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12-Days Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi

12 Days

Discover the hidden charm of Burundi on this immersive 12-day journey that unveils the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic local experiences. The 12-Days Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi safari is thoughtfully designed to take you deep into the heart of this remarkable destination, where every day reveals a new story of tradition, nature, and adventure.

From the lush green hills of Teza Tea Plantations to the vibrant cultural rhythms of Kirundo, where you will witness the iconic Intore dance, this journey offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural immersion. Enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Rwihinda, famously known as the “Lake of Birds,” before venturing into the wild landscapes of Ruvubu National Park for an exciting guided game drive.

Dive deeper into Burundi’s royal and historical heritage with visits to the Gishora Drum Sanctuary and the National Museum of Gitega, followed by a stop at the southernmost source of the Nile. Rejuvenate at the natural Muhweza Hot Springs and experience community-based tourism at Kwa Miganda Eco-Cultural Center.

Adventure continues with scenic hikes on Mount Heha and Mount Kibimbi, alongside meaningful visits such as the Martyrs of Fraternity Memorial. Explore the biodiversity of Bururi Nature Reserve, home to chimpanzees and rich birdlife, and unwind at the tranquil Muyange Hot Springs.

Your journey then leads to the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Rumonge, where relaxation meets adventure. Enjoy optional water activities, explore Rumonge Port, and soak in the beauty of one of the world’s oldest lakes. On your return to Bujumbura, visit the historic Livingstone–Stanley Monument before exploring Rusizi National Park on a boat ride and concluding with a vibrant city tour and local market visits.

This unforgettable expedition offers a perfect balance of culture, adventure, relaxation, and discovery—inviting you to experience Burundi in its most authentic and inspiring form. As you conclude this 12-day Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi tour, you'll have experienced the country's top cultural, wild, and scenic highlights – Intore dances, Ruvubu's game, Gishora drums, chimp treks, and Tanganyika lake vibes. From tea hills to royal sites and hot springs, this tour will leave you with epic memories of Burundi's hidden beauty.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $5300 (Mixed Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

 1 Person2 People3 People4 People5 People6 People
Jan-April$6600$5300$5100$5000$4900$4800
May-August$6800$5500$5300$5200$5100$5000
Sept-Dec$6700$5400$5200$5100$5000$4900

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age0-2 years old3-6 years old7-10 years old11-13 years old14+ years old
Discount Rate100%65%50%15%0%

 

  • Burundi, East Africa Safaris
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Mixed Lodges
  • English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
  • Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
  • 1-100 people
  • 1-90 years old
  • January - December
  • Melchior Ndadaye International Airport
  • Melchior Ndadaye International Airport

Why This Tour?

12-Days Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi

Get ready for an epic adventure discovering Burundi's hidden gems! Our 12-Days Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi tour blends culture, nature, and wildlife – visit Teza Tea Plantations, groove to Kirundo's Intore dance, boat Lake Rwihinda, spot wildlife in Ruvubu NP, vibe with Gishora's royal drums, and explore Gitega's museum. Tick the southernmost Nile source, hike Mount Heha, chill at Muhweza hot springs, and trek chimps in Bururi. Wrap up with Lake Tanganyika beach vibes, Rusizi NP boat ride, and Bujumbura city highlights. Experience Burundi's beauty like never before!

Burundi Tours

You will visit Teza Tea Plantations, Kirundo, Lake Rwihinda, Ruvubu National Park, Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary, Gitega National Museum, Southernmost source of the Nile, Muhweza Hot Springs, Kwa Miganda Eco-Cultural Center, Mount Heha, Martyrs of Fraternity Memorial, Mount Kibimbi, Muyange Hot Springs, Bururi Nature Reserve, Rumonge, Lake Tanganyika, Rusizi National Park and Bujumbura City.

