African Things To Do
Burundi Travel Guide

Things to Do in Burundi

Burundi is a peaceful, welcoming destination with powerful culture, green landscapes, and unforgettable lake experiences. From royal drums in Gitega to forest walks in Kibira and hippo & crocodile viewing on Lake Tanganyika—this guide helps you plan it all on one page.

Culture & Drums National Parks Lake Tanganyika Waterfalls Authentic Villages

Burundi Top Destinations

These are the most popular places to include in your Burundi itinerary.

Bujumbura

Lakefront city base—markets, local life, and the gateway to Rusizi National Park and Lake Tanganyika.

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Lake Tanganyika

Beach time, boat cruising, and unforgettable hippo & crocodile viewing.

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Rusizi National Park

Wildlife close to the city—boat safaris, birds, and river scenery.

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Gishora Drum Sanctuary

The most iconic cultural stop—royal drums, performances, and deep history.

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Gitega

Burundi’s cultural heart—museums, heritage, and a perfect base for day trips.

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Kibira National Park

Forest landscapes and fresh air—great for nature walks and scenic road trips.

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Teza Tea Plantations

Green hills and tea scenery—beautiful viewpoints and a calm countryside feel.

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Karera Waterfalls

One of Burundi’s most loved nature spots—waterfalls and a refreshing day trip.

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Lake Rwihinda (Magic Lake)

Peaceful birdlife and floating vegetation—excellent for nature lovers and photography.

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Bujumbura

Burundi’s main lakefront city—your easiest base for day trips and a comfortable start for most itineraries.

  • Highlights
    Local markets, lakefront evenings, city culture
  • Best for
    Base for tours and short stays
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Easy access to Rusizi and Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika

Beach, boat cruising, and wildlife—our Lake Tanganyika trips always include hippo & crocodile viewing.

  • Highlights
    Boat cruise, sunset, hippo & crocodile viewing
  • Best for
    Relaxation + nature
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Sunset cruise is a favorite experience

Rusizi National Park

One of the easiest national parks to visit from Bujumbura—boat safari vibes and excellent birding.

  • Highlights
    Boat safari, birds, river scenery
  • Best for
    Short wildlife trips
  • Recommended time
    2–4 hours
  • Good to know
    Morning is often best for wildlife activity

Gishora Drum Sanctuary

The #1 cultural experience in Burundi—royal drums, powerful performances, and history that stays with you.

  • Highlights
    Royal drums, performance, cultural storytelling
  • Best for
    Culture and first-time visitors
  • Recommended time
    Half-day
  • Good to know
    Combine with Gitega for a full cultural day

Gitega

The cultural heart of Burundi—heritage, museums, and a great base for day trips like Gishora.

  • Highlights
    Museums, culture, crafts and history
  • Best for
    Culture-focused travelers
  • Recommended time
    1 day
  • Good to know
    Easy day trip from Bujumbura with early start

Kibira National Park

Forests, misty views, and fresh air—ideal for scenic routes, nature walks, and a calm escape from the city.

  • Highlights
    Forest scenery, nature walks, cool climate
  • Best for
    Nature and countryside lovers
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Perfect to combine with Teza Tea Plantations

Teza Tea Plantations

Green hills and tea landscapes—one of the most beautiful countryside routes in Burundi.

  • Highlights
    Tea scenery, viewpoints, calm countryside feel
  • Best for
    Scenic drives and photography
  • Recommended time
    2–4 hours
  • Good to know
    Often paired with Kibira in one day

Karera Waterfalls

A favorite day trip—waterfalls, nature, and a refreshing break in Burundi’s green landscapes.

  • Highlights
    Waterfalls, nature scenery, photography
  • Best for
    Nature lovers
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Combine with other southern highlights depending on route

Lake Rwihinda (Magic Lake)

Known for birdlife and peaceful scenery—great for travelers who want quiet, authentic nature experiences.

  • Highlights
    Birding, calm lake scenery, photos
  • Best for
    Nature lovers and photographers
  • Recommended time
    Half-day
  • Good to know
    Great add-on for northern Burundi routes

Top Things To Do in Burundi

Popular experiences travelers love across Burundi.

  • Experience Burundi’s royal drum culture
    Gishora Drum Sanctuary is the top cultural highlight
  • Boat safari in Rusizi National Park
    Easy wildlife viewing near Bujumbura
  • Lake Tanganyika cruise
    Includes hippo & crocodile viewing, plus sunset options
  • Forest and tea scenery day trip
    Kibira National Park + Teza Tea Plantations
  • Waterfall adventure
    Karera Waterfalls nature day
  • Quiet nature escape
    Lake Rwihinda birding and scenery

Sample Burundi Itineraries

Pick a trip length and route idea, then contact us to tailor it to your travel style.

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
1 Day Bujumbura city + Rusizi boat safari (or Lake Tanganyika cruise) Short stay highlights
2–3 Days Bujumbura → Gishora Drums + Gitega → Lake Tanganyika Culture + lake experiences
4–6 Days Bujumbura → Gitega/Gishora → Kibira + Teza → Karera Best balance of Burundi
7–10 Days Full country route with northern nature (Lake Rwihinda) + key highlights Deep exploration

Best Time to Visit Burundi

Burundi is green and beautiful year-round, but many travelers prefer drier months for comfortable touring.

  • June – September
    Drier season; easy travel and clear scenery
  • December – February
    Often good weather windows for travel
  • Green season
    More rain, but stunning landscapes and fresh views
  • Lake days
    Sunset cruises work in many months—check conditions

Burundi Travel Tips

  • Use a local operator
    It improves logistics, comfort, and the overall experience
  • Start early for day trips
    Gitega and Kibira routes are best with morning departures
  • Pack light layers
    Kibira and Teza can feel cooler than Bujumbura
  • Bring comfortable shoes
    For nature walks and waterfall paths
  • Ask before taking photos
    Respect people and local customs
  • Lake Tanganyika planning
    For wildlife viewing, plan a proper boat experience

FAQ – Burundi Tours

How many days do I need in Burundi?

For the main highlights (Bujumbura, Rusizi, Gishora/Gitega, Lake Tanganyika), 3–5 days works well. For deeper exploration, 7+ days is ideal.

What’s the best first-time itinerary?

Bujumbura + Rusizi + Gishora Drums + Lake Tanganyika is a perfect first-time route. Add Kibira + Teza if you want more nature.

What makes Lake Tanganyika tours special?

Besides the scenery and beaches, a well-planned boat trip can include hippo & crocodile viewing and a beautiful sunset experience.

Plan Your Burundi Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (culture, nature, lake experiences), and we’ll help you plan a smooth and memorable Burundi experience.