Burundi is home to an array of remarkable ecosystems. The 16 provinces that make up the nation have a combined land area of little over 28,000 square kilometres, or roughly the same as the US state of Maryland. Burundi is renowned for having a great diversity of plant and animal life within its many habitats. Even though Burundi lacks a coastline, it nevertheless has many stunning beaches. In actuality, the nation is home to a large number of gorgeous inland beaches where you may cool down in one of the many lakes.
Despite its small size, Burundi has a rich cultural past that incorporates the contributions of both native people and colonial invaders. However, given the unsteady political climate and recent events, which include a military coup, it is not advised that you travel there as of this writing. I hope that the nation’s people, culture, and natural beauty won’t be unduly impacted by the current political events.
Popular Tourist Destinations in Burundi.
Bujumbura City
The last decades have seen no growth for this small community due to years of violence in the area. The city, referred to as Buji by the locals, has kept many aspects of its past as a French colony, such as its excellent food, drinks, and nightlife. French food is available in many of the city’s restaurants, with a wide range of costs and standards of quality. The only university in Burundi is located in the city, along with a monument honouring the nation’s freedom from French, Belgian, and German colonial rule. The Living Museum, regarded as the best institution of its kind in all of Africa, is located in Bujumbura as well. It displays both modern and traditional Burundian crafts and artwork.
Rusizi National Park
Rusizi National Park, the biggest park in the nation and a symbol of Burundi’s dedication to protecting its abundant biodiversity, is one of the city’s crown jewels. Within the boundaries of this metropolitan haven, guests can enjoy a distinctive safari encounter. A variety of species can be found in the park, bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside the city limits. Discovering Rusizi National Park allows visitors to enjoy a boat safari and see hippos, crocodiles, birds, and other amazing wildlife in their natural habitat without having to venture far from the bustle of the city, making it the ideal introduction to Burundi’s natural beauties.
Ruvubu National Park
The largest national park in Burundi is Ruvubu, covering an area of more than 500 square kilometres. Established in 1980, this park is home to a variety of magnificent and majestic species, including crocodiles, buffalo, and hippos. The park is especially well-known for its diverse flora and wildlife, which may be found year-round, and for its large number of migrating birds. Due to the national importance placed on its conservation, humans have been forced to leave the park. The park is conveniently close to main routes and offers nice camping facilities.
Kibira National Park
Kibira National Park is located between 1,500 and 2,600 metres above sea level. The park, which has long been regarded as a sacred hunting area for the nation’s rulers, is dominated by primitive rainforest. Today, though, it acts as one more wildlife sanctuary in Burundi, offering a safe refuge to a variety of animals. The forest and its many water sources provide food and habitat for chimpanzees, baboons, and over 200 different species of birds. Occasionally, visitors will make a halt at the park while travelling to or from the enormous tea estates that give Teza its name.
Lake Tanganyika
Burundi has the chance to have a freshwater beach because Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake. This lake’s beaches entice people looking for a peaceful getaway. The lake, which is the southernmost point of the Nile, provides chances for peaceful pursuits in addition to stunning vistas. The sandy shores of this lake may not be as nice as the ocean and seashores found in other parts of East Africa, but they are still really nice for vacationers and leisure travellers to this stunning nation. Relax on the beaches, swim in the glistening lake Tanganyika, and experience the peace that characterises this marvel of nature.
Chutes De La Kerera
This location is home to four breathtaking waterfalls known as the Chutes De la Kerera. A stroll amongst the tumbling streams is possible. Because the four waterfalls in this location vary in height, visitors should use caution.
Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve
An additional superb site to witness Burundi’s astounding variety of flora and fauna. The reserve is made up of more than 8,000 acres of grassland, forest, and shrubland. In addition, birdwatchers will find the lake to be an excellent location. There are simply too many stunning and unique birds that visit this lake to mention them all. Agriculture and falling water levels are having a significant influence on the reserve, despite conservation efforts. For the time being, nevertheless, tourists visiting Burundi shouldn’t overlook the reserve.
Kigwena Natural Forest
Situated in the Rumonge commune, the Kigwena Natural Forest spans around 3,000 hectares. Entering this forest is a wonderful adventure in and of itself. The woodland is home to a variety of bird and butterfly species, as well as baboons and monkeys. The nation’s Environmental & Conservation Institute provides narrated tours of wooded areas. The capital of colonial Burundi was located at the second-largest city on the country’s territory today.
Gitega National Museum
Among the numerous notable attractions in the city is the Gitega National Museum, which holds an astounding assortment of artefacts and antiquities from Burundi’s past. Gitega welcomes guests and provides a large selection of hotels at various pricing points. A common overnight stop on safari excursions is the city.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary
Gishora is seven kilometres from Gitega, and King Gisabo built it on a hill. The main draw of Gishora is the drum sanctuary, which is also a frequent stop for safaris. The drums have been important to Burundi throughout its history; they are usually made for and played at royal celebrations. The sanctuary is an excellent resource for learning about this aspect of Burundian culture and for viewing the construction of a scale model of a royal palace.
