5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari

Arrival in Bujumbura and Immersive City Tour

Your 5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari begins with a warm welcome at Bujumbura International Airport, where our professional driver-guide from Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited will greet you and introduce you to the charm of Burundi’s capital. After a brief orientation, your journey kicks off with an insightful Bujumbura city tour, offering a deep dive into the historical, cultural, and natural gems that shape this lakeside city. You’ll head to Rusizi National Park, where a scenic boat cruise on the Rusizi River allows you to view remarkable wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and a host of aquatic bird species. This tranquil ride offers a chance to witness the confluence of Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika, a natural phenomenon with great ecological significance.

The tour continues to Belvedere Climb, offering panoramic views over Bujumbura—a fantastic opportunity for photographers and nature lovers. You will also visit the Burton Speke and Dr. David Livingstone meeting site, a historically significant spot that marks early European exploration in the region. Later, stop by the monuments honoring Burundi’s independence heroes, a moving tribute to the nation’s journey toward self-rule. In the evening, return to City Hill Hotel, a comfortable mid-range accommodation in the city, for a relaxing dinner and restful overnight.

• Main Destination: Bujumbura (City)
• Accommodation: City Hill Hotel – Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included | Drinking water provided

Karera Waterfalls & Gitega Cultural Tour

On the second day of your 5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari, enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out toward one of Burundi’s most picturesque landmarks—Karera Waterfalls. This stunning natural spectacle cascades through a forested gorge and offers an excellent setting for photography and relaxation. En route, admire the scenic landscape dominated by rolling tea plantations, charming rural homesteads, and verdant hills.

Following the waterfall visit, the journey continues to Gitega, Burundi’s second-largest city and the former colonial capital. Here, the tour delves into the heart of Burundi’s rich cultural history. First, explore the Gitega National Museum, home to a vast collection of traditional artifacts, royal drums, and colonial relics. The exhibits offer profound insights into the customs and traditions of the Burundian people.

Your exploration includes a stop at Mushasha Catholic Mission, a colonial-era landmark showcasing Burundi’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. You’ll also tour Gitega’s administrative and cultural hubs, capturing the pulse of life in this central Burundian city. In the afternoon, head to the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, an iconic site where Burundi’s famed sacred drums are preserved and performed. The rhythmic beats of these royal drums are not only mesmerizing but also represent Burundi’s identity and unity. End the day with a comfortable stay at Isango Hotel, a mid-range establishment located in the heart of Gitega.

• Main Destination: Gitega (City)
• Accommodation: Isango Hotel – Mid-range hotel in Gitega
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included | Drinking water provided

Day 3: Journey to Ruvubu National Park

Day three of the 5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari begins with an early breakfast before you embark on an exciting drive to Ruvubu National Park, the largest and one of the most ecologically important protected areas in Burundi. Named after the Ruvubu River that flows through it, this park is a haven for diverse wildlife and boasts a variety of habitats, including wetlands, savannah, and riverine forests. During your game viewing and park exploration, you may encounter species such as buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous bird species that include both migratory and endemic types.

The drive through the Burundian countryside offers several scenic stops along the way. Take your time to appreciate the rolling hills, lush valleys, and vibrant rural communities that define Burundi’s landscape. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch en route, ensuring maximum flexibility and time within the park. In the late afternoon, return to Bujumbura for another relaxing evening and overnight stay at Botanika Hotel, a well-rated mid-range hotel nestled in the city’s serene environment.

• Main Destination: Ruvubu National Park
• Accommodation: Botanika Hotel – Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included | Drinking water provided

Kigwena Forest Nature Reserve Exploration

On day four of your 5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari, set off after breakfast for a scenic drive southward toward Kigwena Forest Nature Reserve, located near the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This lush, tropical lowland forest is a protected biodiversity hotspot teeming with primates, rare plants, and exotic birds. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided forest walk, a thrilling opportunity to witness chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and red colobus monkeys in their natural habitat.

Your guide will share ecological facts and fascinating insights into the flora and fauna of the forest. Kigwena Forest is not only important for biodiversity but also plays a vital role in local conservation and environmental education efforts. After your walk, continue your journey to Mugara Hot Springs, a naturally warm mineral water spring revered by locals for its healing properties and spiritual significance. This site is both relaxing and culturally enriching.

In the late afternoon, return to Bujumbura, where you’ll settle once again at City Hill Hotel for your final dinner and overnight stay. This day is a perfect blend of eco-tourism, wildlife encounters, and cultural engagement, rounding off the experience-rich 5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari.

• Main Destination: Kigwena Forest Nature Reserve
• Accommodation: City Hill Hotel – Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura
• Meals & Drinks: All meals included | Drinking water provided

Departure from Bujumbura International Airport

Your memorable 5-Day Ultimate Burundi Safari draws to a close today. After enjoying your last breakfast in Burundi, you’ll be transferred by our driver guide to Bujumbura International Airport in time for your outbound flight. This seamless departure marks the end of a fulfilling adventure through Burundi’s national parks, cities, waterfalls, and forests. As you head home, you’ll carry not just photographs but also cherished memories of warm encounters, cultural rhythms, scenic landscapes, and untamed wildlife.

• Main Destination: Bujumbura (City)
• Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
• Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included | Drinking water provided