Burundi is a captivating safari destination that offers a mixture of wildlife, culture and natural beauty. With diverse ecosystems and verdant biodiversity, Burundi’s wildlife safaris are gaining popularity. Visitors can explore very enjoyable national parks that include Kibira and Ruvubu to encounter a variety of wildlife species such as chimpanzees, hippos, elephants and a myriad bird species.

People that take Burundi safaris can explore the mentioned wildlife in the lush rainforests, savannahs, lakes, wetlands, etc.

City Tours in Burundi

Besides the country’s natural wonders, Bujumbura is Burundi’s capital city and endowed with a variety of cultural and historical attractions that can be explored by visitors. Bujumbura city tours offer glimpses into Burundi’s rich heritage and vibrant local cultures. These are highlighted by visits to the beautiful Presidential Palace, Independence Monument and lively Central Market.

While visitors interact with the local hospitable people, they can also admire and purchase the lovely local crafts and souvenirs among others.

Burundi Cultural Tours

Burundi offers a deeper understanding of the country’s wide range of ethnic groups and unique cultural heritage. Visitors can explore various sites to gain insight into Burundi’s past and present including the pre-colonial history, colonial period and post-independence era. Visitors can enjoy these cultural tours through interactive displays and guided tours as follows;

Gitega National Museum; in Gitega city is Burundi’s largest public museum that was established in 1955 by the Belgian colonial government as a significant cultural institution to showcase the country’s history, culture and art. Gitega National Museum offers visitors an opportunity to see a collection of traditional craft items, royal artefacts and archaeological discoveries and others.

Gishora Drum Sanctuary; located near Gitega and a sacred site where visitors can see the ancient royal drums that are very important for Burundian culture and tradition. Visitors to the site can also enjoy the captivating drumming performances by local musicians while gaining insight into the cultural significance of drumming ceremonies in Burundian society.

Lake Tanganyika Beach Tours

Burundi’s natural beauty is not complete without mentioning the stunning lakeshores of Lake Tanganyika and its pleasant beach tours. These sandy beaches offer visitors tranquil and pristine sites to swim in clean waters while observing the lovely surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also engage in water sporting activities such as snorkelling, diving and water skiing among others on Lake Tanganyika.

The best time to visit Burundi for Safaris

While planning your Burundi safaris, ensure that you are adequately informed that the best time to visit the country generally depends on the weather patterns and wildlife behavior. The dry seasons especially from June to September are typically the best time to go to Burundi for safaris. The weather conditions during this period are generally dry and sunny, making it easier to spot wildlife gathered in the scarce water sources. The temperatures are relatively cooler during the dry season thus suitable for outdoor events especially game drives and hiking tours.

Also, the vegetation cover tends to be less dense during the dry seasons to enhance visibility. Since chances of rainfall is low during the dry season, the roads are usually dry, thus allowing for smooth navigation and better access to the different parts of the Burundi’s national parks. June and July also coincide with the birthing season for many mammals including antelopes and zebras, thus leading to increased opportunities to encounter younglings. This period also brings in an influx of migratory bird species that add diversity of wildlife sightings.

The rainy seasons from October to November and from March to May cause muddy roads and decreased visibility in the national parks. Nevertheless, they bring luxurious vegetation cover and plenty of water sources which can be picturesque. This forces visitors to have as much patience and flexibility as possible since wildlife disperse across larger areas to access water. However, a visitor will have fun and satisfaction once they encounter the wildlife during the rainy season.

Popular Safari National Parks in Burundi

Kibira National Park.

In the northeastern part of Burundi occupies a total of over 400 square kilometers of land. With a diversity of landscapes, Kibira National Park is composed of montane, riverine and bamboo forests. There are also hills and valleys with wetland ecosystems. These house a variety of wildlife species, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, mountain monkeys, owl-faced monkeys and olive baboons etc.

Other mammals in Kibira include duikers, bushbucks that can be viewed by the visitors. Visitors can also enjoy guided nature walks, birding tours and community visits among others.

Rusizi National Park.

In western Burundi, this park spans a total land area of 90 square kilometers near Rusizi River. Rusizi national park is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Rusizi is also located on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, which is Africa’s deepest lake. Wildlife species in Rusizi National Park include hippos, sitatungas, crocodiles and a myriad bird species etc. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing tours, birding tours, boat safaris, hiking tours and sport fishing activities among other tourist activities here.

Ruvubu National Park.

This covers around 508 square kilometers in northeastern Burundi and is home to a wide range of landscapes that are dominated by savannah grasslands. The park is home to numerous wildlife species including hippos, elephants, buffalos, antelopes and a myriad coloful bird species etc. Predators include lions, leopards, crocodiles, hyenas and jackals among others. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birding and hiking safaris among others.