Burundi tours and travel
The Land of Royal Drums
Discover intimate landscapes, living traditions and quiet lakeside charm with Kwafrika Travel’s Burundi tours and travel. Nestled between Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi is compact but full of variety: misty highlands and forested mountains, wildlife-rich national parks, the sweeping shoreline of Lake Tanganyika, and powerful cultural traditions, most famously the royal drums of Gishora. Our Burundi itineraries combine authentic cultural encounters, relaxed lakeside downtime and low-impact nature excursions for travelers who want meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Why choose Burundi tours and travel?
Burundi tours and travel rewards curious travelers with close, personal encounters rather than large crowds. It offers rainforest treks and primate watching in Kibira, savanna and woodland wildlife in Ruvubu, hippos and birdlife in Rusizi, and restorative beach time on Lake Tanganyika. The country’s music, dance and drumming culture, centred at sites like the Gishora Drum Sanctuary near Gitega, makes cultural visits deeply memorable and uniquely Burundian.
Top experiences : Burundi Tours and Travel
- Rusizi National Park – Close Encounters with Hippos and Crocodiles
Located just 15 km north of Bujumbura near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rusizi National Park offers a compact but rich wildlife experience. It is especially famous for its population of hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, and sitatungas, a rare aquatic antelope found in marshy areas along the Rusizi River.
- Kibira National Park – A Haven for Birds and Primates
Stretching along the Congo-Nile Divide and bordering Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest, Kibira National Park offers a tranquil escape into Burundi’s montane rainforest. With over 98 species of mammals, 200 bird species, and 644 recorded plant species, Kibira is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, botanists, and lovers of off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Kigwena Natural Reserve – Forest Walks and Primate Encounters
Located in southwestern Burundi near Lake Tanganyika, Kigwena Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. It shelters over 97 species of mammals, including baboons, monkeys, and hippos. The forest is also home to unique reptiles such as Python sebae and green mambas, along with a variety of butterflies and birds.
- Ruvubu National Park – Burundi’s Largest Wildlife Sanctuary
Spanning over 500 sq km in eastern Burundi, Ruvubu National Park is the country’s largest protected area. It is a haven for large mammals such as buffaloes, hippos, and Nile crocodiles, as well as elusive predators like lions and leopards. The park is also home to various monkey species including red colobus, blue monkeys, and Senegal bush babies, making it ideal for primate enthusiasts.
While visiting the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, take time to explore Gitega, Burundi’s cultural capital:
- National Museum of Gitega: Gain insight into Burundi’s traditions, history, and tribal life through a rich collection of artifacts.
- Royal Drum Sanctuaries: In addition to Gishora, you can visit other karyenda drum sites that reflect Burundi’s royal heritage.
- Places of Worship: Gitega is home to diverse religious institutions including Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, and Muslim communities.
- Education Spotlight: Visit the Polytechnic University of Gitega, founded in 2014, to learn more about modern education in Burundi.
- Community experiences & cultural exchanges: Home-hosted visits, cooking demonstrations, craft workshops and village walks that support local livelihoods and create authentic connections.
- Birding & photography: The country’s varied habitats make it an excellent destination for birders and photographers seeking intimate wildlife and landscape moments.
OUR TOP BURUNDI TOURS AND TRAVEL
What to expect on Burundi tours and travel
Burundi travel is small-scale and personal. Expect comfortable lodges, family-run guesthouses and eco-camps rather than large resorts; travel often involves short drives, boat transfers and guided walks. Trails range from gentle lakeshore strolls to more challenging forest treks, local guides provide expertise, safety and cultural context. Many visits are designed to directly benefit community partners and conservation projects.
Practical info & safety :
Burundi tours and travel
Permits & park access
Visits to protected sites (especially habituation or special tracking) require permits and must be guided by authorized rangers. Kwafrika arranges permits and local guides for every booking.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended (often required for entry). Malaria prophylaxis and routine travel vaccinations are advised, consult your travel clinic well before departure.
Logistics & packing
Bring sturdy walking shoes, rain gear (forest areas can be wet), sun protection for lakeside days, and insect repellent. Expect simpler infrastructure outside Bujumbura and Gitega.
Responsible travel
We prioritize community benefit, low-impact experiences and respect for local customs, follow guide instructions in parks and leave no trace.
Visas & entry
To apply for a Burundian visa from a Burundian embassy, applicants must submit two signed application forms and two recent, colored passport-sized photos. Essential documentation includes a valid travel document (passport) with at least six months of validity remaining, and proof of onward or return travel, such as a round-trip ticket or a letter from a travel agency. Additionally, a copy of a yellow fever vaccine certificate is mandatory. The required supporting document varies based on the purpose of the visit: visitors require an invitation letter from family or friends, while tourists must provide proof of hotel reservations. Regarding fees and processing, a Single/Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days, costs between $90 USD to $400. A Transit visa, allowing a stopover of up to 48 hours, costs from $40 USD to $150. The standard processing time for a visa application is 7 working days from the date the complete application is received.
Best time to visit Burundi
The most traveler-friendly windows are the dry seasons: June – August (long dry season) and December – January (short dry season). These months offer easier walking conditions and clearer skies; shoulder periods can be excellent for birding and lush landscapes but may bring rain.
What makes Kwafrika Travel stands out for your Burundi Tours and Travel
Kwafrika travels has over 5 years of experience bringing customers to Burundi. Our itineraries are built on local partnerships, trusted cultural hosts and experienced guides who create safe, meaningful encounters. We prioritize community-run experiences (drumming performances, artisan visits), small-group departures, and itineraries that support conservation and local livelihoods, so your visit leaves a positive footprint.
Ready to explore Burundi?
Let Kwafrika design a bespoke itinerary, from a cultural weekend in Gitega and Gishora to a week combining Kibira, Ruvubu and Lake Tanganyika. Get a free quote and start planning.