Why add Burundi to your Rwanda Gorilla Safari?
Adding Burundi to your Rwanda Gorilla Safari enriches your adventure by offering more diversity and experiences. Rwanda is known for its stunning gorilla trekking, but Burundi provides an opportunity to explore new landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Combining these two countries allows you to experience unique national parks, historical sites, and cultural attractions. The journey becomes more fulfilling, blending the thrill of gorilla trekking with the beauty of East African wildlife and heritage. A visit to Burundi adds another layer to your adventure, creating lasting memories in both countries.
Explore Burundi’s Diverse Wildlife
While Rwanda is famous for gorilla trekking, Burundi offers exciting wildlife experiences. Burundi is home to several parks where you can observe animals like hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes. The Ruvubu and Rusizi National Parks are two prime examples of areas where wildlife thrives. Ruvubu National Park, in particular, offers a habitat for diverse bird species and a variety of large mammals. This wildlife experience provides a perfect complement to your gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda. Adding Burundi to your trip ensures you see a wider variety of animals and ecosystems.
Burundi’s Rich Cultural Experiences
Burundi is also known for its rich cultural heritage. One of the most memorable experiences is witnessing the Ritual Dance of the Royal Drums, a significant part of Burundian tradition. This cultural performance gives insight into the history and traditions of the people of Burundi. You can also visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary to learn more about the importance of drums in their society. These experiences allow you to immerse yourself in local traditions, making your trip more meaningful and culturally enriching.
Unique Landscapes of Burundi
Burundi is blessed with stunning natural beauty, offering landscapes that differ from Rwanda’s famous hills. The country features volcanic areas, lush forests, and the picturesque shores of Lake Tanganyika. These diverse landscapes provide excellent opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and nature walks. The combination of Rwanda’s rolling hills and Burundi’s varied terrain offers a visually stunning adventure. Whether you’re exploring national parks or taking in the lakeside views, the scenery in Burundi adds another dimension to your safari experience.
Easy Access Between Rwanda and Burundi
Traveling between Rwanda and Burundi is relatively simple and straightforward. The two countries are close to each other, and several tour operators offer combined safaris that take you from Rwanda to Burundi and vice versa. The drive between Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and Bujumbura, Burundi’s largest city, is scenic and enjoyable, taking about 6 to 7 hours. With easy access and well-connected travel routes, adding Burundi to your Rwanda safari is convenient and hassle-free.
5-Day Burundi and Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Here’s a detailed itinerary for a 5-day Burundi and Rwanda Safari. This adventure will take you through the cultural sites of Burundi and the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura
Your journey begins with an arrival in Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. Upon arrival, your driver/guide from Iconic Africa Safaris will greet you and brief you about the safari. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel for the night, where you can relax and adjust to the new surroundings. If you arrive early, you may choose to visit a nearby mall to purchase any items you may need for the trip. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get a restful night’s sleep before the adventure begins.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel club du lac Tanganyika
Day 2: Bujumbura City Tour and Transfer to Gitega
After breakfast, you’ll head out for a city tour of Bujumbura. The tour will take you to several important cultural and historical sites, including the Independence Hero Monument. After exploring the city, you’ll transfer to Gitega, which is about a two-hour drive from Bujumbura. Gitega is known for its cultural significance, with a museum showcasing the ethnographic and archaeological history of the region. You’ll also get a glimpse of the colonial architecture that defines the area. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Here, you’ll witness traditional drumming performances and learn about the importance of drums in Burundian culture. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel club du lac Tanganyika
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On the third day, you’ll begin your journey to Rwanda. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out and start your drive to Volcanoes National Park. The drive will take approximately 7 hours, and you’ll pass through beautiful rural landscapes in both Burundi and Rwanda. Along the way, there will be stops to stretch, take photos, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Arriving at Volcanoes National Park in the late afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge and relax. If you have time, you can go on an evening nature walk in the park, keeping an eye out for the local birdlife. After a day of travel, enjoy a restful dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Amakoro Songa Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking
The highlight of your trip arrives on Day 4—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing about the trek. Then, your guide will lead you through the park to find the mountain gorillas. This is a thrilling and emotional experience, as you’ll be in close proximity to these gentle creatures. You’ll spend one hour observing the gorillas and learning about their behavior from your guide. After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure. If you’re interested, you may opt for a cultural visit to nearby villages to learn about the local traditions. Enjoy a quiet evening and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Amakoro Songa Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
On your final day, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the lodge while taking in the fresh mountain air. Afterward, check out and drive to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a city tour of Kigali, exploring the local markets and historical sites. After the tour, your driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: None
