A small Central African state, bordered by Congo DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania, Burundi has in the past been overshadowed by tumultuous and tragic events beyond its frontiers. However, as an antidote to the safari-chic fantasy of upmarket east African game lodges Burundi is a refreshing reminder that the real wealth of the continent lies in its people, their culture, their resourcefulness and their energy. This is Africa.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bujumbura and transfer to hotel accommodation. The rest of the day is left at leisure to relax after your flight. Overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar. No meals nor guided arrangements included today.
Today, Rusizi National Park’s wetlands form an ideal habitat for hippos, water-adapted Sitatunga antelope, and a wide variety of birds. Taking a boat trip on the Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika, there’s time to visit a nearby fishing village. Later, we explore a little-known and intriguing African capital. Learn about pre- and post-colonial history, and some of the challenges Burindi has faced. Later, we tour the suburb of Kinama, gaining insight into daily life. Overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar. (BL)
Today, we drive to Teza to see the tea plantations and observe one of the main products the country exports and Burundian tea
production. Later we take a nature walk around Kibira National Park. In the afternoon, we drive back to Bujumbura. Overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar. (BL)
Our first stop is ‘La Pierre de Livingstone et Stanley’, a stone monument claiming to mark the site where explorer Dr. David Livingstone met journalist Henry Morton Stanley, on 25th November 1871. At Rumonge there’s a first-hand opportunity to explore the increasingly contentious production of palm oil, before continuing to Resha for the night. Overnight at Tanganyika Blue Bay or similar. (BL)
We continue to visit the southernmost source of the Nile in Rutovu near Rutana, only discovered in 1937. Continue to Visit the ‘Gorge of the Germans’ at Nyakazu before heading to the ‘Chutes de la Karera’, an impressive series of waterfalls said locally to have healing powers. Afterward, drive to the town of Gitega. Overnight at Hotel Tropitel or similar. (BL)
The country’s largest city, since January 2019 Gitega is again Burundi’s official capital. We visit the National Museum, a rather down-at-heel institution that nonetheless houses the country’s largest historical and ethnographic collection – in one room… However, museums and political administration are not Gitega’s headline acts. That billing rests with the world-famous Gitega Drummers whose performance on the royal field of Gishora is a sight not to be missed. Later, we transfer to Kirundo for the night. In the evening, we will visit the Intore Warrior Dancers for a show. During the royal times, the Intore warriors defended the King and paraded in dance before the delighted people when returning from victory. The dancer wears the skin of a leopard and an elaborate headdress,
bells on their ankles, and a necklace of ivory. Overnight at Rama Hotel or similar. (BL)
Today it’s an early start for a sunrise trip by dugout canoe on Le Lac aux Oiseaux in Lake Rwihinda National Reserve. After a picnic lunch, we drive back to Bujumbura for an overnight at Club du Lac Tanganyika. (BL)
After breakfast, drive to the handcrafts market “Chez Natalie” to buy last-minute souvenirs for family and friends back home. Relax at the beach enjoy lunch then after, transfer to the airport for onward or homeward flights at the end of our Burundi tour. (BL)