The 12-Days Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi tour unfolds as a captivating journey through a land of rolling green hills, vibrant traditions, and untouched natural beauty, offering a seamless blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Your experience begins in Bujumbura, where the rhythm of the country slowly introduces itself before you journey into the lush highlands of the Teza Tea Plantations. Here, emerald fields stretch endlessly across the hills, and you gain insight into tea cultivation while soaking in breathtaking panoramic views. The journey continues northwards to Kirundo, where culture comes alive through the energetic and symbolic Intore dance performance, a proud expression of Burundi’s heritage.

From Kirundo, you head to the tranquil waters of Lake Rwihinda, often called the “Lake of Birds.” A peaceful boat ride allows you to glide past floating vegetation and observe a rich variety of birdlife in this serene wetland setting. The adventure then shifts into the wild landscapes of Ruvubu National Park, where guided game drives introduce you to Burundi’s largest protected area, home to buffaloes, antelopes, primates, and diverse bird species thriving along the Ruvubu River.

Your journey into Burundi’s cultural heart leads you to Gitega Province, where the legendary Gishora Drum Sanctuary echoes with the powerful beats of the royal drums—an iconic symbol of the nation. A visit to the National Museum of Gitega deepens your understanding of Burundi’s history, traditions, and royal legacy. From here, you continue to the southernmost source of the Nile, a symbolic and geographical highlight that connects Burundi to one of the world’s most famous rivers.

The journey becomes even more enriching with a visit to the rejuvenating Muhweza Hot Springs, where warm mineral waters offer relaxation in a natural setting, followed by an immersive cultural encounter at Kwa Miganda Eco-Cultural Center, where local traditions, crafts, and storytelling bring you closer to the community.

Adventure takes center stage as you hike Mount Heha, the country’s highest peak, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. A visit to the Martyrs of Fraternity Memorial provides a moment of reflection on Burundi’s history and resilience. The exploration continues with a scenic hike on Mount Kibimbi and a relaxing stop at the soothing Muyange Hot Springs.

Nature lovers are rewarded with a visit to Bururi Nature Reserve, a biodiversity haven where guided walks may reveal chimpanzees, monkeys, and an impressive variety of bird species within its dense forest.

The journey then gently slows down as you head to Rumonge on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here, relaxation meets exploration—whether unwinding on the lakeshore, visiting Rumonge Port, or enjoying optional activities such as boat rides, swimming, or fishing on one of Africa’s most ancient lakes.

As your adventure winds back toward Bujumbura, you pause at the historic Livingstone–Stanley Monument, a site rich in exploration history. The final experiences include a visit to Rusizi National Park, where a scenic boat ride offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the Rusizi River. Your journey concludes with a vibrant city tour of Bujumbura, exploring local markets, cultural spots, and the lively atmosphere of Burundi’s largest city.

This 12-Days Discovering The Beauty Of Burundi journey flows effortlessly from highland plantations to cultural heartlands, from wildlife encounters to lakeside serenity—offering a rich, authentic, and unforgettable discovery of Burundi’s hidden treasures.

Highlights

  • Chimpanzee Trekking
  • Historic Monument Visits
  • Cultural Interactions
  • Guided Game Drives
  • Boat Cruises
  • Bird Watching
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Tea Plantation Tour
  • Birding

Tour Plan

  • Day
    01

    Arrive In Burundi | Transfer To A Hotel In Bujumbura | Relaxing

    On arrival in Burundi, you will be welcomed and picked up by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide, who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport and be transferred to your hotel where you will check in and do some relaxing for the rest of the day to wear off the jet lag.

    Meals and overnight at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika.

  • Day
    02

    Transfer To Teza Tea Plantation | Plantation Tour | Transfer To Kirundo | Cultural Performance

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Teza Tea Plantation near Kibira National Park, which is the biggest tea plantation in Burundi with over 600 hectares.

    Guests will enjoy walking through the beautiful green tea fields and a small nature hike in the surrounding forest, known for its fresh mountain air and biodiversity.

    After the plantation tour, you will be transferred to Kirundo where you will experience the vibrant and unique traditional Intore dance performance, where culture truly comes alive.

