Game Drive in Ruvubu National Park
Are you among the wildlife enthusiasts? A game drive in Ruvubu National Park is an exciting tourist activity that you can enjoy while on a safari in Burundi. Exploring the open plains of Ruvubu NP on a 4X4 safari vehicle. This game drive will offer you views of wildlife like buffalo, zebra, defassa waterbuck, warthog, spotted hyenas, Aardvark, sitatunga, among other animals.
Ruvubu National Park has morning and late afternoon game drives, which give immense views of wildlife when they are actively in their daily routine. This is all possible with the help of tour guides who know the habitats and grazing spots of the different animals and provide insights into the behaviours of these animals.
On a game drive, you will also be able to see different plant species and other landscapes within the park.
Book now for the best wildlife safaris in Ruvubu National Park for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Bird Watching in Burundi
Bird watching is also among the fun activities that you should not miss, whether you are a birder or a nature enthusiast. The avifauna of Burundi confirmed 700 bird species, which makes Burundi a birders’ haven.
You will observe both migratory birds and the native birds. The migratory birds include Common Yellow Wagtail, Pied Avocet, Red-throated Wryneck, Saddle-billed Stork, sand pipers, among others.
Some of the native bird species are Village Weavers, Cattle Egrets, African Pied Wagtails, Little Egrets, northern grey-headed Sparrows, African Openbills, Black Kites, and Speckled Mousebirds.
Some of the best birding spots include
Kibira National Park, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Ruvubu, Bururi National Reserve, Rusizi Delta, Bird Lake, Ruvubu River, Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve, Rumonge National Reserve, Vyanda Forest Natural Reserve, which is located fairly close to Vyanda city, Rusizi National Park, and Ruvubu River, on the great beaches conveniently located in a relatively small city, such as Saga Beach, offering great views of migratory birds like the sand pipers.
The best time for birding is during the dry season (May to August). During this time, the skies are always blue, offering excellent visibility, especially for the case of taking photographs.
Explore the diverse species of birds that make Burundi a birder’s haven, creating lasting memories.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibira National Park
Chimpanzee trekking is another interesting thing to do in Burundi in Kibira National Park. It is an activity that will offer you an opportunity to observe these primates, whose DNA is 99 percent that of humans, in their natural habitats.
The Mabayi sector in Kibira NP is the right destination for you to enjoy this activity. This park, which is home to chimpanzees, is found in northwestern Burundi.
The Mabayi sector, the best destination for chimpanzee trekking, is immediately next to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The Mabayi sector has a higher concentration of chimpanzees than other sectors in Kibira NP.
Chimpanzee trekking is usually a guided trek through the rainforests of Kibira National Park. The guides will take you through conservation, behaviour, and the contribution of chimpanzees to the ecosystem.
Trekking normally starts very early in the morning, between 6:00 am to 10:00 am, before the chimps have dispersed to other areas from their natural habitats. This is done with the help of park rangers and guides who know the common spots for these primates.
Once found, you will observe chimpanzees socialise with males and females, plus their young ones, as they also jump from one tree to another. Taking photographs is allowed, but avoid using a flash since it may scare away the chimps.
Apart from Kibira National Park, other places to find chimpanzees are the Bururi National Reserve, with about 30 chimpanzees, and the Vyanda Forest Natural Reserve
Chimpanzee trekking costs around 200 -250 USD, and the activity is during the dry season, is May to August and January to February
Get up close and personal with these incredible creatures as you explore their natural habitat
Hiking Mount Heha in the Burundi Highlands Mountain Range
Hiking to the top of Mount Heha is another fascinating activity that every mountain climber and beginner would not like to miss. Mount Heha, located in the Bujumbura rural province, 30 km from Lake Tanganyika, is the highest mountain in the Burundi highlands mountain range.
Hiking Mount Heha remains a good challenge that many climbers would like to conquer since it is considered the steepest and the loftiest mountain in Burundi. It stands at a height of 2864 meters (8806 ft). Mount Heha is one of the best hiking spots when it comes to mountain climbing in East Africa.
Some of the protective gears for hiking Mount Heha includes hiking boots, long trousers, a short-sleeved shirt, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and a hiking rod, among others.
Hiking is advisable only in the dry season since the slopes of the mountain tend to be slippery, given the fact that it is the steepest mountain in the highland’s mountain range. Enjoy the lush greenery as you climb to the top of the mountain.
