Presentation
Burundi is an important destination for most advanture travelers visiting East Africa, and one should consider the cost/benefit calculation before travelling to this friendly, if limited in options destination. A jovial time can be had here, for a price, and with an understanding of French adventure travelers will have a better chance of enjoying your time here.
We consider Burundi as a great and intense concentration of bio diversity and nature, that straddles the Great Lakes region from western Uganda to the northern tip of Lake Malawi.
Geography
Burundi is a small country and landlocked situated in East Africa. It is surrounded by Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo-Kinshasa.
Burundi has a tropical highland climate, with temperature which varies considerably from one region to another because of differences in altitude. The central plateau enjoys pleasantly cool weather (temperature of 20°C). The area around Lake Tanganyika is warmer (temperature of 23°C); the highest mountain areas are cooler (temperature of 16°C). Bujumbura’s average annual temperature is 23°C. Four seasons can be distinguished: the long dry season (June–August), the short wet season (September–November), the short dry season (December–January), and the long wet season (February–May). Most of Burundi receives between 1,300 and 1,600 mm of rainfall a year.
Why visit Burundi ?
Burundi possesses all the elements of a young nation with ancient traditions that constitute its very rich culture: art, dance, music, and handicrafts. Burundi is also a country renowned for the beautiful holiday packages it offers to all types of travelers.
The spectacular landscapes coupled with the different touristic sites have made Burundi a highly sought after destination for adventure tourists. The Burundi Museums give adventure tourists an opportunity to learn about the past culture and interesting traditions of Burundi. The culture of the Burundian is well reflected in the various monuments spread out over the different parts of the country.
Main attractions in Burundi
Kagera Falls
Kagera is one of the most outstanding attractions in Burundi and is a very popular site among tourists. The exotic waters of the Kagera falls are believed to possess healing powers that act as a medication for the human body.
Ruvubu National Park
The Ruvubu National Park lies on either side of river Ruvubu along Burundi’s east coast and is limited by high rise mountains. It is a safe haven for various animals like crocodiles, hippos, leopards, buffalos, monkeys, lions and antelopes plus a wealth of bird species and flowers.
Bururi National Reserve
It’s renowned to be eco-friendly destination with over 90 unique tree species among which are Newtonia, Myrianthus and Strombosia, more than 80 bird species and various wildlife.The Natural reserve of Bururi is a 3,300 hectares expanse of altitude damp forest. The town of Bururi offers adventurers this wonderful panorama.
Saga beach
A very attractive and quite charming beach that extends along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The attractive white sand dotted with shady trees and the gentle water waves make the beach an ideal place to unwind.
Kibira National Park
Situated at the top of the apex Zaire-Nile, with its 40,000 ha (hectares) of preserved forest land, The Kibira National Park is the largest completely untouched natural area in Burundi. It is also a perfect destination for particularly adventurous tourists who love wildlife. The park is renowned for the numerous resident primates which include Chimpanzees, Red Colobus Monkeys, crested Manabeys, baboons and many others.
Bujumbura
Bujumbura is in the Western part of the country. Moving towards the East, adventurers will be able to visit Gitega; it is a large market right in the center of the town with a Museum of Traditions (ancient tools, pictures, commentary). Adventurers will have to make advance bookings to be able to watch an extraordinary and fascinating show unique in the world: “The Drummers of Giheta” playing in their traditional environment.
Nile River Sources
Adventure travelers towards the Southeastern part of the country must not miss by any means a visit to the Nile Sources near Rutovu.