Bujumbura is the capital city of Burundi located in the western region of the country on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The lake offers stunning beaches of pristine white sands, presenting the best sceneries for holidaymakers. Burundi over the years has not had the best of ways regarding peace and security. However, among the many challenges the country has faced, it has managed to thrive and develop slowly.
Historically, Burundi developed in the 16th century as a small state in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The Germans were the first colonizers of this nation when it was still called Ruanda-Urundi. Why was it called Ruanda-Urundi, someone may ask? Well, this is because Ruanda-Urundi was one nation but later split to former the current Rwanda and Burundi. Belgians later took over the colonization of Ruanda-Urundi from the Germans. When Ruanda-Urundi gained independence from their colonizers in 1962, they split into two nations Rwanda and Burundi.
The years that followed the independence of Burundi were full of instability and political turmoil. Burundi joined the East Africa Community in 2007 and this cooperation helped to bridge the gap of development since it created more market and trade with the other countries in this cooperation. These years saw the abolishment and change from monarchy and kingdom rule to a democracy and republic system. Burundi is currently a stable country slowly developing with some spanning features and wildlife that would fit in the bucket list of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Burundi is a formidable tourist destination worth giving attention to and is best described in this article.
What to see in Burundi?
Burundi is an incredible tourist destination that would suit and fulfill any desire of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Below is what to expect on your visit to Burundi.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is the major tourist attraction in Burundi. This lake stretches from Tanzania to Burundi and is the major source of water to the capital city Bujumbura. It is the longest lake in Africa and also the deepest. The transparent and calm waters of Tanganyika house the pristine white sand beaches on the shoreline. Several bars and restaurants populate the banks of the lake to give their client beautiful sceneries of the sun setting and rising from the lake.
Kibira National Park
Kibira National Park lies on the border with Rwanda close to the Nyungwe Forest National Park. This park is one of the major national parks in Burundi with several flora and fauna species. Before it was established, it was used as a hunting ground for the Kingdom.
A visit to Kibira National Park will open visitors to the world of primates like baboons, chimpanzees, over 200 bird species, mammals, reptiles, and several flora species that call this park their home. The beautiful scenery of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park can also be spotted.
Bujumbura city
Bujumbura City is the main capital of Burundi located in the western region of the country. Although Bujumbura city is relatively small in size, it showcases incredible scenes and offers visitors an opportunity to bond with the locals and learn about their culture. A visit to the city of Buji as the locals call it, gives a feeling of stepping back in time as it still portrays the ancient artifacts and architecture from the colonial era. The city has stood tall in the face of challenges with the many conflicts and instabilities it is still slowly developing.
Mount Heha
Located in the rural province of Bujumbura city, Mount Heha is the highest mountain in the country stretching to over 2,864 meters above sea level. A trekking safari to Mount Heha best fits nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Rusizi National Park
Rusizi National Park gets its name from River Rusizi which flows through the park bisecting into two sections. This river is the main water source for the large section of the park that hosts a large concentration of wildlife and birds. This is because of the vegetation and terrain of this section of the park since it is relatively flat with savannah grassland and scattered acacia trees.
The other section of the park lies at the entry point of Lake Tanganyika on the delta of River Rusizi. Rusizi National Park attracts several tourists every year for an unforgettable safari experience. The birders are also thought about as the park hosts incredibly beautiful and unique birds such as the pink lesser flamingo, African skimmer, white-faced whistling duck, and white-winged tern to mention but a few.
Saga Beach
Holidaymakers and adventurists can utilize the pristine white sand Saga beach that lies on the banks of Lake Tanganyika in the capital Bujumbura. What better way to finish off your safari adventure experience through several parks in the country than relaxing at Saga Beach? Engage in several activities at the beach including sport fishing and a boat cruise at Lake Tanganyika, sunbathing on the white sand, and watching the sunset at dusk.