How to Book Safari Adventure in Burundi

Booking a safari in Burundi involves understanding the various activities the country offers. Burundi is an emerging safari destination, known for its authentic African experiences with fewer tourists. However, due to poor road conditions, reaching many destinations can be challenging.

At Iconic Africa Safaris, we recommend safaris to Burundi for its wilderness and minimal tourist crowds. When booking, you can engage in activities like primate watching, game drives, birding, scenic tours, and a Bujumbura city tour. The official language is French, so if you need an English-speaking guide, request this in advance.

Step 1: Select Activities for Your Safari

Game Safaris

Ruvubu National Park: On a game drive, you might see leopards, elephants, waterbucks, bushbucks, cape buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. The park is also great for bird watching, especially for Albertine Rift endemics. On nature walks, you can spot primates like black and white colobus, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons.

Kabira National Park: This forested park is perfect for botanists and primate enthusiasts. You can see black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Bird watchers can spot species like Shelley’s crimsonwing and Rwenzori turaco.

Rusizi National Park: Located 15 kilometers from Bujumbura, this park is a great escape from the city. Animals like waterbucks, bushbucks, elands, sitatunga, cape buffaloes, and elephants can be seen here.

Kigwena National Park: At the border of Burundi and Tanzania, this park is known for its primates. You can see black and white colobus, olive baboons, red-tailed mangabeys, and blue monkeys. It’s also rich in bird species and plant life. Other animals like forest elephants and giant forest hogs can also be spotted.

Cultural Experience

A cultural experience in Burundi includes visiting local homes to learn about their cuisine, agriculture, and cultural performances. This needs to be arranged in advance. You might also get a chance to wear traditional clothing.

Bujumbura City Tour

Bujumbura, Burundi’s main commercial and administrative city, offers much to learn despite the country’s political history. A city tour can be insightful.

Step 2: Book Accommodation

Staying close to national parks offers an immersive jungle experience. However, accommodation options are limited, so book early. Inquire with us about available lodgings for your safari.

Step 3: Secure Transport

A 4×4 vehicle is necessary due to poor road conditions. Hire a guide familiar with the routes to avoid delays. Ensure your vehicle has a full tank as refueling in remote areas is difficult.

Step 4: Get a Tourist Visa

Apply for a Burundi visa in advance through the consular office or online to avoid delays at immigration. Though visas are available on arrival, the process can be long.

Step 5: Pack the Right Safari Gear

Pack appropriately for walking in the jungle. Burundi’s climate is cold, so warm clothing is essential. Here’s a checklist of what to pack:

• Warm clothing for mornings and evenings (temperatures can drop to 7°C).
• Insect repellent to avoid bites.
• Garden gloves for protection against rough surfaces.
• Bug spray for your room.
• Toiletries for sensitive skin.
• Snacks to keep you energized.
• Raincoat or poncho for unexpected rain.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for protection.
• Stockings to tuck into your trousers.
• Safari boots for walking on soggy surfaces.
• Safari hat to protect from rain and dew.
• Pajamas for nighttime.
• Duffel bag for your belongings.
• Flip-flops for relaxing after jungle walks.
• Cash to exchange for local currency.
• Clean face masks for primate safaris.
• Camera to capture memories.
• A light, waterproof bag for carrying gear, especially if hiring a porter.

Safety in Burundi

Burundi is recovering from political unrest but is generally safe for safaris. National parks are well-maintained and suitable for researchers. Trained ranger guides ensure safety in and around the parks. Always have a ranger guide with you in the parks and stay within your accommodation area, especially near the parks.

Cost of a Burundi Safari

The cost depends on your package, including the number of travelers, days on safari, activities, accommodation, and transport. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we offer high-end, mid-range, and basic packages. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons (June to September and December to February) when demand is high and prices are higher.

Best Time to Book a Safari

Burundi is open for tourism year-round, but the dry season is best (June to September and December to February). During this time, wildlife is more active and trails are easier to navigate. The wet season (March to May and mid-September to November) is quieter, with fewer tourists but less wildlife activity.

Guidelines for Safari

• Always have an escorting ranger guide in the forest.
• Avoid making noise to prevent disturbing the wildlife.
• Do not litter in the wilderness.
• Avoid provoking or feeding animals.
• Drive at the recommended speed during game safaris.
• Stick to designated tracks unless authorized.
• Do not use flash photography as it scares the animals.

By following these guidelines and preparing well, you can enjoy a safe and memorable safari in Burundi.