10 Days Across Burundi Wildlife Safari Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura and Lake Tanganyika Experience

Your 10 Days Across Burundi Wildlife Safari Adventure begins with arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, where you will meet your Verdant Safaris guide and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, you will begin exploring Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital and an important gateway to the country’s western attractions. You will visit selected city landmarks and enjoy an introduction to local life, markets and the relaxed atmosphere of the lakeside city. In the afternoon, you will head towards the shores of Lake Tanganyika for time to enjoy the scenery and fresh lakeside atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront or relax at one of the city’s lakeside facilities. The evening will be spent at your hotel with an opportunity to discuss the exciting wildlife and cultural experiences planned for the days ahead.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Kiriri Garden Hotel, Hotel Martha, Hotel Safari Gate.

Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Rusizi National Park Wildlife and Birdwatching Safari

After breakfast, you will drive towards Rusizi National Park, one of Burundi’s most accessible wildlife areas, located close to Bujumbura. The protected area is particularly known for its wetlands, riverine habitats, hippos and colourful birdlife. You will take a guided exploration of the park and its surrounding wetlands, watching for hippos along the waterways and observing birds moving through the marshes and palm-covered landscapes. Your guide will explain the importance of the Rusizi ecosystem and its relationship with Lake Tanganyika. Depending on local conditions and ranger availability, a boat-based wildlife experience can be arranged to provide another perspective of the wetland environment. After lunch, you will continue with nature observation before returning to Bujumbura for an evening of relaxation.

Accommodation: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Kiriri Garden Hotel, Hotel Martha.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Bujumbura to Gitega, Cultural Heritage and Royal Drummers

After breakfast, you will leave Bujumbura and travel towards Gitega, Burundi’s political capital and an important centre of the country’s cultural heritage. Along the way, you will enjoy views of Burundi’s rolling hills, cultivated countryside and changing landscapes as you move into the central highlands. On arrival in Gitega, you will visit the National Museum to learn about Burundi’s history, traditions and cultural development. Later, you will continue to Gishora, one of the country’s most renowned traditional drumming sites. Gishora is famous for its royal drums and performances by traditional percussionists, making this one of the most memorable cultural experiences on the itinerary. You will have time to appreciate the music, dancing and cultural stories before returning to your accommodation in Gitega for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Jerusalem Hotel Gitega, Helena Hôtel, Bethel Hotel, Étoile du Centre.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Gitega to Ruvubu National Park Wildlife Safari

Today you will travel towards northeastern Burundi and Ruvubu National Park, the country’s largest protected ecosystem, covering more than 50,000 hectares. The journey takes you through rural landscapes and communities before reaching the park area. After lunch, you will begin your first wildlife exploration, travelling through the park’s savannah and woodland habitats with an experienced guide. Ruvubu is known for wildlife including buffalo, antelopes, monkeys and hippos, although sightings depend on seasonal and local conditions. You will have opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and observe the landscape while your guide explains the ecology of the park. As evening approaches, you will return to your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the atmosphere of northeastern Burundi.

Accommodation Options: Gîte de Gasave, Safari Lodge in Muyinga, La Girafe in Karuzi, Kwiteka in Karuzi.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Full-Day Ruvubu National Park Wildlife Adventure

You will rise early today for a full day of wildlife exploration in Ruvubu National Park. An early start provides a good opportunity to explore the park before the heat of the day, when wildlife activity can be more noticeable. You will follow guided routes through the savannah and woodland, keeping watch for buffalo, antelopes, monkeys and other species found within the protected ecosystem. Your guide will also help you identify different bird species, vegetation and signs of wildlife along the route. A picnic lunch can be enjoyed at an appropriate designated location, allowing you to remain within the park for longer. In the afternoon, you will continue exploring selected areas before returning to your accommodation as the sun begins to lower over the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation Options: Gîte de Gasave, Safari Lodge in Muyinga, La Girafe in Karuzi, Kwiteka in Karuzi.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Ruvubu to Gitega and Onward to Kibira National Park