Book your hiking trip on the highest mountain in Burundi for a breathtaking experience.
Visit Rusizi National Park for Hippos and Crocodiles
Come and discover the numerous hippos and crocodiles that call Rusizi National Park their home.
Visit Rusizi National Park, the largest game park, located 15 km north of Bujumbura city. Hippos and the Nile crocodiles can be spotted at the river Rusizi Delta.
While on your safari to spot crocodiles and hippos, you will also have an opportunity to see other wildlife and bird species.
Apart from Rusizi National Park, other places where you can spot these hippos and Nile crocodiles include Kigwena Natural Forest and Lake Tanganyika.
Embark on amazing views of hippos and Nile crocodiles for lasting memories of these aquatic life species.
Nature Walks in Kigwena Natural Forest
Nature walks involve guided trekking through the forest, allowing visitors to the Kigwena Natural Forest to observe the various species that inhabit it.
Visitors can explore Kigwena Natural Forest, one of the wet forests, to gain knowledge about the flora and fauna, their behaviours, and their roles in the ecosystem. Visitors also learn how to conserve the environment for sustainable development.
Kigwena natural forest, which offers this activity, is conveniently located on the national route No. 3 in the Rumonge commune of Burundi, covering an area of about 3,000 hectares.
The guided nature walks are made possible through the country’s Environmental and Conservation Institute.
For nature walk safaris, Kigwena Natural Forest can be visited throughout the year, though the best time is the dry season, which is December to February and June to October.
Contact our team for a tailor-made safari in the Jungle.
Exploring The Source of The Nile
Discovering the source of the Nile, which is the world’s longest river, is one of the outstanding activities that you should not miss.
The source of the Nile River is situated 115km from Bujumbura in Makamba province. A stone pyramid marks its location. This source is also known as the southernmost source of the Nile, since many other spots are said to be the source of the Nile.
The River Nile is believed to start from this place, from which it flows to the rest of the African countries.
To reach the source in Makamba province, you will have to drive in a 4X4 safari vehicle 115 km from Bujumbura, which is a journey of about 3 hours.
Book your safari today to discover the source of the Nile for an unforgettable safari experience.
Take a Cultural Tour in Burundi
Are you a cultural enthusiast? Burundi, a country known for its rich culture, has got you covered. These cultural tours involve visiting different places, focusing on exploring and engaging with the artistic aspects, traditions, and practices of different communities.
For the case of Burundi, the Gishora drum sanctuary is the most visited cultural site when it comes to cultural tours.
Gishora is located 7 km from Gitega. It occupies a hilltop location. It was chosen for having the most convenient location by King Gishora.
When you arrive in Burundi, you will see displays of the Burundi drum in most parts. Gishora is a place of royal drummers. It is located 200 meters left of the Gitega-Ngozi Road, 7 km from Gitega town.
At the Gishora drum sanctuary, you will witness the incredible talents of the drummers as they showcase their rhythmic skills. Expect to find the local guide who will take you through the history and the significance of this place.
You are also likely to witness some political events that the sanctuary hosts.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of drumming in various rhythmic styles this will immerse you into the Burundi culture!
Visiting The Karera Waterfalls (Chutes De La Karera)
Consider visiting Karera Waterfalls, also known as Chutes de la Karera, an activity worth participating in. Chutes de la Kerera is a collective name given to the waterfalls that are located fairly close to Rutana, 64 km from Gitega, the country’s capital.
You will see these waterfalls flowing from varying heights, roaring in a sound that will leave you mesmerized.
The four waterfalls that make up Karera Waterfalls (Chutes de la Kerera) include
. Nyakai I waterfalls, which is a parking spot.
- Nyakai II waterfalls, which are a shower spot
- Mwaro Fall is known for its sacred character and ancient religious rituals.
- Kagera, the area’s namesake. Kagera is the tallest waterfall in the area, and it flows vigorously, especially during the wet season.
Get ready to be amazed by the natural beauty of Karera Waterfalls, a cascading wonder.
Take A Culinary Tour
Enjoy the taste of Burundi’s delicious food on your safari. The excellent food that is served includes both the local cuisine and the French cuisine.
Some of the local dishes that you are likely to enjoy include sweet potatoes, ugali, rice, cassava, plantains (Agatoke), peas, Inyama, maize, Matura, and mahu, among others.
