How far in advance should I book a safari in Burundi?

For proper safari planning, a safari to Burundi should be booked 6 to 9 months before the travel date. Burundi is a small country in the East African community bordering Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi is an all-year-round destination, and with the help of a tour operator, you will receive the best services as you will be helped in planning for the safari by booking transport, accommodation, meals, and an exciting itinerary. When planning a Burundi safari, there are a few tips and things that you need to take into consideration, and these include the following:

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What to pack for the safari: Packing right for the safari is the most important thing because you do not want to pack unnecessary things, nor do you want to pack things that are not right. Some of the things that we consider essential when packing for a Burundi safari include clothes that are neutral colored, light cargo pants, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, binoculars, cash for emergencies, extra batteries and storage for the cameras, a waterproof day backpack, toiletries, flashlight and batteries, strong hike boots, flip-flops and sandals, wet wipes, insect repellent, sunscreen, first aid kit, passport, visa, valid documentation, vaccinations, bottled drinking water and snacks among others.

A visa: This is an important document you must obtain at least a month before you travel to Burundi. This allows for proper and adequate safari planning but ensures the visa is purchased through the proper channels.

Research about the country: Before planning for the safari, make sure that you conduct extensive research about the country you are visiting. This can be done through reading about the destinations online. The official language is French, and the locals communicate using the Kirundi dialect. It will help with communication if you learn a word or two; beware of the political and security situation experienced in the country when you wish to plan your safari and find the necessary documentation needed for entry into Burundi.

Plan the itinerary and get vaccinated: Burundi is a small country, and you need to plan your itinerary well to fit into your budget. Contact a trusted local tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris to help plan the safari to Burundi. After scheduling your itinerary, we recommend taking anti-malarial pills and getting a yellow fever vaccine.

Why should I visit Burundi?

Burundi is one of the East African countries offering a wide range of activities in different safari destinations across the country. Burundi has what is considered the 4 sides of Burundi, taking you through the rolling hills, lakes, rainforest, numerous cities, and finally relaxing along the beaches. Enjoy the culture of the Burundi people by enjoying the Abatimmbo (local Burundian drummers) in Kirundi who play the drums, which is part of the cultural fundamentals of the Burundi people. Visit Bujumbura and enjoy the multi-cultures exhibited by the locals and traditional dances by the females, get a taste of the local food, try spot fishing in Lake Tanganyika, and see the wildlife.

Burundi tourism focuses on providing the most authentic safari to tourists. It is home to the big five, among other wildlife species in their natural habitat, and some of the many things and places you get to see on your Burundi safari include the Teza Thea Plantations, Lake Tanganyika, the caves of Kayove, Karera Falls, Ruvubu National Parc, Muhweza Hot springs, Kibira National Parc, cultural tourism including Makamba, Rubumba Tourist and cultural village, The Intore warriors, Gishora Sacred drum, Agasimbo Acrobatic Dancers and Kiganda Treaty. The museums and monuments to visit include the Gitega National Museum, Source of the Nile, Bujumbura Live Museum, Vugizo Historical Monument, and Livingstone Rock.

Rusizi National Park:

Rusizi National Park, also known as Parc de la Rusizi, is one of Burundi's most spectacular and scenic places to visit. Rusizi National Park is located northwest of Bujumbura, a few kilometers away from the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and offers a wide range of activities, including game drives, bird watching, primate walks, and boat cruises, among others. Crossed by River Rusizi, it acts as a natural habitat for several hippos and bird species.

The Rusizi River National Park is divided into two parts: the delta of Rusizi, which is formed at Lake Tanganyika's entrance point, and this is the more minor part and the more significant part of the park, which lies along the eastern bank of River Rusizi. The more significant part has the largest concentration of wildlife, with grasslands and vegetation and lots of acacia trees. The park is also a birding paradise with an incredible population of the pink lesser flamingo, African skimmer, white-faced whistling duck, and white-winged tern, among others.

Go for a food safari in Burundi:

Burundi has a variety of food cuisines that you can sample throughout your safari, and these can be found in different restaurants across the country. Some of the dishes you need to try out when taking a food safari in Burundi include the Inyama, which is made using spices, chicken, beef, or goat, Ibiharage which is bean stew often served with Ugali and rice, Igisafuliya made from yams, cassava or sweet potatoes mixed with butter and sugar, samba (small fried and grilled fish) and fresh fruits.

The Source du Nil:

Although there is no confirmation that this is the source of the Nile because there have been few sources of the Nile, this landmark is one of the best places to visit during your safari to Uganda. The source du Nil is marked by the stone pyramids that mark its exact location, and the spring is over 100km from Bujumbura and is sometimes referred to as the southern source of the Nile. The landmark can only be reached if you have your means or a guide to take you there; otherwise, it takes time to get to. After exploring the source, you can also visit the hot springs located south of the source.