    Meals and overnight at Rama Hotel.

  • Day
    03

    Travel To Lake Rwihinda | Boat Ride | Transfer To Ruvubu National Park | Evening Game Drive

    After having an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Lake Rwininda where you will enjoy a sunrise boat cruise.

    This lake is an excellent spot for birdwatching and peaceful scenery.

    Later, you will head to Ruvubu National Park — one of the country’s most important wildlife areas and have an evening game drive.

    You will spot wildlife such as buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, and occasionally predators. The open landscapes and riverbanks provide excellent opportunities for viewing animals in their natural habitat.

    Meals and overnight at Jerusalem Hotel.

  • Day
    04

    Travel Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary | Drumming Session | Visit The National Museum Of Gitega | Karera Waterfalls Tour

    After breakfast, you will visit the famous Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary in Gitega Province. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, Gishora is the most authentic drum experience you can ever get.

    This important cultural site preserves the legendary Royal Drums of Burundi and visitors can witness an impressive traditional drumming performance and learn about the history of the palace.

    You will then be transferred to the National Museum of Gitega which houses important historical artifacts, traditional objects, and cultural collections that explain the history of Burundi.

    Later in the day, guests explore the beautiful Karera Waterfalls, a spectacular natural site surrounded by lush vegetation where 5 extraordinary waterfalls cascade down the hillside.

    Meals and overnight at Hotel Le Perroquet.

  • Day
    05

    Visit Southern Nile | Transfer To Muhweza Hot Springs | Exploration | Visit Kwa Miganda Eco-Cultural Center

    After breakfast, you will visit the Southernmost Source of the Nile River, a fascinating geographical landmark connected to the legendary Nile, as well as a pyramid built in the image of the pyramids in Egypt.

    The journey then continues to Muhweza Hot Springs, a natural retreat surrounded by serenity. 

    Later in the day, you will visit the Kwa Miganda Eco-Cultural Center, a site preserving Burundian traditions and crafts.

    Meals and overnight at Green Park Resort Bugarama.

  • Day
    06

    Transfer To Mount Heha | Hiking | Martyrs Of Fraternity Memorial Tour

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mount Heha where you will be briefed before embarking on a hike.

    Mount Heha is Burundi’s highest peak. You will be enjoying panoramic views and a refreshing outdoor adventure.

    After the hike, you will proceed to Martyrs of Fraternity Memorial, a moving historical site celebrating unity and courage.

    Meals and overnight at Monastery Hotel.

  • Day
    07

    Transfer To Mount Kibimbi | Hiking | Transfer To Muyange Hot Springs | Relaxing

    After the breakfast, you will hike Mount Kibimbi and enjoy a scenic picnic at the top, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

    After the hike, you will be transferred to Muyange Hot Springs, where you will relax while taking in the tranquility of nature.

    Meals and overnight at Moonlight Hotel.

  • Day
    08

    Transfer To Bururi Nature Reserve | Chimpanzee Trekking | Transfer To Rumonge | Relax At Lake Tanganyika

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the head offices of Bururi Nature Reserve for a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking.

    12 Day Breathtaking Safari Uganda, Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda

    You will start early and take about two to six hours, depending on the location of the chimps.

    The opportunity to see chimpanzees in the wild is one of the most memorable of all safari activities. Getting close to these creatures that share so much of our DNA is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the excitement of walking through the forest and knowing that they are close will stay with you forever.

    After trekking, you will be taken to Rumonge, where they will enjoy Lake Tanganyika, its calm waters and beaches.

    Meals and overnight at Sunstone Beach Resort.

  • Day
    09

    Visit Rumonge Port | Optional Activities | Relaxing

    After breakfast, you will visit Rumonge Port where you can relax and observe local fishermen. Did you know that Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa.

    You can take part in some optional activities such as a boat ride, snorkeling, and fishing payable at the lake, this is the perfect balance after days of exploration.

    Meals and overnight at Niyibituronsa Hotel.

