With Wanderwort Safaris, take this remarkable 9 Days Burundi Wildlife and Lake Tanganyika Safari through some of Burundi’s most fascinating natural and cultural treasures. Experiences with East Africa’s stunning animals, the rhythmic legacy of Gishora’s holy drums, and the pristine wildness of Kibira National Park are all part of this carefully planned luxury vacation. Discover the unspoiled splendour of old montane forests, observe cultural customs that date back generations, and take advantage of first-rate lodging while visiting one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. The best standards of luxury travel and genuine cultural immersion will be reflected at every turn by our knowledgeable guides, who will take you through lush landscapes and introduce you to local people.
Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Bujumbura International Airport, where a Wanderwort Safaris representative greets you for a private transfer to a luxurious hotel on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Settle into your elegant suite and enjoy a private sunset boat cruise on the lake, sipping champagne as the sun dips below the horizon. Visit the Living Museum (Musée Vivant) to explore Burundi’s wildlife and cultural exhibits, followed by a gourmet welcome dinner at your hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, featuring French-Burundian fusion cuisine.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Botanika Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Rusizi National Park Safari
After a lavish breakfast, embark on a private boat safari in Rusizi National Park, gliding along the Rusizi River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife with your expert guide. Return to Bujumbura for a gourmet lunch at a chic lakeside restaurant, followed by a private tour of the city’s highlights, including vibrant markets and colonial landmarks. Spend the evening relaxing with a spa treatment at your hotel, followed by a curated dinner showcasing fresh lake fish and local delicacies.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Botanika Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Bujumbura to Kibira National Park
Following a leisurely breakfast, travel in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 to Kibira National Park, a pristine rainforest renowned for its biodiversity. Check into a luxury eco-lodge and enjoy a gourmet lunch before a private guided trek to track chimpanzees and other primates, led by an expert naturalist. Marvel at the lush flora and rare birds as you explore. In the evening, unwind by a private campfire with a chef-prepared dinner featuring organic Burundian dishes paired with fine wines.
Accommodations: Kibira Eco-Lodge, Tanganyika Resort, Bururi Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kibira National Park
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then embark on another private trek in Kibira National Park, focusing on the park’s unique ecosystem and birdlife, including the elusive African pitta. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a scenic forest clearing, surrounded by nature’s tranquility. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge with a wellness session, such as a massage or yoga class. Dine under the stars at your lodge’s open-air restaurant, savoring a multi-course menu blending Burundian and international flavors.
Accommodations: Kibira Eco-Lodge, Tanganyika Resort, Bururi Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kibira to Rumonge
After breakfast, journey to Rumonge, a serene lakeside town on Lake Tanganyika, and check into a luxury beachfront resort. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the pristine beach or swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. A private boat excursion offers stunning views and opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife. Dine at your resort’s elegant open-air restaurant, where a seafood-focused menu highlights fresh catches from the lake, paired with craft cocktails.
Accommodations: Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, Saga Beach Resort, Rumonge Luxury Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Rumonge – Teza Tea Plantations and Lakeside Leisure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then set out on a private tour of the Teza Tea Plantations, nestled in lush hills. Learn about tea production from an expert guide and indulge in an exclusive tea-tasting session featuring Burundi’s finest blends. Return to your resort for a gourmet lunch and an afternoon of relaxation, with options for a spa treatment or a swim in the lake. In the evening, savor a gourmet dinner under a canopy of stars, featuring organic ingredients sourced from local farms.
Accommodations: Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, Saga Beach Resort, Rumonge Luxury Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Rumonge to Ruvubu National Park
Depart after breakfast for Ruvubu National Park, Burundi’s largest wildlife reserve, traveling in a private 4×4 vehicle. Settle into a luxury safari lodge and embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, hippos, buffalos, and diverse birdlife with your expert guide. Enjoy a sundowner with premium cocktails in the savannah. Return to your lodge for a lavish dinner, featuring grilled specialties and local delicacies, served in an elegant dining area.
Accommodations: Ruvubu Safari Lodge, Tanganyika Wilderness Camp, Bururi Luxury Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Full Day in Ruvubu National Park
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day private game drive in Ruvubu National Park, exploring its vast savannahs and riverine landscapes. Your expert guide will help you spot elusive wildlife, including antelopes and rare birds. A gourmet picnic lunch is served in a scenic location, complete with linen tablecloths and chilled beverages. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening by the pool or a private campfire, followed by a multi-course dinner featuring farm-to-table cuisine.
Accommodations: Ruvubu Safari Lodge, Tanganyika Wilderness Camp, Bururi Luxury Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Return to Bujumbura – Departure
Following a final breakfast in the wild, travel back to Bujumbura in a private vehicle, stopping en route at the southernmost source of the Nile River near Mount Kikizi for a private guided tour and a gourmet picnic lunch with views of the rolling hills. Arrive in Bujumbura and check into your luxury hotel for some leisure time, perhaps enjoying a spa treatment or shopping for souvenirs with your private guide. Depending on your flight schedule, savor a light lunch at a lakeside café before a private transfer to Bujumbura International Airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Burundi Cultural Experience.
- Bottled Water in the car.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Wildlife Game Drives.
The tour cost excludes; International air fare, Visa fees, personal travel insurance, personal shopping bills, tips to local guides, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks and items not listed as included in the cost.