The 7-Day Burundi Exploring Tour is a real chance to discover the best of Burundi. It mixes wildlife viewing with local culture and community visits. The trip starts with animal watching at Rusizi National Park, then a walking tour of the Livingstone-Stanley Monument and palm oil plantation.
Next is a fishing experience in Rumonge, followed by a trek with local chimpanzees in Bururi Forest Nature Reserve. You will also see Karera Falls and the German Faults before finishing with visits to the Gitega National Museum and Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Finally, you will be taken to Bujumbura Airport.
Day 1: Arrival and Bujumbura City Tour
When you arrive at Bujumbura International Airport, your driver guide will meet you, greet you, and share details about the day’s plan. Then you will be taken to your accommodation.
If you arrive early in the morning, you may choose to take a city tour of Bujumbura.
Day 2: Wildlife Viewing at Rusizi National Park and Livingstone-Stanley Monument
After breakfast, drive about 10 minutes northwest of Bujumbura city to reach Rusizi National Park. The park is crossed by the Rusizi River, which is a good home for many birds and hippos. The park is close to the DR Congo border and is one of the best natural places to visit here.
During your game drive, you may see monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles, and many local birds. After lunch, visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument to learn about Burundi’s history and culture.
On November 25, 1871, David Livingstone, a Christian missionary in Africa, met Henry Stanley at this monument. Later, return to your hotel for the rest of the day and night.
Day 3: Travel to Rumonge and City Tour
After breakfast, travel about 2 hours through beautiful landscapes to Rumonge, the fourth largest city in Burundi. Rumonge lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in the south.
When you arrive, you will see a large palm oil plantation covering much of the area. You will learn how palm oil is made, from the farm to the final product.
After lunch, take a city tour of Rumonge. Discover how the Belgians used the city during colonial times. You will visit some old buildings that show the history of white settlers here. Stay overnight at Tanganyika Lodge.
Day 4: Lake Tanganyika and Local Cuisine Experience
After breakfast, visit Lake Tanganyika to see and taste Mukeke and Ndagara, two of Burundi’s favorite dishes. You will experience how these fish are prepared, from fresh to dried. Enjoy your meal and spend the night again at Tanganyika Lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Bururi Forest Nature Reserve
After breakfast, leave Rumonge and drive a short distance to Bururi. Here you will enter the Bururi Forest Nature Reserve, often called the bridge between heaven and earth because of its religious and cultural importance. The forest is home to many animals and plants.
On your way to the chimpanzee trek, you may see rare birds found only in the Albertine Rift Valley, such as the Apalis argentea, Kivu thrush, Ross’s turaco, and also red-tailed monkeys. Spend the night at Moonlight Hotel.
Day 6: Karera Waterfalls and German Fault
After breakfast, drive about two hours to Rutana. Arrive by 9 a.m. and visit Karera Waterfalls, which are split into four falls. The water here is said to have healing powers, and many visitors come to step into the water for health reasons. The natural beauty around the waterfalls is very peaceful.
After lunch, visit the Nyakazu Fault, also called the German Fault. This place has both historical and natural importance. It tells the story of how King Mwambutu’s soldiers resisted German forces. Learn how the Germans were defeated. Return to Rutana and stay overnight at Helena Hotel.
Day 7: Culture and Drum Sanctuary Visit, Departure
After breakfast, visit the National Museum of Gitega to learn about Burundi’s culture. Then go to the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, where royal drummers will welcome you.
Watch how quickly they jump and how skilled they are. You will have the chance to learn to drum and dance. After lunch, you will be taken to Gitega International Airport to catch your flight home, carrying wonderful memories of your trip.
