Skip to content

Top Things to See and Do in Burundi

From the Bujumbura City, lakeside, wildlife to the mountainside, Burundi does not disappoint adventurous travelers seeking for active fun, city life, beach life, plus a sprinkling of historical, taste of food and cultural discoveries. The geographical position of Bujumbura, the capital city, makes it a strategic jumping off point for exploring the rest of the country’s attractions. It is easy to go around exploring this unique and virgin country with Beyond Kigali City Tours. Below are some of the most interest points that you can visit while on your tour to Burundi with us.

Bujumbura

This relatively small city has not seen much development over the past decades mainly due to years of conflict in the region. The city, commonly known as Buji, has retained other characteristics from its period as a French colony such as excellent food, drink and nightlife. French cuisine can be found at various restaurants in the city, occupying a wide range of prices and quality. Sights in the city include the university which is the only one in Burundi and the Independence Monument which remembers hard times of occupation by French, Belgian and German rulers. The Living Museum is also located in Bujumbura and is arguably one of the best museums of its kind in Africa. It shows ancient and modern crafts used in Burundi.

Lake Tanganyika

The most popular attraction in Burundi, the great lake of Tanganyika is also the longest in the world and the second largest in Africa, spanning a total area of 19,883.9 square miles. It offers remarkable biodiversity with more than 1,300 plant and animal species residing there, from microscopic algae to large crocodiles, along with 300 species of small and large fish. The lake is also the second deepest in the world (after Baikal Lake) and the second largest freshwater reservoir (after Lake Victoria). More than its underwater richness, the lake boasts beautiful landscapes enhanced by the soaring mountains and coastal plains perfect for photographs.

Rusizi National Park

One of the most beautiful natural areas in Burundi, Rusizi National Park gives access to the gorgeous Rusizi River where numerous bird species fly and gentle hippos wade. Nearby is the Muslim city of Buyenzi with its Living Museum and the National Hero Mausoleum, along with the Climb of Belvedere, which offers the best view of the city.

Mount Heha

Mount Heha is the highest mountain in Burundi and the highest point in the Burundi Highlands mountain range. It is located in the Bujumbura Rural province of Burundi and it lies approximately 20 km to the east of Lake Tanganyika and about 30 km to the southeast of Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. If you’re as fun of hiking, this is a place to take a thrilling moment.

Gitega

Gitega holds the ancient history of the colonial times of Burundi and it preserves its history in the best way. The Gitega national museum has all the artefacts and documents related to the past. There are accommodations for all ranges and budgets and all kinds of people can afford it. People come to this place after a safari or game reserve.

Rumonge

Rumonge is a key tourist destination in the southern region of Burundi. Close to Lake Tanganyika, the city is blessed with great beaches and stunning landscapes, including Saga Resh, which is arguably the prettiest in the country. Around the town are big white houses dating back to the Belgian colonial period and a beautiful countryside.

Gishora

Gishora is a place which is best for safaris and drum sanctuary located in Gishora. The drums play an important role in the history of Gishora. The Burundi culture is well depicted here and it also holds the palace of the late kings here.

Saga Beach

The warm waters of the beach makes it a must visit spot for visitors. The beach is not that beautiful but the natural surrounding that engulfs it increase the attractive nature of the beach. During weekends, locals surround the beach and the atmosphere becomes fun and lively.

Chutes De La Kerera

The place is known for the four amazing falls that makes up the Chutes De la Kerera. It is possible to walk through the waterfalls and enjoy the waters. All the four falls are at different heights and people should be careful when they are in this place.

Karera waterfalls

Karera waterfalls is known not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for its exotic healing properties, which are highly sought after for relaxation and relief. More thermal falls can be found in the forest reserves of Kigwena and Rumonge.

Ruvubu National Park

The s covers the widest area in Burundi. The majestic wildlife present in this park makes up for the Ruvubu National park. The transportation to the park is easy and there are camping facilities available here. Hippos, elephants, tigers, etc. are some of the animals to be found here.

Kigwena Reserve

Kigwena Reserve is located across the foothills of Congo-Nile and is 3,300 hectares of rich flora and fauna where monkeys and large hornbills roam. Mugara Falls, which is also a thermal spring, is within the reserve. The trees and huge and their roots come to the ground creating a dense look in the forest.

Kibira National Park

Another must-see nature area, Kibira stretches from Bubanza in the north down to Bugarama in the south, offering visitors a great opportunity to explore the diverse nature of Burundi. Numerous species of birds, primates, insects, reptiles, and large mammals lurk in the forest.

Bururi National Reserve

The Bururi National reserve consists of wet forests for animals and a large number of migratory birds. To beat the scorching heat, people come here to the reserve as it is in higher altitudes and refreshing to be in summers.

Lake Rweru

Aside from Lake Tanganyika, Burundi is also home to many other spectacular lakes like Rweru, which is known for its mangroves and walking paths. Nearby is Lake Rwihinda or the Bird Lake, a major breeding ground for various migratory species.

Teza Tea Plantations

Tea is one of the major products of Burundi, and those who wish to relax and take in the view of some of the most serene landscapes of the country should not miss a visit to the tranquil Teza Tea Plantations, situated on the edge of the verdant Kibira Forest. For any safari package or inquiries kindly get in touch with our sales team, to get all arranged for you.