Depending on the client’s preference, they may serve the local and French cuisine together or separately. You will find them in various restaurants and hotels. You can also buy foodstuffs from the stalls in the market centers or from the streets for foods like amandazi, roasted cassava, and chapati, among others.
A tour guide will help you negotiate the price, especially when it comes to the locals who sell their food along the streets and those in the market, but are not familiar with the English language.
Explore the delicious food of Burundi on a delightful culinary journey.
Visit The Museums in Burundi
Explore the best museums of Burundi for a fascinating journey through its history and culture. Visiting these historical and cultural sites is among the fascinating activities that will help you understand Burundi’s past.
These are some of the museums that you will visit on your safari in Burundi
The Living Museum
Visit the living museum of Bujumbura, which is also known as Bujumbura Zoo. At the living museum on a guided tour, you will see exhibits of animals like crocodiles, monkeys, leopards, chimpanzees, guinea fowl, antelopes, and various snakes. The Living Museum shows ancient and modern crafts used by Burundians.
Gitega National Museum
Gitega National Museum is the national museum of Burundi, which is located in Gitega, and was built under Belgian colonial rule in 1955. For this reason, Gitega has maintained its ancient history since colonial times. Gitega National Museum is the largest museum in Burundi.
Gitega holds the ancient history of the colonial times of Burundi, and it preserves it in the best way.
Upon entering a large room in the Gitega National Museum, the guides will explain the different artifacts that showcase the culture and history of Burundi’s various tribes and the country as a whole.
Geological Museum of Burundi.
Upon entering the museum, guides will take you to the different exhibits that will enable you to learn about the history and the geology of Burundi.
You will learn about the geographical position of Burundi in the world and the history of the earth and see a unique collection of rocks, fossils, and minerals, among others.
The geographical museum of Burundi is open for visitors from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this beautiful country by visiting these great museums.
Relaxing On the Beautiful Beaches
Relaxing from the long work-life struggles at Burundi’s beautiful beaches feels so interesting that you should not miss it.
Of the many great beaches the country boasts of, Saga Beach is the most visited.
The Saga Beach is one of the pristine beaches located on Tanganyika. Known for its warm waters. This makes it a natural wonder, despite lacking the white sand found on beaches along the Indian Ocean coast.
This beach is a few kilometers from Bujumbura, and visitors having tours in the city find it easy to go and have fun at this beach.
At Saga Beach, you will have an opportunity to enjoy beach games like beach soccer, swimming in the warm waters, diving, sunbathing, boat cruises, watching the sunset on Tanganyika, enjoying fish and drinks, and many other related games.
The best time of the week to visit this beach is Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm. At this time, the beach is less crowded.
Visit now and let the sounds of the waves soothe your mind and the sand hug your toes as you enjoy Burundi’s natural beauty.
Visit The Reptile Park of Bujumbura (Reptile Village)
Explore the enchanting reptile village of Bujumbura, where fascinating creatures await your visit. The reptile park is located in Bujumbura, which is the capital of the country.
Upon arriving at the park, the experienced tour guide will lead you through the different habitats, where you will learn about the variety of reptiles, amphibians, and other aquatic life.
Guided tours at the park will enable you to observe different reptiles like snakes, crocodiles, lizards, tortoises, turtles, and frogs, among others.
While at the reptile park, you will also have a chance to relax, from the beautiful compound, have picnics with friends, buy art and crafts from the souvenir shop, take photographs, and do other fun things.
Come and explore the wonders of nature up close and enjoy a day filled with excitement and wonder.
Bujumbura City Tour
Take a tour around the former capital city of Burundi, Bujumbura, a relatively small city that is also known as Buji. This city has not seen much development in the past decades. Tours to Bujumbura are one of the best safaris. When it comes to enjoying city life, the city has maintained most of its other characteristics right from the time it was a French colony, like the excellent food in various restaurants.
Upon reaching the city, you will first enjoy the itinerary. In the morning, you can have breakfast at Aroma café, which is known for its delicious coffee.
Visit the Livingstone Stanley Monument.
Visiting the Livingstone Stanley Monument will immerse you in the history and commemoration of the meeting between the explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.
Visit the Bujumbura Central Market
Here, one is at liberty to buy some of the African tropical fruits and handmade crafts and interact with the locals.
Drive to see the Independence Monument
The independence monument commemorates Burundi’s independence from the Belgian and German rulers in 1962.
