Burundi
Burundi Tour – The Heart of Africa – an 8 day Small Group Tour.
A small Central African state, bordered by Congo DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania, Burundi has in the past been overshadowed by tumultuous and tragic events beyond its frontiers. However, as an antidote to the safari-chic fantasy of upmarket east African game lodges Burundi is a refreshing reminder that the real wealth of the continent lies in its people, their culture, their resourcefulness and their energy. This is Africa.
This 8 day exploration of Burundi delves deep in to the culture, history and natural beauty of the country.
Visit Rusizi National Park, a wetland that is home to a vast array of birdlife as well as Hippo and Sitatungas. We visit Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest fresh water lake and home to the cichlid species of fresh water fish many of which are unique to this lake.
If we are lucky we may get to view the famous Drummers of Burundi, a ritual dance that those who witness will never forget.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Bujumbura
Arrive in Bujumbura and transfer to hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is left at leisure to relax after your flight. Overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar. No meals nor guided arrangements included today.
Day 2 – Bujumbura
Today, Rusizi National Park’s wetlands form an ideal habitat for hippos, water-adapted Sitatunga antelope, and a wide variety of birds. Taking a boat trip on the Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika, there’s time to visit a nearby fishing village. Later, we explore a little-known and intriguing African capital. Learn about pre- and post-colonial history, and some of the challenges Burindi has faced. Later, we tour the suburb of Kinama, gaining insight into daily life. Overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar. (BL)
Day 3 – Bujumbura – Teza Tea Plantations- Kibira Nature Walk
Today, we drive to Teza to see the tea plantations and observe one of the main products the country exports and Burundian tea production. Later we take a nature walk around Kibira National Park. In the afternoon, we drive back to Bujumbura. Overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar. (BL)
Day 4 – Ijenda - Rumonge – Resha
Our first stop is ‘La Pierre de Livingstone et Stanley’, a stone monument claiming to mark the site where explorer Dr. David Livingstone met journalist Henry Morton Stanley, on 25th November 1871. At Rumonge there’s a first-hand opportunity to explore the increasingly contentious production of palm oil, before continuing to Resha for the night. Overnight at Tanganyika Blue Bay or similar. (BL)
Day 5 – Resha - Lake Tanganyika – Nyakuza – Karera - Gitega
We continue to visit the southernmost source of the Nile in Rutovu near Rutana, only discovered in 1937. Continue to Visit the ‘Gorge of the Germans’ at Nyakazu before heading to the ‘Chutes de la Karera’, an impressive series of waterfalls said locally to have healing powers. Afterward, drive to the town of Gitega. Overnight at Hotel Tropitel or similar. (BL)
Day 6 – Gitega – Kirundo
The country’s largest city, since January 2019 Gitega is again Burundi’s official capital. We visit the National Museum, a rather down-at-heel institution that nonetheless houses the country’s largest historical and ethnographic collection – in one room… However, museums and political administration are not Gitega’s headline acts. That billing rests with the world-famous Gitega Drummers whose performance on the royal field of Gishora is a sight not to be missed. Later, we transfer to Kirundo for the night. In the evening, we will visit the Intore Warrior Dancers for a show. During the royal times, the Intore warriors defended the King and paraded in dance before the delighted people when returning from victory. The dancer wears the skin of a leopard and an elaborate headdress, bells on their ankles, and a necklace of ivory. Overnight at Rama Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 7 – Kirundo - Bujumbura
Today it’s an early start for a sunrise trip by dugout canoe on Le Lac aux Oiseaux in Lake Rwihinda National Reserve. After a picnic lunch, we drive back to Bujumbura for an overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika. (BL)
Day 8 – Bujumbura - Airport - Departure from Burundi
After breakfast, drive to the handcrafts market “Chez Natalie” to buy last-minute souvenirs for family and friends back home. Relax at the beach enjoy lunch then after, transfer to the airport for onward or homeward flights at the end of our Burundi tour. (BL)
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Minimum Group Size
The Burundi tour operates subject to a minimum group size of 2 travellers.
Flights
Return flights from London to Bujumbura start from £620. Please contact us for a quotation.
Single Supplement
The Burundi tour single supplement starts from £359.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation
- Services of English speaking guide / tour leader
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Drinks