Gishora Drum Sanctuary tour from Bujumbura: Learn to drum

Learn to beat Burundi's giant drums at Gishora Sanctuary

A small group guided tour from Bujumbura to Gishora Drum Sanctuary, Burundi's premier drum heritage site, where you learn to beat the giant drums and dance. The eight-hour itinerary includes hotel pickup and drop-off, coffee and snacks at Green Park Resort, a stop at Kibira National Park, lunch in Gitega with city sightseeing and museum access, and scenic drives through the valleys and mountains of the country's interior. All fees, taxes, and meals are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour to Gishora Drum Sanctuary

• Hotel pick-up in Bujumbura
• Stop at Green Park Resort for coffee
• Introduction to Kibira National Park
• Visit Gishora Drum Sanctuary
• Lunch and sightseeing in Gitega
• Enjoy Muramvya province scenery
• Return to Bujumbura via National Road 1
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup around 8am and heads inland toward Gishora. On the way, you stop at Green Park Resort to sample Burundi coffee and snacks, then make a quick introduction to Kibira National Park, the country's second-largest protected area and home to over 95 mammal species. You'll see some of Burundi's largest tea plantations and organic vegetable traders set against green mountains in Kibogoye, all included in the tour price.

Gishora Drum Sanctuary is the main event: Burundi's premier tourist attraction and the birthplace of the country's famous drummers. Here you learn to beat the giant drums yourself and pick up some of the traditional dance moves. The sanctuary is where the real African drum experience happens, and it's the reason this tour lands on most Burundi bucket lists.

After Gishora, the tour heads to Gitega, Burundi's new political capital, for lunch with city sightseeing and a chance to visit the National Museum and the Catholic Church. On the return to Bujumbura via National Road 1, you pass through Muramvya province and see the cooler, greener landscapes that earn Burundi its nickname: the Country of a Thousand Hills. Hotel drop-off happens in the late afternoon.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bujumbura.
• coffee and snacks at Green Park Resort.
• entry to Kibira National Park.
• lunch in Gitega with city sightseeing.
• entry to the National Museum and Catholic Church.
• all park and sanctuary fees.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 95 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 31 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Burundi Safari & Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or French, so choose the language that lets you follow the drum instruction and the commentary on Burundi's landscape and history comfortably. Small group size keeps the pace manageable for families with children from age 2 and for anyone who prefers not to rush between stops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens at Gishora Drum Sanctuary?

Gishora is where you learn to beat the giant ceremonial drums and pick up traditional dance moves. The sanctuary is the birthplace of Burundi's famous drummers and the center of the country's drum heritage. You're not watching a performance but learning the technique yourself.

How long is the drive from Bujumbura to Gishora?

The full tour is eight hours door-to-door, including all stops, coffee, lunch and sightseeing in Gitega. Gishora itself sits inland, and the route takes you through the valleys and mountains of Burundi's interior.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the air-conditioned vehicle, coffee and snacks at Green Park Resort, all park and sanctuary fees, lunch in Gitega, and city sightseeing with museum entry are all included. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.