Visit Musée Vivant
This Museum provides an insight into Burundi’s natural and cultural heritage. You will see different traditional artifacts and animals like chimpanzees and crocodiles in the zoo.
You can also enjoy the nightlife in Burundi
When night comes, Bujumbura has many clubs, bars, and other recreation facilities where you can enjoy music from local and international musicians and be entertained with dance and other performances from different people.
It is worth noting that the city has maintained the use of the French language right from the time it was a French colony.
Come explore the vibrant city of Bujumbura on a delightful tour!
Fishing Activities in Burundi
Given the lakes and rivers in Burundi, fishing is one of the activities that you cannot miss out on your safari.
Fish species expected to be caught during sport fishing include yellow fish, Nile tilapia, Tiger fish, African catfish, Mullets, Mudfish, and other fish species.
Where to go fishing includes Lake Tanganyika, the Ruvubu River, lake Ruvubu, the Rusizi River, and Bird Lake, among other places.
Deep-sea fishing can be done on lakes like Tanganyika for fish species like catfish, which is a rare fish species. Methods commonly used include casting lures, spinning, and bait fishing.
The best time to carry out fishing is between March and May and September and November, around early morning and late afternoons, as the water levels are usually high, and the fish are more active.
It is worth noting that before fishing activities are done, the tour guide must first get permits, and fishing must not be done in restricted areas.
Experience the serene beauty of the lakes and rivers while learning valuable skills of fishing.
Swimming And Other Water Sports Activities
Swimming is one of the top things to do on your safari in Burundi.
Enjoy swimming on Burundi’s lakes and rivers, given their clear waters. Of all the water bodies in Burundi, the activity is mostly done on Lake Tanganyika.
On Lake Tanganyika, swimming is mostly done on the lake at the isolated town of Rumonge at the shores next to the Blue Bay Resort. This is because the area is free from crocodiles.
Enjoy swimming in the clear blue water that will offer you views of the bottom of the lake as you swim with no worries of being attacked by the crocodiles.
Other water sports include
- Kayaking
- Boat cruise
- Snorkelling
- Paddle boarding, or rafting
Apart from L. Tanganyika, other places for water sports include
Ruzizi River, Saga Beach, Chutes de la Kerera, waterfalls, Lake Ruvubu in Ruvubu NP, and Ruvubu River (a major river flowing into Lake Ruvubu).
The best time to carry out the different water sports is the dry season, which is May to August, when the water levels are low. During this time, the skies are clear, making it favourable for all the water sports.
Book now; your interesting water sports await.
Outstanding Tourist Activities in Burundi (FAQs): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burundi Good for Tourists?
Burundi is good for tourism given the diverse wildlife in its game parks and other protected areas, cultural sites, among others, offering an opportunity for many tourist activities. It is safe for tourists, although recent events involved a military coup, but now it is safe for travel.
What Is Burundi Known For? | What Is Burundi Well-Known For | What Is Burundi Popular For?
Burundi is known for its stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, which is evident particularly in traditional drumming performances and dances. Additionally, it is known for its unique aquatic life, which is found in Lake Tanganyika, e.g., the catfish, and numerous reptiles in the Reptile Park.
What Are the Main Foods in Burundi?
Burundi’s staple foods include beans, plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, and maize.
How Many Died in Burundi?
According to the conservative estimate, 100,000 and 150,000 people were killed in the genocide, while some place it as high as 300,000, roughly coming out to include 10–15 percent of Burundi’s male Hutu population. Lemarchand estimated 200,000–300,000 Hutu deaths.
Why Are There Not Many Tourists in Burundi?
Burundi’s tourism sector is underdeveloped. The country still faces some challenges that deter tourists, including political instability like the recent military coup, poor infrastructure, and limited tourism offerings.
What Makes Burundi Special?
The landlocked country, a historic kingdom, is one of the few countries in Africa whose borders were not determined by colonial settlers. It also stands out for its diverse culture that has existed for the past decades and rich biodiversity. Its lush landscapes, including Mount Heha and Lake Tanganyika, the deepest lake in Africa, offer stunning views and ecosystems.
How Many Tourists Visit Burundi?
Annually, Burundi receives around 300,000 visitors compared to other East African countries. Its small size partly contributes to this because it is among the smallest countries in Africa.
Come and explore Burundi, the best destination when it comes to fascinating tourist activities, given the many tourist places. A safari to Burundi will enable you to tour the whole world in one place.
