2 Days Karera Waterfalls and Gishora Drummers Tour

Embark on an exclusive and luxurious short escape with Rwakabunga Safaris, designed for discerning tourists seeking both the breathtaking natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of Burundi. This two-day tour offers an intimate encounter with the majestic Karera Waterfalls and the iconic, UNESCO-recognised Royal Drummers of Gishora, all while indulging in premium comfort and personalised service. Experience the heart of Burundi with elegance, from the cascades of Rutana to the rhythmic soul of Gitega, ensuring an unforgettable journey into the country’s most celebrated treasures.

Day 1: Drive to Rutana – Karera Waterfalls Tour

The adventure begins with an early morning departure from your luxury hotel in the capital, Bujumbura, in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle. Tourists will enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive through the picturesque rolling hills of the Burundian countryside, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” making a brief, delightful stop in Ijenda, often likened to a ‘little Switzerland’ in Africa, for a gourmet coffee and panoramic photo opportunity. Upon arrival in Rutana Province, the day culminates in an exclusive guided exploration of the magnificent Karera Waterfalls, a series of four stunning cascades flowing through lush greenery. A dedicated, private guide will lead the tourists along the carefully maintained trails, offering fascinating insights into the falls’ geology and the surrounding pristine environment. The luxury experience will include a pre-arranged, exquisite picnic lunch with premium drinks at a secluded viewpoint overlooking the main falls, allowing for an intimate connection with nature before retiring to a carefully selected, upscale lodge near Gitega.

Accommodation: Hôtel Tropitel, Isango Hotel, Villa Mater Dolorosa

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Royal Drummers of Gishora – Return to Bujumbura

Following a sumptuous breakfast, tourists will be transported to the famed Gishora Drum Sanctuary near Gitega, a site steeped in Burundian history and cultural significance, home to the celebrated Abatimbo (Royal Drummers). This will not be a mere viewing; the experience is elevated to a private, pre-booked performance by the Royal Drummers, ensuring an up-close and personal spectacle of the powerful, UNESCO-listed tradition of drumming and dancing. An elder or the keeper of the sanctuary will offer an in-depth, private talk, recounting the history of the sacred drums and their profound role in the monarchy’s political and cultural life, providing exclusive insight that goes beyond the standard visit. After this mesmerizing cultural deep-dive, the tour continues to Gitega’s National Museum for a refined viewing of historical artifacts, followed by a final, high-end lunch at a premier restaurant in Gitega, sampling refined Burundian and international cuisine before the comfortable private transfer back to Bujumbura.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

End of the 2 Days Karera Waterfalls and Gishora Drummers Tour.