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
This is the delta where the Rusizi River empties into Lake Tanganyika, a flat mosaic of papyrus swamp, sandbanks and open water just north of Bujumbura. It is one of the few places in Burundi where you can reliably see hippos and crocodiles from a boat or canoe within half an hour of the capital, plus a dense population of water birds. It is a short, easy outing rather than a big-game safari, best suited to a morning or late-afternoon visit when animals are more active and the light is better for photos.
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
Gitega is Burundi's political capital (the seat of government was moved here from Bujumbura in 2019) and its second-largest city, sitting in the hilly interior about two and a half to three hours' drive east of Bujumbura. The main draw for a visitor is the Gitega National Museum, commonly called the Royal Drum Museum, which holds ethnographic and royal-era collections including ceremonial drums and regalia from the old Burundian monarchy. It's a longer day out than the sites nearer Bujumbura, so it works best combined with nearby Gishora rather than on its own.
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
Gishora, a short drive from Gitega, is the historic royal drum sanctuary associated with Burundi's monarchy, where royal drums were traditionally kept and drummers trained. It is best known today for performances by groups of Abatimbo drummers, who play the large standing drums in a circle to complex, layered rhythms that are central to Burundian royal and national ceremony. Visiting is as much about hearing and watching a live performance as it is about the historical site itself.
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
Kibira is a tract of montane rainforest running along the Congo-Nile Divide in the northwest of the country, roughly three to three and a half hours from Bujumbura. It protects one of the last significant blocks of highland forest in Burundi and is home to chimpanzees, several monkey species and dense, cool-climate vegetation, in sharp contrast to the lakeside heat of the capital. This is a forest walk destination rather than a game drive, and sightings of chimpanzees or colobus monkeys are a matter of luck and how quiet the group is on the trail.
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
Rumonge is a lakeside town about ninety minutes south of Bujumbura along Lake Tanganyika, built around one of the country's main artisanal fishing fleets and, historically, palm oil production from the surrounding plantations. A day here is about watching working fishing villages rather than a resort beach experience - wooden pirogues going out and returning with catch, nets being mended and dried on the shore, and the everyday rhythm of a lake economy that has changed little in structure over decades.
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)
Multi-day tours from Burundi
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from BurundiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
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