Bujumbura:

Bujumbura is the capital city of Burundi, and although the city has not seen enough development because of previous conflicts, it still has beautiful architecture from the French colonial era. Commonly known as Buji, travel through the city and enjoy the nightlife and great food ranging from local to French cuisines at the different restaurants; explore the Living Museum, which is referred to as the best and one of its kind on the African continent, the Independence monument and the only university located in the country.

Lake Tanganyika:

This is a popular tourist spot in Burundi. Lake Tanganyika is the longest lake in the world and the second deepest, making it a must-see when you visit the country. It is a freshwater body and one of the most visited in Bujumbura, home to several beaches. Try the restaurants and bars along the beach as you enjoy the Burundian sun. You will also be able to spot some bird species and hippos as they emerge from the water and float along.

Mount Heha:

Mount Heha is the highest mountain in the country and is found in the Bujumbura Rural province. The mountain is popular with tourists who love trekking, and at a height of 2864 meters above sea level, it is the country's best and most challenging hike. A beautiful view awaits you when you reach the peak, and the best time is during the dry season.

Kibira National Park: 

Kibira National Park is one of the national parks in Burundi that you can visit on your safari to Burundi. The park is strategically located near the border of Rwanda and Burundi, and one can see the Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is adjacent to Kibira Park. Kibira Park was a hunting ground for the kings of Burundi until 193 when it was gazetted off to protect the wildlife and the montane forests. There are a variety of tourist attractions in Kibira National Park: the lush green forests, butterflies, 98 mammal species, and over 250 recorded bird species, which can be seen throughout the year.

The different activities that can be carried out in Kibira National Park include game drives where several wildlife can be seen, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and antelopes, among others, bird watching, cultural encounters with the locals (the pygmies who live in Busekera village) and learn about their culture through songs and dance and guided nature walks.

Ruvubu National Park:

Covering over 508 square kilometers, Ruvubu National Park is the largest in Burundi and is located in the country's northeastern part. The national park is officially known as the Parc de la Ruvubu and was named after the Ruvubu River running through the national park. The flora and fauna in the park offer home to numerous bird species, animals, and reptiles, among others.

Ruvubu has a wide range of animal species, including vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, Senegal bushbabies, blue monkeys, water bucks, bush duikers, cape buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, and hippos, among others. The national park is home to over 400 bird species, including sunbirds, warblers, papyrus gonolek, and babblers, among others. Some activities that can be carried out in Ruvubu include nature walks, bird watching, game drives, and boat rides along the Ruvubu River.

Kigwena Natural Reserve:

Located in southwestern Burundi, Kigwena Natural Reserve was created in 1954 and is one of the best birding spots in the country. The Kigwena Reserve runs along the Congo Nile and is home to the Mugara Falls and thermal springs. There are over 97 water birds, some of which include the Arnot's chat, grey cuckoo shrike, and the chirping Cisticola. It is also home to primates, including the Tantalus monkeys and olive baboons, snakes like pythons, and butterflies. If you want the best time during your safari through a natural forest, then the Kigwena Natural Reserve is the best place.

Saga Beach Burundi:

Saga Beach is found in the northwest part of Bujumbura and is the best place to go and relax during your safari. The beach is usually packed with tourists and locals looking to have a good time, especially on the weekends.

A guide will be with you all the time as you participate in the different activities like relaxing on the pristine beaches, sunbathing (between 9 am and 3 pm on weekdays if you wish to have some alone time), boat cruises along Lake Tanganyika, enjoy the sunset, and sport fishing.

Is it safe to travel to Burundi for a safari?

Burundi is a safe country to travel for a safari. Still, just like any other safari destination on the African continent, you must be extra careful about driving outside the capital city of Bujumbura, especially after dark. It is harder to get help after dark, and you need to be cautious about people who come to you asking for help because some of them are dangerous and pickpockets looking to make a quick living. When traveling through Burundi, ensure that you keep all your travel documents safe, including passports, money, and other documents.

To be safe, we advise that you book through a tour operator to help plan the safari to Burundi and avoid walking alone in the city, especially at night.

What is the best time to visit Burundi for a safari? 

The best time to go for a safari in Burundi is during the dry season experienced from June to September and December to February, and this is because the weather is generally warm and sunny, which supports a lot of tourist activities like game drives, guided nature walks, and boat rides. The wet season from March to May and October to November is a low season and the best time for a bird-watching safari with the endemic and migratory bird species. However, it is worth noting that the weather in Burundi is unpredictable and can change at any time, so it is a good idea to plan for both the rain and the sun regardless of the time you have planned your safari.

For more information about the safari and Burundi as a country, contact us to plan and give you a quote for your safari.