4 Days Rusizi National Park and Kibira Forest Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura and Rusizi National Park Wildlife Experience

Your safari begins with arrival in Bujumbura, where your Verdant Safaris guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and having time to refresh, you will begin your first wildlife experience with a visit to Rusizi National Park, situated only a short distance from central Bujumbura. You will explore the park’s wetlands and riverine environment while looking out for hippos, antelopes, crocodiles and numerous species of colourful waterbirds. The park is particularly known for its hippos and rich birdlife around the Rusizi delta, making it an excellent introduction to Burundi’s natural heritage. Your guide will explain the vegetation, wildlife and ecological importance of the wetlands as you explore the area at a relaxed pace. After the excursion, you will return to Bujumbura for dinner and overnight accommodation, with an opportunity to relax beside Lake Tanganyika.

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options in Bujumbura:

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

Day 2: Bujumbura to Kibira National Park via Teza Tea Plantations

After breakfast, you will leave Bujumbura and begin your journey towards Kibira National Park, travelling through Burundi’s scenic highlands. The route takes you towards the Congo-Nile range, with changing landscapes as you climb from the lower areas around Bujumbura into cooler highland terrain. Along the way, you will pass the impressive tea plantations around Teza, an area recognised by Burundi’s tourism authorities for its lush green scenery and proximity to Kibira Forest. You will have an opportunity to stop for photographs and appreciate the carefully cultivated tea fields before continuing towards the park. Upon reaching the Kibira area, you will check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch before an introductory nature walk around the surrounding landscape. Your guide will introduce you to the forest ecosystem and explain the importance of Kibira as part of the Congo and Nile watershed. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for the following day’s forest adventure.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options around Kibira National Park:

• Rwegura area guesthouse or lodge
• Teza area lodge or guesthouse
• Selected local accommodation near Kibira National Park

Day 3: Kibira National Park Forest Walk and Wildlife Exploration

After breakfast, you will begin a guided exploration of Kibira National Park, one of Burundi’s most important rainforest ecosystems. The park is situated at approximately 1,500 to 2,660 metres above sea level and covers about 40,000 hectares of protected rainforest. You will follow a suitable forest trail with a ranger, moving through dense vegetation while listening for the calls of forest birds and watching carefully for wildlife. Kibira is home to around 98 mammal species and several primate species, including chimpanzees, baboons, tailed monkeys and black colobus monkeys, as well as around 200 bird species. Your forest experience will focus on nature observation, birdwatching, photography and learning about the ecological role of this important rainforest. You may also visit the Rwegura area, where the hydroelectric dam provides impressive views and a suitable place for a scenic rest or picnic. After your forest adventure, return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the highland atmosphere.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options around Kibira National Park:

• Rwegura area guesthouse or lodge
• Teza area lodge or guesthouse
• Selected local accommodation near Kibira National Park

Day 4: Kibira Forest to Bujumbura and Departure

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back towards Bujumbura, enjoying the changing scenery as you descend from the Congo-Nile highlands towards the Lake Tanganyika basin. Depending on your departure time, you can make a short scenic stop around the Teza or Rwegura area to take photographs and enjoy your final views of the highland landscape. You will continue towards Bujumbura, with your guide providing additional information about the communities, agriculture and landscapes encountered along the route. Once in the city, you will have lunch and, if your flight schedule permits, some free time for a final lakeside experience or souvenir shopping. Bujumbura is situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and provides a convenient final setting for your Burundi adventure. Your guide will then transfer you to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport or your preferred onward destination in time for your departure. This marks the end of your 4 Days Rusizi National Park and Kibira Forest Safari with Verdant Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)