Combining a Uganda Tour with a Visit to Burundi

Combining a Uganda Tour with a Visit to Burundi. After experiencing the wonders of Uganda—whether it’s gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or exploring the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park—you can extend your adventure by heading south to Burundi. This lesser-explored East African gem offers a mix of rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and wildlife experiences, making it a perfect complement to a Uganda safari.

Popular Burundi Tour Options After a Uganda Safari

1. 3-Day Bujumbura Tour and Surrounding Attractions
This short, yet enriching, tour introduces you to the capital city of Bujumbura and its surrounding areas. Highlights include:

Rusizi National Park: Famous for its boat trips where you can spot hippos, birds, and the famous “Gustave” crocodile.
Explorers Memorial: A historical site commemorating the meeting between David Livingstone and Henry Stanley.
Belvedere Hill: Offering panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika and the city of Bujumbura.

This tour is a quick yet immersive dive into the culture and nature of Burundi, priced around $1,980 USD per person.

2. 5-Day Explore and Experience Burundi Tour
This extended tour takes you deeper into the country’s natural and cultural heritage, with visits to:

Karera Waterfalls: A beautiful natural spectacle located in the eastern part of the country.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary: Learn about Burundi’s traditional drum culture and enjoy live performances.
Source of the Nile: Visit the Rutovu region, where one of the sources of the mighty Nile River is located.

At around $2,640 to $2,970 USD per person, this tour offers a more comprehensive look into Burundi’s attractions.

3. 7-Day Burundi Discovery Vacation
This week-long adventure is perfect if you’re looking to unwind after an intense wildlife safari. The itinerary includes:

Bujumbura City Tour: Explore the city’s major attractions, such as the Independence Monument and the vibrant local markets.
Kiganda Royal Grounds: Step back in time as you visit the historic site where treaties were signed between Burundi’s kings and European colonizers.
Rumonge Natural Reserve: A fantastic place for bird watching and monkey trekking.

This 7-day experience costs approximately $3,553 USD per person and includes hotel accommodations, private transportation, and guided tours.

Best Times to Visit Burundi

The ideal time to visit Burundi is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, which are perfect for exploring the country’s national parks and engaging in outdoor activities without the disruption of rain.

Travel Tips

Visas: Most travelers will need a visa to enter Burundi, which can be obtained on arrival or through the Burundian embassy in your country.
Currency: The local currency is the Burundian franc (BIF), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in hotels and for tourist services.
Safety: While Burundi is generally safe for tourists, always stay updated on the local security situation and take guided tours from reputable operators.

How to Get There

After your Uganda tour, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to Bujumbura International Airport in Burundi. Alternatively, overland travel from Uganda through Rwanda is also possible, which adds an extra layer of adventure to your journey.

By combining Uganda’s wildlife experiences with Burundi’s cultural and scenic treasures, you can create a well-rounded East African adventure that offers both thrill and relaxation. Whether it’s tracking gorillas or exploring historical sites in Bujumbura, this combination of countries ensures an unforgettable African experience.