Let me introduce Burundi,” the heart of Africa”.

Burundi is one of the smallest countries on the African continent, yet it packs a lot of beautiful scenery into a little area. The nation is organized into 16 provinces that occupy an area of just more than 27837 square kilometers.Burundi’s primary natural features are hippos and birds,  green hills and mountains, and Lake Tanganyika the second-oldest freshwater lake in the world, the second-largest by volume, and the second-deepest after Lake Baikal. The country may lack wildlife richness compared with its neighboring Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania but its voice de vivre, beautiful beaches, and green hills make it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and cultural tour experience. 

While it is not a prime destination for African wildlife safaris, here’s a list of the best places to visit in Burundi!

Things to do in Burundi

When considering a journey to Burundi realize it is one of the smallest countries you’ll ever come across. Nevertheless, the densely populated communities in Africa are home to around 10 million natives. Since the country is compact, virtually all of it is reachable by its trails.

Tourists can explore the vast selection of geographical details in Burundi including riverbeds, cliffs, and highlands from a distance. Although the leading natural attractions are undervalued, Burundi has the power to grow into a tourist hot spot. Let’s take a peek at some of the finest places to call on in Burundi.

Tour Bujumbura

Known as Buja, it is a bustling city with good food, drink, and nightlife. Bujumbura is the economic and former political capital of Burundi one of the landlocked countries in East Africa. The city is located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, and its population is estimated to be around 800,000 people. It is the largest city in the country and the economic and cultural hub of the country.

The city is the main port for the country and the main trading center for local produce. It also serves as a regional hub for the transportation of goods and services. It is home to the University of Burundi, the largest university in the country. The city also hosts a number of cultural and sporting events, such as the Bujumbura International Cultural Festival, the Bujumbura Marathon, and the Bujumbura International Film Festival.

Relax at the beach of Lake Tanganyika

How about relaxing at the beach of Lake Tanganyika while enjoying a fresh Mukeke? Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the world’s longest freshwater lake, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most well-known attractions. DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia also border the lake, but it’s usually one of the most popular places to visit when in Bujumbura. Some great hotels and resorts are also found here. 

The lake has various beach spots where guests may spend the day exploring the restaurants and cafes and soaking up the sun along the shore. But don’t be startled if you come across a hippopotamus sleeping near you in the scorching Burundian sun! These beautiful animals, who are typically non-aggressive, leave the lakes from time to time to relax on the beach.

Karera waterfalls 

The Karera Waterfalls, also known as the Chutes de la Karera, is a grouping of four waterfalls in Burundi’s Rutana district. The location is frequently included in Burundi trip packages. The most stunning of the four waterfalls is the one you arrive at first. It is where you may leave your vehicle. Upstream from here comes Nyakai II, the smallest of the four falls and a great site for an impromptu shower.

This stream connects to Mwaro Falls before forming Karera Falls, the area’s namesake, and largest waterfall. They are around 70 meters tall and are one of Burundi’s most magnificent natural beauties.

Gitega Royal Drummers- Songa Mount Hiking – Ancient houses (Architecture)

Since you and your family are taking a journey to Burundi, you can’t leave without visiting the city of Gitega. It’s a tranquil place with particular charm and exquisite appeal. Batimbo are the classical dancers who perform to the echoes of tambourines. The performers have toured Washington, Montreal, Munich, Berlin, and Tokyo just to name a few, as an instrumental part of acclaimed international festivals.

Watch a drum show at Gishora Sanctuary

Drumming is a tradition. Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a well-known drum location in Burundi. It is one of the cultural sites to see when touring Burundi. This is a must-see on any Burundi trip itinerary. You can see a drum display virtually anywhere in Burundi, but Gishora stands out for a good reason: its history. Yes, the Burundi Drum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gishora is located 200 meters on the left side of the Gitega-Ngozi Road, 7 kilometers from Gitega town.

If you don’t get to see this heart-pounding performance, you’ve probably never actually gone to Burundi! Locals and visitors alike may now observe The Royal Drummers of Burundi and experience this UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

Booking a guided tour allows you to witness their mesmerizing drumming show lasts an hour and you will learn the story behind the drum. You may take your hand at pounding some beats yourself!

Mugamba: Heha Mount Hiking- Traditional houses- Cattle in traditional Burundi

This country is made of plateau mainly. Mount Heha, set in the Bujumbura Rural province of Burundi, is the loftiest mountain in Burundi and the steepest point in the Burundi Highlands mountain territory. It stretches to the east of Lake Tanganyika approximately 30 km.

The straw-roofed rugo or traditional Burundian thatched houses are enveloped by a fence built with bamboo hedges. This empowers the residents with shelter against the icy weather, specifically at night. These red and kaolin family residences are sprinkled across the region along with African Ankole Longhorn cattle breeds.

That is the exploitation of local materials in the building. The houses found in this region are quite different from the Burundian traditional dwellings. With modernity, these houses have changed their format. This kind of dwelling resembles much of the constructions met in Ethiopia around Lake Wenchi.

The most interesting part of this dwelling zone is along with the national road no.7, after the urban center of Ijenda. The tourist will find it difficult to choose between taking views either near the road or on the large vista covering all the hills that endlessly stretch out. This route also leads to the source of the Nile, Karera waterfalls, and Nyakazu rift. A guided tour in Burundi usually includes a trip to this amazing region.

Bujumbura Architectural tour – Lake Tanganyika and Fishing opportunities

The journey to Burundi will lead you to Tanganyika’s silky waters. The lake features warm, salt-free water that changes from clear stillness to overflowing waves excellent for surfing.  Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world and after Lake Baikal, it ranks as the second deepest.

The waters host more than 350 different species of fish and are well known for aquarium fish exports and excellent angling. Sportfishing is prevalent at the lake and the fisherman returns home with catches such as the goliath tigerfish and Nile perch.

Muramvya: Kibira National Park – Tea plantations- Treaty of Kiganda

Kibira National Park sits northwest of Burundi, and the whole area is only 400 square kilometers. The forest is home to the white colobus monkeys, and it possesses over 250 species of birds covering the turtle dove. This is where you will see amazing tea plantations and a visit to the Teza tea factory makes your day worthwhile on all levels.

Kiganda Royal Grounds

Kiganda is where King Mwezi accepted the invitation to sign a treaty with the Germans in 1903 which marked the beginning of the colonial era. It is not only a historical place of colonization, but also a significant cultural site.

One of the sites is a beautiful park which is a historical sanctuary containing all details about the signing of the Treaty between Germans and King Mwezi Gisabo who was the traditional ruler during that colonial era. The other site is the royal inauguration grounds where the Kings Mutaga Mbikije, Mwezi Gisabo, and many other ancient political kings were inaugurated. Touring this site is an incredible chance for one to enjoy the Burundian ancient royal walk on elegant, well-kept royal grounds.

Burundi tea

As the second cash crop in Burundi, tea brings foreign currencies to the East African community. Burundi Tea Company is exceedingly important to the nation as it generates employment. They formed the first tea plantation in 1963 Burundi has five tea factories in five other territories.

Burundi Coffee Company – Gitega

Burundi’s volcanic soil produces an exceptional environment for growing coffee. Volcanic soil is plentiful in nutrients such as nitrogen. Burundian coffee passes through a special processing technique to make its sweet citrus taste.