Burundi is a small East African nation nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, offering rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. Despite its turbulent past, the country features pristine national parks, vibrant traditional drumming performances, and unique wildlife experiences.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Rusizi National Park
Highlights: Hippo pods in Rusizi River · Nile crocodiles sunbathing on banks · Sitatunga antelope in papyrus · Bird watching (500+ species) · Rusizi delta views to Lake Tanganyika
Gitega and Royal Drum Museum
Highlights: Royal Drum Museum with sacred royal drums · Gitega Cathedral · Central highland market · Former royal palace site · Burundian highlands scenery en route
Gishora Drum Sanctuary
Highlights: Live traditional ingoma drum performances · Royal ceremonial hilltop site · Ancient sacred drum trees (intare) · Cultural demonstrations by royal drummers · Photography of performers in traditional dress
Kibira National Park
Highlights: East Africa's largest mountain rainforest · Chimpanzee tracking opportunities · Black-and-white colobus monkeys · Forest waterfall walking trails · Congo-Nile ridge panoramic views
Rumonge and Lake Tanganyika Fishing Villages
Highlights: Traditional fishing pirogue launches at dawn · Fresh grilled tilapia lunch beside the lake · Lake Tanganyika swimming in calm southern coves · Oil palm plantations · Lively Sunday market
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Bujumbura available through hotel concierges for $60-100/person including transport, guide, and park fees
- Private
- Private hired car with driver $80-100/day for Toyota Land Cruiser — essential for Kibira and Source of the Nile due to road conditions
- Public
- Public shared minibuses (hiace) serve Gitega ($4), Rumonge ($3-4), and Ngozi ($5-8) from Bujumbura's main bus station
- Rental
- Car rental from $50-80/day standard vehicle (4WD essential for Kibira and remote sites, $80-120/day)
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — depart Bujumbura by 7 AM for full-day trips to Gitega, Kibira, or Source of the Nile
Combine Gitega National Museum with Gishora Drum Sanctuary on the same day as they are only 20km apart
Carry cash in BIF for national park entry, local food, and tips — card payment is not available outside Bujumbura
Road conditions between towns are generally good on main routes but secondary roads require 4WD, especially after rain
Always let your hotel know your destination and expected return time when heading to remote areas