23 Best Places to Visit in Burundi

Burundi, known as “The Heart of Africa,” is a landlocked country in eastern and southern Africa, bordering Rwanda and Tanzania. With a population of 11 million, it is known for its coffee and tea exports. Burundi, once a British colony, is now a peaceful nation that preserves its culture and boasts lush woodlands with diverse wildlife.

Burundi shares the Congo Nile Divide with Rwanda and features tropical beaches along Lake Tanganyika, with the Blue Mountains of the Congo nearby. The country is home to 690 bird species and renowned for its skilled drummers, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and varied landscapes.

Bujumbura

Bujumbura, the economic capital and largest city of Burundi, is a key port and export hub. It offers a mix of urban life, beaches, and unique wildlife experiences, such as seeing hippopotamuses on the shores. The city is also near Kibira National Park, home to over 400 bird species, and a reptile park with rare and endangered species.

The city is close to Lake Tanganyika, which some consider the source of the River Nile. Bujumbura provides a variety of experiences, from nature trails and birdwatching to local bars and restaurants, making it an attractive destination for visitors.

Gitega

Gitega, about 40 miles east of Bujumbura, served as Burundi’s capital for centuries and was its administrative center during colonial times. In 2007, the government announced plans to move the national capital back to Gitega. The city offers cultural attractions like the Burundi National Museum and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gitega.

Gitega is also near a 500 sq km national park, home to diverse wildlife including primates and birds. The city has a central market and the Museum of Traditions, with a unique drumming show. Nearby natural attractions include Karera Falls and the Nykazu Break.

Mount Heha

Mount Heha, Burundi’s highest peak at 2,864 meters, is a popular trekking and mountain biking spot near Bujumbura. The mountain offers beautiful scenery and opportunities for birdwatching, with over 100 species. Additionally, the commemorative pyramid marking the River Nile’s source is located about 115km southeast of Bujumbura.

The area around Mount Heha is known for its wildlife and lush forests. Another notable attraction in Burundi is the Central Market in Bujumbura, where a wide variety of goods can be found.

Mugara

The Mugara Forest Sanctuary is home to monkeys and baboons, and features hot springs with water at 48°C, believed to have healing properties. The springs form a large basin where visitors can relax.

Nearby, the Mugara hot springs comprise two falls flowing into Lake Tanganyika. Another option is the Muhweza Hot Springs, 122 km from Bujumbura, with separate basins for men and women. These springs are popular during the cold and wet seasons.

The Kibira National Park

Kibira National Park, located in northwestern Burundi, spans 400 square kilometers and is one of the country’s largest reserves. It is home to diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees, baboons, and over 200 bird species.

The park offers guided tours, with views of hills, waterfalls, and the source of the River Nile. Previously a royal hunting reserve, Kibira maintains its natural beauty and is respected by the local population.

Rusizi National Park

Rusizi National Park, located 15km north of Bujumbura, spans 500 square kilometers and is home to diverse wildlife, including hippopotamuses, sitatungas, and numerous bird species.

The park is a popular birdwatching destination, with over 200 species, including migratory birds from Europe and Asia. Guides are available to assist in bird identification.

Ruvubu National Park

Ruvubu National Park, in northeastern Burundi, spans over 500 square kilometers and borders Tanzania. It features diverse landscapes, including riparian forests, papyrus swamps, and savannah woodlands, and is home to various wildlife, such as hippopotamuses, monkeys, and antelopes.

The park is easily accessible from Bujumbura and offers hiking trails with scenic views, as well as boat tours on the Ruvubu River. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 bird species that can be observed during boat safaris.

Bururi National Reserve

Bururi National Reserve is a protected area in southwestern Burundi’s Bururi Province. It covers about 3,300 hectares of montane forest at elevations between 1,600 and 2,300 meters.

The reserve is known for its diverse plant life and is home to various primates, including chimpanzees, as well as numerous bird species. While it faces challenges like deforestation and poaching, Bururi plays a crucial role in Burundi’s biodiversity conservation efforts and offers some opportunities for ecotourism.

Rumonge Natural Reserve

Rumonge Natural Reserve, in northwestern Burundi, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including various bird and monkey species. It is managed by the Kigwena Natural Forest Conservation Institute and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Established in 1951, Rumonge is one of Burundi’s newest conservation areas. Guided tours are required to explore the reserve, which is known for its birdwatching opportunities and exotic plants.

Kigwena Natural Forest

Kigwena Natural Forest, covering 3,000 hectares in Rumonge, Burundi, is home to diverse wildlife, including chimpanzees, baboons, and over 117 bird species. The forest offers guided tours and is a popular filming location.

The best time to visit is between December and February, during the drier season. The forest features a botanical lane and is home to various plants, animals, and amphibians. A chimpanzee sanctuary and Colobus monkeys are highlights. Accommodation is available in nearby Gitega.

Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve

Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve, in northern Burundi, is a prime birdwatching destination, covering over 8,000 acres. It is home to thousands of migrating water birds and over 100 species of birds and other animals. The reserve offers a cool retreat during hot summers.

Another notable spot for birdwatching is the Central Market in Burundi’s capital. This large covered market is the city’s economic hub, featuring numerous stalls and a variety of local products.

