The 11 Days Burundi Safari and Cultural Discovery by Wanderwort Safaris is an opulent trip through one of Africa’s most captivating and under-visited locations. This tour combines luxury and genuineness, from the serene shores of Lake Tanganyika to the foggy forests of Kibira, and from the spectacular Karera Waterfalls to the pulsating heartbeat of the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Anticipate upscale accommodations, gourmet meals, personalised guides, and culturally immersing activities that capture Burundi’s essence.
Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura
Upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport, a Wanderwort Safaris representative will greet you with a warm welcome and a private transfer to your luxurious hotel overlooking Lake Tanganyika. After settling in, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the lake, sipping champagne as you take in the serene waters and distant mountains. Visit the Living Museum (Musée Vivant), where you’ll encounter local wildlife and cultural exhibits, followed by a gourmet welcome dinner featuring French-inspired Burundian cuisine at your hotel’s fine-dining restaurant.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Botanika Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Bujumbura – City Exploration and Rusizi National Park
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast before a private guided tour of Bujumbura, Burundi’s vibrant capital. Explore the bustling markets, colonial-era landmarks, and the iconic City Hall, with your expert guide providing insights into the city’s blend of tradition and modernity. After a gourmet lunch at a lakeside restaurant, embark on a private boat safari along the Rusizi River in Rusizi National Park, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Return to your hotel for a spa treatment and a curated dinner showcasing local flavors with a luxurious twist.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Botanika Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Gitega
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Gitega, Burundi’s cultural capital, in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle. Check into your upscale accommodation and enjoy a private lunch at a local restaurant featuring organic Burundian dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Gitega National Museum, home to ancient artifacts and royal relics, followed by an exclusive tour of the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Witness a private performance by the world-famous Gishora Drummers, a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure. Dine under the stars at your hotel’s rooftop restaurant, savoring a fusion of Burundian and international cuisine.
Accommodations: Helena Hotel, Gitega Palace Hotel, Tropitel Gitega
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Karera Waterfalls
Begin your day with a gourmet breakfast before a private excursion to the stunning Chutes de la Karera, a series of cascading waterfalls nestled in lush greenery. Enjoy a guided hike with a picnic lunch of artisanal sandwiches and local fruits, served amidst the tranquil scenery. In the afternoon, visit a nearby traditional village for an exclusive cultural exchange with the local community, learning about Burundian crafts and traditions. Return to Gitega for a relaxing evening at your hotel’s spa, followed by a multi-course dinner featuring farm-to-table ingredients.
Accommodations: Helena Hotel, Gitega Palace Hotel, Tropitel Gitega
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gitega to Kibira National Park
After breakfast, travel in luxury to Kibira National Park, a pristine montane rainforest teeming with biodiversity. Stay in an exclusive eco-lodge and embark on a private guided trek through the lush forest, spotting chimpanzees, rare birds, and vibrant flora with an expert naturalist. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a scenic clearing. In the evening, relax by a private campfire under the stars, indulging in a chef-prepared dinner paired with fine wines.
Accommodations: Kibira Eco-Lodge, Tanganyika Resort, Bururi Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Rumonge
Following a hearty breakfast, journey to Rumonge, a serene lakeside town on Lake Tanganyika. Check into a luxurious beachfront resort and spend the afternoon unwinding on the pristine shores or swimming in the lake’s warm waters. A private boat excursion offers opportunities to spot aquatic wildlife and enjoy the lake’s tranquil beauty. Dine at your resort’s open-air restaurant, where a seafood-focused menu highlights fresh catches from the lake, paired with local cocktails.
Accommodations: Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, Saga Beach Resort, Rumonge Luxury Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Rumonge – Teza Tea Plantations and Relaxation
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a private tour of the Teza Tea Plantations, set amidst rolling hills. Learn about tea production from an expert guide and enjoy a private tea-tasting session featuring Burundi’s finest blends. Return to your resort for a spa afternoon, with options for massages or wellness treatments. 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 8: Rumonge to Bururi Forest Nature Reserve
Depart after breakfast for Bururi Forest Nature Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot. Check into a luxury lodge and join a private guided safari to spot rare birds, monkeys, and unique plant species. A gourmet picnic lunch is served in the forest, surrounded by nature’s tranquility. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk, followed by a relaxing evening at your lodge’s infinity pool. Dinner features a fusion of Burundian and continental cuisine, served with panoramic forest views.
Accommodations: Bururi Forest Lodge, Tanganyika Resort, Kibira Eco-Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Ruvubu National Park
Travel in style to Ruvubu National Park, Burundi’s largest wildlife reserve, in a private 4×4 vehicle. Settle into a luxury safari lodge and embark on an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, hippos, 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 10: Ruvubu to Bujumbura – Source of the Nile
After breakfast, journey to the southernmost source of the Nile River near Mount Kikizi, a historic and scenic site. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Ruvyironza spring, followed by a gourmet picnic lunch with views of the surrounding hills. Return to Bujumbura in the afternoon and check into your luxury hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a spa treatment or a cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop bar, followed by a farewell dinner featuring a curated menu of Burundian and international dishes.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, Botanika Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Departure
Enjoy a final luxurious breakfast by Lake Tanganyika, followed by time to relax or explore Bujumbura’s markets for souvenirs with your private guide. Depending on your flight schedule, indulge in a light lunch at a lakeside café before a private transfer to Bujumbura International Airport, where your Wanderwort Safaris representative will bid you farewell, ensuring a seamless 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.