7 Days Ultimate Burundi Cultural and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura, City Tour and Lake Tanganyika

Your adventure begins with arrival in Bujumbura, where your Verdant Safaris guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and having some time to refresh, you will begin an introductory city tour to discover the atmosphere and character of Burundi’s main lakeside city. You will visit selected cultural attractions and may explore the Living Museum of Bujumbura, which presents aspects of traditional crafts, music, nature and Burundian heritage. Later, you will continue towards the shores of Lake Tanganyika for your first opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe local activities around the lakeshore. You can spend time taking photographs, relaxing beside the water and learning about the importance of the lake to communities in the region. In the evening, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options:

• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Kiriri Garden Hotel
• Hôtel Martha

Day 2: Rusizi National Park Wildlife and Birdwatching

After breakfast, you will travel to Rusizi National Park, located close to Bujumbura, for your first major wildlife experience. The park protects an important wetland ecosystem associated with the Rusizi River and is known for its population of hippos, diverse mammals and abundant birdlife. You will explore the park with your guide, keeping watch for hippos, antelopes, crocodiles and different species of wetland birds. The Rusizi delta provides an excellent setting for birdwatching and nature photography, with the surrounding vegetation adding to the experience. Your guide will explain the relationship between the river, wetlands and Lake Tanganyika while pointing out wildlife and interesting plant species along the way. After lunch, you will continue with wildlife observation before returning towards Bujumbura. You will spend the evening relaxing at your hotel and enjoying dinner after your first full day of wildlife exploration.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options:

• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Kiriri Garden Hotel
• Safari Gate Hotel

Day 3: Bujumbura to Gitega, National Museum and Gishora Drummers

After breakfast, you will leave Bujumbura and travel towards Gitega, enjoying beautiful views of Burundi’s rolling hills, cultivated countryside and rural communities. As you move inland, the landscape changes from the lowlands around Lake Tanganyika to the cooler central highlands. Upon arrival in Gitega, you will visit the National Museum of Gitega, also known as the Mwami National Museum, where you can explore ethnographic and archaeological collections representing different aspects of Burundi’s history and heritage. After lunch, you will continue to Gishora Drum Sanctuary, situated approximately seven kilometres from Gitega. Gishora is one of Burundi’s most famous traditional percussion sites, where you can attend a performance and learn about the historical and cultural significance of the royal drums. You will then return to your hotel in Gitega for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options in Gitega:

• Tropitel Hotel Gitega
• Helena Hotel
• Hotel New Agena

Day 4: Gitega to Kibira National Park, Teza Tea Plantations and Forest Adventure

After breakfast, you will leave Gitega and travel towards Kibira National Park, passing through the impressive highland scenery and tea plantations around Teza and Rwegura. These tea-growing landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography and give you an insight into an important part of Burundi’s agricultural heritage. Kibira National Park is situated along the Congo-Nile range at elevations of approximately 1,500 to 2,660 metres and protects a vast rainforest ecosystem. On reaching the park, you will meet your local ranger and begin a guided forest exploration along an appropriate trail. You can look for primates, forest birds and other wildlife while learning about the vegetation and ecological importance of the rainforest. The park is home to numerous mammals, around a dozen primate groups and approximately 200 bird species. After the forest experience, you will continue to your accommodation in the Kibira area for dinner and overnight rest.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options:

• Rwegura area guesthouse or lodge
• Teza area guesthouse or lodge
• Busekera area community accommodation

Day 5: Kibira National Park Primate and Forest Exploration

After breakfast, you will return into Kibira National Park for an extended nature and primate experience. Your local ranger will guide you along an appropriate forest trail, giving you more time to explore the rainforest and search for its wildlife. Kibira provides habitat for primates including chimpanzees, baboons, tailed monkeys and black colobus monkeys, although sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed. You will spend time listening for bird calls, observing forest vegetation and learning about the streams and rivers that originate in this important watershed. Depending on the permitted route and prevailing conditions, you may also visit the Rwegura hydroelectric dam, which is identified by Burundi’s tourism authority as an access point and scenic attraction. After your forest adventure, you will return to the accommodation for lunch and some relaxation before dinner. The evening provides an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful highland environment and prepare for your return towards Bujumbura the following day.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options:

• Rwegura area guesthouse or lodge
• Teza area guesthouse or lodge
• Busekera area community accommodation

Day 6: Kibira National Park to Bujumbura, Lake Tanganyika and Final Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will begin your journey from the Kibira highlands towards Bujumbura, enjoying the changing scenery as you descend towards Lake Tanganyika. You will have opportunities to stop for photographs along the route, particularly around the tea-growing landscapes and other scenic viewpoints. On reaching Bujumbura, you will enjoy lunch before continuing with your final sightseeing activities. Depending on your schedule, you may visit the Stanley and Livingstone Site near the Mugere River, approximately 14 kilometres from Bujumbura, where a monument commemorates the explorers’ 1871 journey along Lake Tanganyika. The site also provides beautiful views towards the calm waters of Lake Tanganyika. You can then return to Bujumbura for your final evening, with time to relax, shop for locally made crafts or enjoy a lakeside experience. Burundi is known for traditional crafts including basketry, pottery, masks, jewellery and other handmade products, providing interesting options for souvenirs.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options:

• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Kiriri Garden Hotel
• Safari Gate Hotel

Day 7: Bujumbura Final Experience and Departure

After breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxed final morning in Bujumbura before beginning your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, you can take a final walk around an appropriate part of the city or spend some peaceful time along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. You may also have time to visit a local craft centre or market where you can purchase handmade baskets, pottery, jewellery and other locally produced souvenirs. Burundi’s craft traditions include basketry, masks, statues, shields and pottery, making local crafts an interesting reminder of your cultural experience. After lunch, your guide will collect you and transfer you to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in time for your onward flight. The final schedule will be arranged around your confirmed departure time to allow a comfortable airport transfer. Your 7 Days Ultimate Burundi Cultural and Wildlife Safari with Verdant Safaris then comes to an end, leaving you with memories of Burundi’s wildlife, rainforest, cultural traditions, highlands and Lake Tanganyika.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)