lakes, and the source of the Nile; vibrant markets; and other attractions.
What Is the Natural Beauty of Burundi?
The natural beauty of Burundi is a stunning, diverse landscape made of beautiful Karera Falls on rolling green hills, national parks, misty mountains, and other things.
Does Burundi Have Beaches?
Though a small country, Burundi has beaches along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, like Saga Beach (pronounced sagga).
Whether you’re a cultural lover, a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or a birder, Burundi should be your final destination given the numerous attractions and tremendous tourist activities in its different tourist destinations. Book now.
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