6-Day Burundi Tour: Bujumbura, Kibira & Lake Tanganyika

From Bujumbura's markets to the Nile's source and five waterfalls in six days

This 6-day tour of Burundi covers the country's culture, landscapes and wildlife across five regions: Bujumbura, Kibira National Park, Gitega, Bururi and Lake Tanganyika. You travel by private vehicle with a professional guide in English or French, stay in hotels each night, and visit sites ranging from the Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary (a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site) to chimpanzee trekking in the Bururi Natural Reserve and the Southernmost Source of the Nile River. All entrance fees, transport and accommodation are included. Meals and gratuities are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Bujumbura City Tour

• Arrive in Bujumbura
• Short city tour of Bujumbura

Day 2: Community, Nature and History

• Visit Busekera Pygmy Village
• Walk through Teza Tea Plantations
• Explore National Museum of Gitega

Day 3: Culture, Royal Heritage and Nature

• Visit Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary
• See waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation
• Visit Southernmost Source of the Nile River

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Lake Tanganyika

• Chimpanzee trekking in Bururi Natural Reserve
• Relax in Rumonge by Lake Tanganyika

Day 5: Relaxation and Return to Bujumbura

• Relax on Lake Tanganyika beaches
• Stop at Livingstone and Stanley monument
• Visit Central Market in Bujumbura

Day 6: Boat Safari and Departure

• Boat cruise on Rusizi River in Rusizi National Park
• Transfer to airport for departure

The experience

Bujumbura opens the tour with a city walk through historical monuments and landmarks, then the route moves inland to the Busekera Pygmy Village where you meet members of the Batwa community and learn about their traditional crafts, music and daily life. The same day takes you to the Teza Tea Plantations near Kibira National Park: over 600 hectares of green tea fields where you walk through the rows and into the surrounding forest for fresh mountain air and a view of the biodiversity. That evening you reach Gitega, the cultural capital, and the next morning visit the National Museum to see royal objects and artifacts that trace Burundi's history.

Day 3 centers on Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary in Gitega Province, where you witness a traditional drumming performance and learn the history of the palace. Gishora holds UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage site and is described as the most authentic drum experience available in the country. The same day includes a visit to five waterfalls cascading down a hillside surrounded by lush vegetation, and a stop at the Southernmost Source of the Nile River: a geographical landmark with a pyramid built in the image of Egypt's monuments. Day 4 shifts to wildlife: you trek through the mountainous forest of the Bururi Natural Reserve with experienced rangers in search of chimpanzees, also spotting birds, monkeys and unique plant species, then move to the lakeside town of Rumonge on Lake Tanganyika for the night.

The final two days balance relaxation with exploration. Day 5 morning is free for swimming, walking the beaches or taking a boat on Lake Tanganyika. Later you stop at the Livingstone and Stanley monument marking where the two explorers met, then visit the Central Market in Bujumbura to browse local products and souvenirs before returning to your hotel. On Day 6, a boat cruise on the Rusizi River in Rusizi National Park lets you watch hippos, crocodiles and birds in their natural habitat at the junction where the river meets Lake Tanganyika, then you transfer to the airport for departure.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the six days.
• entrance fees to all touristic sites.
• a professional tour guide in English or French.
• bottled water.
• and accommodation with single beds at four hotels (Club du Lac Tanganyika Hotel in Bujumbura, Jerusalem Hotel in Gitega, Moonlight Hotel in Bururi, and Sunstone Beach Resort in Rumonge).

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Friday

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Ikaze Ventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a private guide and vehicle for six days to balance cultural sites like Gishora drums and Batwa communities with wildlife and landscapes, rather than self-driving or joining a group tour.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What is the Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary and what happens when I visit?

Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary in Gitega Province is a UNESCO-recognized site preserving the legendary Royal Drums of Burundi. You witness a traditional drumming performance and learn about the history of the palace. It is described as the most authentic drum experience in the country.

Do I trek for chimpanzees myself, or watch from a distance?

You trek through the mountainous forest of the Bururi Natural Reserve with experienced rangers, walking in search of chimpanzees while observing birds, monkeys and unique plant species along the way.

What does Lake Tanganyika offer on this tour?

Lake Tanganyika appears twice: on Day 4 you stay in the lakeside town of Rumonge, known for peaceful beaches and sunsets. On Day 5 morning you have free time to swim, walk the shore, ride boats or relax on the beaches before returning to Bujumbura.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

This is a private tour with your own vehicle and professional guide throughout the six days. The guide speaks English or French, and all entrance fees, transport and accommodation are included in the booking.

What is the Southernmost Source of the Nile River?

The Southernmost Source of the Nile River is a geographical landmark in Bururi Province connected to the legendary Nile River. The site includes a pyramid built in the image of Egypt's monuments and is visited on Day 3 alongside five waterfalls in the same area.

How much walking and physical activity is involved?

The tour includes a nature hike through the forest near the Teza Tea Plantations, chimpanzee trekking through mountainous forest in the Bururi Natural Reserve, and walks at various cultural and natural sites. The operator notes the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.