5 Days Best of Burundi Safari

Welcome to an exclusive, luxury-focused journey into the heart of Burundi with Rwakabunga Safaris. This five-day itinerary is meticulously crafted for discerning tourists seeking to explore the country’s vibrant culture, pristine natural beauty, and historical landmarks while enjoying the utmost comfort and high-end service. From the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika to the energetic cultural heartbeat of Gitega, this safari promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation, adventure, and immersive cultural experiences, ensuring a truly premium East African experience. Our selection of accommodations emphasizes comfort, personalised service, and excellent cuisine, providing a sanctuary after each day’s exploration.

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura & Luxury Lakeside Immersion

Upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (Bujumbura), you will be met by your professional, English-speaking guide and transferred by luxury 4×4 vehicle to your exclusive lakeside resort on Lake Tanganyika. After settling into your premium suite, the afternoon is dedicated to a refined introduction to Bujumbura. The main activity is a private, sunset boat cruise on the vast waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake. This opulent experience will offer a chance to spot diverse birdlife and enjoy chilled premium drinks as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a palette of warm colours. Concluding the day, you will be treated to a gourmet dinner at your resort, sampling international and local fusion cuisine.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Roca Golf Hotel, Kiriri Garden Hotel

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Cultural Royalty and Highland Scenery

Today, your luxury excursion takes you inland towards the cultural capital, Gitega, traversing Burundi’s stunning, rolling green highlands dotted with picturesque tea and coffee plantations. The first major stop is the revered Gishora Drum Sanctuary, a UNESCO-recognized site where you will witness an exclusive performance by the Royal Drummers of Burundi, renowned for their powerful, athletic, and symbolic traditional rhythms. Following this captivating cultural show, the journey proceeds to Gitega, where you will explore the National Museum, home to a valuable collection of historical and ethnographic artifacts, offering deep insight into the country’s ancient kingdoms and colonial past. The day concludes with check-in to your luxury Gitega accommodation.

Accommodation Options: Tropitel Gitega, Jerusalem Hotel Gitega, Ibis Hotel Gitega

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Primates and Tea Plantations of Kibira National Park

Following a delicious breakfast, the safari continues its luxury adventure towards the magnificent Kibira National Park, a vast high-altitude rainforest nestled along the Congo-Nile divide. Today’s premier activity is a guided chimpanzee tracking experience, accompanied by specialized park rangers. This exclusive forest walk offers tourists the thrill of encountering these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, a quintessential luxury safari experience. The afternoon is reserved for a refined tour of the Teza Tea Plantations, where you will learn about the intricate process of tea production from crop to cup, culminating in a private, high-altitude tea-tasting session overlooking the verdant, terraced hillsides. Later, you will be transferred back to Bujumbura for a relaxing evening by the lake.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Roca Golf Hotel, Kiriri Garden Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Source of the Nile and Waterfalls Oasis

The focus of the fourth day is exploring Burundi’s geographical and natural wonders, combining historical significance with picturesque scenery. The morning takes you south to Rutovu, the accepted location of the southernmost source of the mighty Nile River, marked by a stone pyramid monument. Here, tourists can take professional photographs at this iconic location and appreciate the enormous scale of the world’s longest river system. The exploration continues to the breathtaking Karera Waterfalls, a series of cascading tiers surrounded by lush forest, where you will enjoy a secluded viewing spot and a gourmet picnic lunch prepared to your preference. The late afternoon includes a visit to the nearby Mugara Hot Springs for a unique, relaxing thermal experience before returning to your premium resort for a sophisticated farewell dinner.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Roca Golf Hotel, Kiriri Garden Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Bujumbura Exploration – Departure

Your final day begins with a leisurely breakfast and a curated city tour of Bujumbura, tailored to the historical interests of our luxury tourists. The morning itinerary includes visiting the Livingstone-Stanley Monument, a historic stone marking the location where the famous explorers, David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley, reportedly met. You will also enjoy a visit to the Belvedere for a panoramic view of Bujumbura city and Lake Tanganyika, offering a final opportunity for stunning landscape photography. Depending on your flight schedule, there will be time for some high-end curio shopping at selected artisanal boutiques for exclusive Burundian crafts. Finally, your guide will provide a comfortable and prompt transfer to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport for your outbound flight, concluding your luxury safari with Rwakabunga Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 5 Days Best of Burundi Safari.