Mount Heha
Mount Heha, the country’s highest peak, is a member of the Burundi Highlands mountain range. At 2,864 metres, the mountain is a good challenge for anyone wishing to summit and is popular for trekking. The most practical place to utilise as a base before beginning the ascent of the mountain is Bujumbura, which is pretty near to the peak.
Saga Beach
Burundi’s Saga Beach refutes the idea that a nation must have a coastline in order to enjoy stunning beaches. Despite not having the appearance of a picture-perfect Mediterranean beach, this section of Lake Tanganyika’s shoreline is a great place to cool off in the warm waters of the lake. The country’s capital is easily accessible from the seashore in a short distance. Since everyone in the area visits the beach on the weekends, it’s the best time to visit.
Things to do in Burundi
Tour Bujumbura
Bujumbura is a vibrant city with excellent food, drinks, and entertainment at night. The previous capital and centre of government of Burundi, an East African landlocked nation, was Bujumbura. The city, which has an estimated 800,000 residents, is situated on Lake Tanganyika’s northern shore. It is the nation’s largest metropolis and its centre of both the economy and culture. The nation’s principal port and the hub for local produce trade are located in the city. Furthermore, it functions as a hub for the regional movement of commodities and services.
The largest university in the nation, the University of Burundi, is located there. A variety of athletic and cultural events are also held in the city, including the Bujumbura International Film Festival, the Bujumbura Marathon, and the Bujumbura International Cultural Festival.
Visit Lake Tanganyika
Snuggle up on the Lake Tanganyika shoreline with a warm Mukeke. Certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation is Lake Tanganyika, which is the longest freshwater lake in the world and one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Although the lake is bordered by Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it’s typically one of the most visited locations in Bujumbura. This area is also home to some excellent resorts and hotels. There are several beach areas around the lake where visitors can spend the day relaxing in the sun and visiting local eateries and cafes. But if you happen to spot a hippopotamus napping close to you in the sweltering Burundian sun, don’t be alarmed! These stunning creatures, who are usually not aggressive, occasionally leave the lakes to unwind on the sand.
Visit Karera Waterfalls
Four waterfalls in Burundi’s Rutana province are together referred to as the Karera Waterfalls, or Chutes de la Karera. Travel packages to Burundi usually include this destination. The first waterfall you reach is the most beautiful of the four. You are allowed to leave your car there. Nyakai II, the smallest of the four falls, is located upstream and is an excellent place to stop for an unplanned shower.The largest waterfall in the area, Karera Falls, gets its name from this creek, which connects to Mwaro Falls. They are among Burundi’s most breathtaking natural treasures, standing about 70 metres tall.
Visit the Source of the Nile.
Regarding the origin of the Nile, there is a lot of speculation. The true source of the Nile has been disputed; some claim Uganda, while others identify a little spring near Bujumbura. If you’re in the vicinity, it’s worth viewing the pyramid that honours the start of the River Nile. If you don’t have advance reservations for a tour or transportation, visiting the site alone could be challenging. It is located near Kasumo, which is around 115 kilometres southeast of Bujumbura.
Go Bird Watching
Burundi is a fantastic location for bird watching, with parks, forests, and even lakes. In the Lake Rwihinda Nature Reserve, also called the Bird Lake, near Kirundo in northern Burundi, birdwatchers can spot a variety of species in their native habitats, including the African Fish Eagle, Egret, Lesser kestrel, Great snipe, and many more. Favoured as well, especially by the prehistoric Burundian people who regarded the Bururi Forest Nature Reserve as the link between heaven and earth. This ancient house of worship, which has been expertly preserved by the local populace, offers visitors the chance to observe the amazing flora and fauna of this nation in their native habitat.
Watch the Intore Dancers in Kirundo
Kirundo is ideal for those seeking privacy and tranquilly because it is the place where they discover reservoirs like Cohoha and the Bird Lake via kayak. Those who would rather observe Africa’s birds learning about their traditional ways will find the lakes to be perfect. You’ll like the intriguing varieties of well-known dance performances and the drummers’ and dancers’ ancestors’ rhythms from Intore. It’s uncommon because dancers choose the beat rather than performers choosing the dancers.
Visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary
In Burundi, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a well-known drum location. When visiting Burundi, this is one of the cultural sites you should see. Any schedule for a trip to Burundi must include this. In Burundi, drum displays may be seen almost anywhere, but Gishora distinguishes out for a very special reason: its history. The Burundi Drum is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, yes. Seven kilometres from Gitega town, Gishora is situated 200 metres on the left side of the Gitega-Ngozi Road. You have most likely never visited Burundi in person if you miss this thrilling show! Both locals and tourists can now see The Royal Drummers of Burundi, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Best Time to Visit Burundi
The dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February, is the ideal time of year to travel to Burundi. The weather is usually nice, dry, sunny, and somewhat warm during these months. The country’s natural splendour can be explored, national parks can be visited, and wildlife safaris can be undertaken during the dry season. It’s important to remember, though, that Burundi’s weather is erratic and that there is a chance of severe rains at any time of year, particularly in the highlands. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before to making travel plans. It’s also crucial to remember that Burundi’s political and security environment can change quickly, so it’s advised to read the most recent travel advisories and proceed with caution if you want to visit.