After breakfast, you will leave the Ruvubu region and begin travelling westwards towards the central highlands and Kibira National Park. The journey gives you another opportunity to appreciate Burundi’s green hills, agricultural communities and rural landscapes. You will stop in Gitega for lunch before continuing towards the Congo-Nile range. As you approach Kibira, the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous and forested. You will pass through the impressive tea-growing landscapes around Teza, one of the attractions highlighted by Burundi’s tourism authorities. On arrival near the Kibira area, you will check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening, preparing for the following day’s rainforest adventure.

Accommodation Options: Green Park Hotel, Teza Mount Residency, Baze Lodge, Chalet la Concorde.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Kibira National Park Rainforest and Primate Adventure

Today is dedicated to exploring Kibira National Park, one of Burundi’s most important rainforest ecosystems. The park lies along the Congo-Nile range at elevations of approximately 1,500 to 2,660 metres and covers about 40,000 hectares. It is home to numerous mammal species, several types of primates and around 200 bird species according to the Burundi tourism authority. You will enter the forest with an experienced guide and ranger, following established routes through the dense vegetation. Your experience will focus on forest wildlife, birdwatching, plant identification and the sounds of the rainforest, with opportunities to look for primates where conditions permit. You may also explore areas around Rwegura and enjoy views associated with the reservoir and surrounding highlands. After a full day in the forest, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and rest.

Accommodation Options: Green Park Hotel, Teza Mount Residency, Baze Lodge, Chalet la Concorde.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Kibira to Bujumbura via Teza and Scenic Highlands

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey towards Bujumbura, making stops along the way to appreciate the highland scenery. You will have another opportunity to see the tea plantations around Teza, which provide a striking contrast to the surrounding rainforest and cultivated hills. Depending on local conditions, you may enjoy a short guided nature walk or scenic stop before continuing towards Bujumbura. After lunch, the road descends towards the western lowlands, offering changing views as the landscape moves from highland forest towards Lake Tanganyika. On reaching Bujumbura, you will check into your hotel and have time to relax. The evening can be spent enjoying the city’s restaurants, lakeside atmosphere or a quiet hotel evening.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Kiriri Garden Hotel, Hotel Martha.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Bujumbura to Rumonge, Kigwena Forest and Lake Tanganyika

After breakfast, you will travel south along the shores of Lake Tanganyika towards Rumonge, enjoying spectacular views of the lake and surrounding hills. You will visit the Livingstone and Stanley memorial area, associated with the historic meeting of the two explorers, before continuing towards the Kigwena Forest Reserve. Kigwena is a scenic forest reserve located on the western foothills of the Congo-Nile range, while the nearby Mugara hot springs provide an additional natural attraction. You will enjoy a guided nature experience in the forest, observing vegetation, birds and the surrounding landscape. Later, you will return towards the lakeshore for a relaxing afternoon beside Lake Tanganyika. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at your accommodation while reflecting on the wildlife, landscapes and cultural experiences of your Burundi safari.

Accommodation Options: Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, Tanganyika Lodge Urisanze, Fair Amount Hotel.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Return to Bujumbura and Departure

After breakfast, you will begin your final journey back towards Bujumbura, travelling along the scenic shores of Lake Tanganyika. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stop beside the lake or a short city experience before proceeding to the airport. You will have an opportunity to purchase locally made crafts or souvenirs where time permits, including traditional basketry and other examples of Burundi’s cultural craftsmanship. The journey back to Bujumbura provides one final opportunity to appreciate the changing landscapes of the country. Your Verdant Safaris guide will assist with your airport transfer and departure arrangements. At the airport, you will complete the necessary check-in procedures for your onward flight. This marks the end of your 10 Days Across Burundi Wildlife Safari Adventure with Verdant Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 10 Days Across Burundi Wildlife Safari Adventure