Gishora

Gishora, Burundi, is famous for its Drum Sanctuary, a cultural and religious center showcasing Burundian drumming, run by descendants of the ancient Abanyigisaka lineage. The sanctuary offers insights into Burundi’s culture and history.

Located about 115 km southeast of Bujumbura, Gishora is also known for its natural scenery, including national parks and lush forests. The drum sanctuary is a key attraction, highlighting the role of drums in Burundi’s royal ceremonies and celebrations.

Kagera Waterfalls

The Kagera Waterfalls, located in southeastern Burundi, are surrounded by lush forests and known for their beauty. They comprise four different heights and span over 80 meters, making them the country’s tallest waterfalls.

Accessible by tour or private vehicle, the waterfalls offer hiking opportunities and a chance to observe local lifestyles. The area also provides options for biking.

Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika, located in the Great Rift Valley, is one of Burundi’s top tourist destinations. It is the world’s deepest and second-largest freshwater lake, home to hundreds of fish species, including the Goliath Tiger and Giant Nile Perch.

The lake is known for its excellent fishing and diverse landscapes, offering opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, such as elephants. Boat rides are available, and the Lake Tanganyika Wildlife Museum showcases various animals and traditional Burundi houses.

GitegaVyanda Natural Reserve

Gitega-Vyanda Natural Reserve in Burundi is known for its biodiversity, with over 268 plant species and numerous rare and endemic animal species. The reserve is accessible from Rumonge and offers guided tours.

Visitors can explore the reserve on full-day tours, with the chance to see wild chimpanzees. However, interactions with chimps are not guaranteed, and they are not accustomed to humans.

Musee Vivant

The National Park of Kibira in Burundi spans 40,000 hectares and is home to chimpanzees, dorcas, and black colobus. The park has over 180 km of tracks and offers views of Lake Tanganyika.

The Bujumbura Museum, opened in 1977, houses a diverse collection of animals, including crocodiles, monkeys, leopards, and chimpanzees. It also showcases Burundian art and craftwork.

Kigwena Natural Forest

Kigwena Natural Forest, in northwestern Burundi, is home to white colobus monkeys, 250 bird species, and tea plantations. It also houses a historic site related to King Mwezi and offers beautiful landscapes and wildlife views.

Nearby, the town of Gishora, 7 km from Gitega, features a drum sanctuary highlighting the importance of drums in Burundi’s history. Gishora is also known for the ruins of a royal palace.

Geological Museum of Burundi

The Geological Museum of Burundi, located in Bujumbura, showcases the country’s geological and cultural heritage. Its collection includes over four million rock and mineral specimens, displays of animals and plants, and a zoo with crocodiles and chimpanzees. Additionally, it features a reconstruction of a traditional Burundi house.

Burundi’s Kagera Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 142 hectares, is a popular tourist destination. Another attraction is Mount Kikizi, standing at 2,145 meters, which appeals to nature and adventure sports enthusiasts. Burundi’s climate is relatively cool due to its elevation, with moderate temperatures and substantial rainfall.

The Source of the Nile

The Nile River’s ultimate source is in Burundi, flowing into Lake Victoria via the Kagera River. German explorer Burckhard Waldecker traced the Kagera’s origins in 1934 and built a pyramid on Mount Kikizi to mark his discovery.

The Nile enters South Sudan at Nimule, near Jinja, passing through gorges and rapids. This section is known as the White Nile due to suspended white clay in its water.

Saga Beach

Saga Beach, located on Lake Tanganyika near Bujumbura, offers a serene beach experience with calm waters. It is a popular spot for locals to relax, with places to eat, drink, and enjoy live music.

Additionally, visit Kigwena Natural Forest to see diverse tree species, monkeys, baboons, and butterflies. In Gitega, explore Burundi’s colonial history at the national museum.

Livingstone-Stanley Monument

The Livingstone-Stanley Monument marks the historic meeting of explorers Livingstone and Stanley. Located near Lake Tanganyika, the monument is a significant tourist attraction in Burundi.

The monument, built by Belgian colonial authorities, consists of a vertical granite stone with an engraving, surrounded by smaller stones. It stands over 10 feet high and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Monument de l’Unité

The Monument de l’Unité in Bujumbura symbolizes Burundi’s unity and reconciliation. This granite structure, built by the native population, stands over 10 feet high and six feet wide.

Located off the main road near the former capital, the monument offers views of the city and Lake Tanganyika. It features a distinct inscription and is a significant national symbol.

Regina Mundi Cathedral

In Burundi, visit the Regina Mundi Cathedral, located near the center of Bujumbura. This historic church features a beautiful altar with stained glass artwork and can accommodate over 2,000 people.

Additionally, explore the Living Museum of Bujumbura, established in 1964, which houses a vast collection of historical artifacts. Nearby, the Kigwena Natural Forest spans over 3,000 hectares.

Mausolée du Prince Louis Rwagasore

The Mausolee du Prince Louis Rwagasore is a must-see attraction in Bujumbura. Inscribed with his famous motto “Unite, Work, Progress,” this 20th-century monarch’s grave honors his life and ideals. He was assassinated two weeks after winning the election in 1961, but his ideas and legacy live on today.

The Mausolée du Prince Louis Rwaga-Sore is the site of a 57th-anniversary ceremony. Here, embassy delegations placed a floral wreath on the tomb of the prince and other heroes of Burundi’s independence. The ceremony included representatives from political parties, the government, and security forces.