  • Day
    10

    Transfer Back To Bujumbura | Historical Monuments Tour | Hotel Transfer

    After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Bujumbura with a short stop at the Livingstone and Stanley monument, a historic site marking the place where two famous explorers have met.

    Later, they will visit the  Independence and Democracy Square, the Mausoleum of Prince Louis Rwagasore, celebrating the national hero and the Living Museum, connecting with local culture and heritage.

    Meals and overnight at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika.

  • Day
    11

    Transfer To Rusizi National Park | Boat Ride | City Tour | Local Market Tour

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to Rusizi National Park. You will have a boat ride upon arrival.

    During the cruise, it is possible to observe hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds in their natural habitat, as well as the famous junction of the river Rusizi and Lake Tanganyika.

    After the boat ride, will explore the Bujumbura city’s neighborhoods, and visit local markets for a more authentic connection with daily life.

    Meals and overnight at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika.

  • Day
    12

    The Last Day With Us | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

    After having a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

    All good things must come to an end, and your time with us on safari in Burundi will now draw to a close. We're sure that you've had a wonderful time.

Inclusions

  • One chimpanzee permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
  • Services of an expert guide
  • Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Ground transportation (4×4 safari Landcruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
  • Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Park fees and relevant government taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfares
  • Visa fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
  • Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Accommodation

Throughout this exciting journey, you will be accommodated in a variety of accommodations.

The accommodation is appropriate and will be determined by your budget. Kubwa Five Safaris offers the best service at every level. Kubwa Five Safaris reserves the right to substitute comparable or superior accommodations. If an equivalent standard hotel is not available, Kubwa Five Safaris may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest a superior for an additional fee. Hotels and lodges provide free Wi-Fi.

Please see the list below for more information on the safari lodges in each national park/destination included in this tour package.

How to Get There

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport.

Kubwa Five Safaris will cater for your Airport/Hotel transfers i.e pick-ups and drop-offs provided they are to happen within your safari days with us.

Visa Applications

Please write to us for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees, game drives, chimpanzee permits, boat cruises, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.

2. Are chimpanzee trekking permits included?

Yes. Chimpanzee trekking permits (Bururi Nature Reserve) are included in the total cost of the trip.

3. What should I pack for this 12-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

4. Is this safari suitable for families with children?

Yes, but children under 15 are not allowed to participate in chimpanzee trekking. We offer alternative activities for young children on those days.

5. What type of accommodations are provided?

We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.

6. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

7. How physically demanding is the safari?

While most of the safari involves vehicle-based drives and scenic travel, Mount hiking and chimpanzee trekking require moderate physical fitness due to hiking in mountainous and forested terrain.

8. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

9. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

10. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Why You Should Visit Burundi?

  • Burundi

Visiting Burundi offers a unique and deeply rewarding travel experience for those seeking authenticity, culture, and unspoiled natural beauty. Often overlooked, Burundi is one of Africa’s hidden gems—rich in tradition, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Burundi remains largely off the mass tourism map, meaning, fewer crowds and more intimate experiences, genuine interactions with local communities and a chance to explore Africa in its raw, unfiltered form.

Frequently Asked Question about Burundi

  1. Where is Burundi located?

Burundi is a small landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It lies along the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika.

2. What wildlife can I see in Burundi?

While not a typical safari destination, Burundi offers unique wildlife experiences:

  • Ruvubu National Park – buffaloes, antelopes, primates
  • Rusizi National Park – hippos, crocodiles, birds
  • Bururi Nature Reserve – chimpanzees and forest species

3. What cultural experiences are available?

Burundi is rich in traditions:

Experience local dances like the Intore

Visit Gishora Drum Sanctuary for traditional drumming

Explore National Museum of Gitega

We offer expertly curated safari experiences in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Namibai. Whether you’re planning a luxury vacation, a honeymoon safari, or an adventure-packed wildlife tour, we have the perfect package tailored just for you.

+256 774313798
info@kubwafive-safaris.com

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