7-Day Burundi Tour Itinerary

7-Day Burundi Tour Itinerary

7-Day Burundi Tour Itinerary. Burundi is a small, landlocked country in East Africa, often overlooked by tourists but rich in cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty. This 7-day itinerary will take you through the country’s highlights, including visits to national parks, historical sites, and local culture.

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura

• Morning:
  • Arrive at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi.
  • Check in at your hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Bujumbura City: Visit the Independence Monument and the Bujumbura Central Market, where you can experience local life and pick up some souvenirs.
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a local restaurant, such as Tanganika Beach, offering Burundian dishes with a lake view.

Day 2: Rusizi National Park & Lake Tanganyika

• Morning:
  • Head to Rusizi National Park (15 minutes from Bujumbura), where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species along the Rusizi River.
  • Take a boat ride to see animals up close.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Lake Tanganyika, one of the world’s deepest and oldest lakes. Spend time relaxing on the beach, swimming, or renting a boat for a short tour of the lake.
  • Enjoy fresh fish for lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
• Evening:
  • Return to Bujumbura for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Gishora Drum Sanctuary & Gitega

• Morning:
  • Travel to Gitega, the second-largest city and the cultural capital of Burundi (about 2-3 hours drive).
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, one of Burundi’s most famous cultural sites, where you can see traditional drummers perform. The Royal Drums of Burundi are part of the country’s cultural heritage.
  • Stop at the National Museum of Gitega, which has artifacts and exhibitions on Burundian history and culture.
• Evening:
  • Stay overnight in Gitega at a local hotel.

Day 4: Karera Waterfalls & Kibira National Park

• Morning:
  • Drive to Karera Waterfalls (about 1.5 hours from Gitega), a beautiful natural site where you can hike and enjoy the surrounding lush greenery.
• Afternoon:
  • After lunch, visit Kibira National Park, one of the largest rainforests in Burundi. Enjoy a guided nature walk to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies, and learn about the rich biodiversity of the region.
• Evening:
  • Return to Gitega for the night.

Day 5: Source of the Nile & Livingstone-Stanley Monument

• Morning:
  • Visit the Source of the Nile, located near Mount Kikizi in Rutovu. This site marks the southernmost source of the Nile River, considered one of the primary sources of the river.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to the Livingstone-Stanley Monument at Mugere, where the famous explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley once met. The site offers great views over Lake Tanganyika.
• Evening:
  • Travel back to Bujumbura and relax in your hotel.

Day 6: Ruvubu National Park

• Morning:
  • Depart early for Ruvubu National Park (about 4-5 hours from Bujumbura). This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, antelope, and rare bird species. Spend the morning on a game drive or a walking safari.
• Afternoon:
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
  • Continue exploring the park’s wildlife and scenery in the afternoon.
• Evening:
  • Camp overnight in the park (or return to Gitega depending on your preferences).

Day 7: Return to Bujumbura & Departure

• Morning:
  • Drive back to Bujumbura, stopping along the way at local villages to experience Burundian rural life.
• Afternoon:
  • Spend your final afternoon in Bujumbura, relaxing or visiting any missed landmarks, such as the Saga Beach or Musee Vivant (a small zoo and museum).
• Evening:
  • Depart from Bujumbura for your onward journey.

Tips for the Tour

• Transportation: Hiring a local guide with a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for navigating the sometimes rough roads, especially when visiting national parks.
• Health Precautions: Make sure to have all required vaccinations (including Yellow Fever) and consider malaria prophylaxis.
• Currency: The Burundian Franc (BIF) is the local currency, and it’s best to carry cash, as ATMs can be limited in rural areas.

This itinerary offers a balance of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, providing an immersive journey through Burundi’s highlights in just seven days.