Its capital is Gitega and the main economic hub is Bujumbura. The human population of Burundi is about 14 million. Burundi is endowed with more than 4,555 wildlife species. These include 203 mammal species, 597 bird specie, 89 reptile species, 49 amphibian species, 300 fish species and 2,909 vascular plants.

In Burundi, you will enjoy a range of activities as a visitor. These offer great moments that you will never forget. These include,

Karera waterfalls

The Karera waterfalls are situated near the town of Rutana and about 70 km south of Gitega. Falling around 80 m to the bottom, these series of waterfalls have 3-4 main waterfalls and numerous other smaller ones. You can enjoy viewing the beautiful trees, lianas, fresh clean water and numerous bird species around Karera waterfalls. The Karera waterfalls is also a place of both spiritual and cultural significance. You can also view the rocky surfaces and a cave. You can also go for swimming in the tranquil waters inside the pool.

Rusizi National Park

This is the only Ramsar site found in western Burundi and spans almost 107 km². Rusizi National Park was created in 1980. Rusizi National Park is strategically situated close to Bujumbura and both River Rusizi from Lake Kivu and Lake Tanganyika. Rusizi National Park has a permanent inland delta, and a number of lakes, rivers and marshes. Go for a game drive or nature walk here. You will get the opportunity to see around 6 species of large mammals, 12 reptile species, 90 fish species and 193 plant species.

The large animals to see here includes crocodiles, sitatungas, hippopotamuses and various fresh water migratory bird species. Fish species here include cichlids, catfishes, and clupeidae etc. Additionally, Rusizi National Park is a bird paradise, with over 120 breeding bird species and about 90 migratory bird species calling the place home. Birds include white-winged tern, little grebe, marabou stork, little ringed plover, striated heron, dwarf bittern, rufous bellied heron, brown chested lapwing, lesser jacana, African rail, African crake and African skimmer.

Ruvubu National Park

Ruvubu National Park in the east of Burundi occupies around 509 km² near the Tanzanian border. You will get beautiful views of the savannah woodland, savannah grassland, marshes and forests etc. Your safari in Ruvubu National Park will ensure that you see a variety of wildlife. Ruvubu National Park is endowed with 44 mammal species, 121 bird species and 14 reptile species. The mammal species include leopards, wild dogs, Defassa waterbucks, African buffaloes, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and hippopotamus etc.

Your birding tour will provide opportunities to see the following birds, mountain illadopsis, Miombo rock-thrush, amethyst sunbird, pale flycatcher, red-collared widowbird, black-throated canary, barn owl, Ross’s turaco, tambourine dove, freckled nightjar black-backed puffback and rufous bellied heron.

Visit to the source of the River Nile

Located in Rutovu, just 120 km southeast of Bujumbura, this is the southernmost source of the Nile River, the longest on earth. While on this captivating visit, you will witness the Gasumo site. In this remotest source of the Nile Delta, you will see a symbolic white pyramid. This was erected by the Geographic Institute of Burundi. You will take your exciting pictures of this and spring of water for future memories. Other highlights here include the tropical rainforest, where you will see a number of birds and insects etc.

The entire Gasumo site is also historically and culturally significant to the locals. Therefore, you might love a guided cultural visit to see the local communities. This is an exciting time to witness the unique cultural tapestry while sampling the local cuisine. Gain as much knowledge as possible about these people’s way of life. This includes farming, marriage, and entertainment etc. Appreciate their connection to the source of the Nile and what they do to conserve this natural wonder.

Gishora Drum Sanctuary

This unique cultural and historical site is situated about 9 km from Gitega. It was established by King Mwezi Gisabo, the last independent ruler of Burundi before colonization by the Germans. Just listening to this historical fact alone makes it a very interesting tour site. However, there are other highlights at the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. You will be entertained by powerful royal drummers and dancers dressed in clothes with colors of the Burundian flag. Take pictures and try out some of their energetic dance moves that will enhance your fitness.

City tour

Explore Bujumbura, a city situated on the edge of Lake Tanganyika. This is an opportunity to interact with the local urban population. You can also tour the central market. Here, you are presented with the opportunity of purchasing craft items, textile and food etc. Go to the Living Museum of Bujumbura and enjoy the wildlife there as well as cultural encounters. You can visit the Islam Cultural Center, to see the mosque with its unique architectural design. You can also join the believers for prayers. Learn about the history of the center among other things.

You can also enjoy a visit to the Bujumbura City Hall. Tour the Office of the President and learn about the previous Presidents of Burundi, including the current, H.E. Evariste Ndayishimye. Take pictures about the building. You can also visit the National Museum of Gitega. This is another opportunity to learn about the various aspects of Burundian culture. Learn about the museum’s construction during the time of the Belgian Colonial masters, and why the wide range of historical artefacts are kept there.

Beach tours at Lake Tanganyika

Do not miss a memorable tour on any of Lake Tanganyika’s beaches. This is the world’s second deepest lake and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. In Burundi, Lake Tanganyika occupies about 3,871 km² of its land. Beaches to choose for a tour include Croco, Saga and Kiboko. A safari here offers opportunities for relaxation, fishing, sunbathing, wildlife viewing (hippos and birds) and photography/filming etc. Enjoy the various sports on the beach including volleyball, football, swimming, boat cruise, kite surfing, and skiing etc.

Hiking Mount. Kilimanjaro

You can also go for a hiking tour in Tanzania, where you will climb the highest mountain in Africa. Standing at an impressive 5,895 meters above sea level, you will need at least 7 days to hike this dormant volcano in northern part of Tanzania. Along the way, you can see wildlife including mammals, birds and numerous plant species.