Located in the north western part of Burundi, Kibira National Park is one of the reasons for most trips arranged to Burundi.
It occupies an area of 400 square kilometers on the apex of the pretty Congo-Nile range with an elevation range of 1100-2660 meters above sea level. 16 percent of its area is occupied by the primary montane rainforest.
It overlooks the border of Rwanda and sits near the vast Nyungwe Forest National Park. Kibira was a hunting ground for the Burundian kings until 1933.
Aside from that, its montane bogs, and bamboo make a great habitat for a wealth of wildlife species. Adding to the 98200 bird species and butterflies, Kibira is home to various plant species, rivers and streams that are worth to encounter.
Some of the birds you can see include the mountain buzzard, white spotted fluff tail, grey parrots, the black-and-white-squeaked hornbill and the great blue turaco.
Common mammals that invite tourists are chimpanzees and varied monkey species like baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and more.
Travelers base in Bujumbura and get to Kibira National Park. Pass through Busekera village, a major allure for visitors to Burundi.
Activities done in the Park
Here are some of the amazing activities you can participate in while on a safari in Kibira National Park.
Game viewing
This wonderful activity exposes you to various mammal species that call the park home. Some of the wild animals that are common to see include chimpanzees, the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and a lot more.
Game viewing in the Park is done in the company of armed guides who protect and guide travelers to numerous spots for wildlife viewing.
Bird watching
The park is labelled an Important Birding Area in Burundi. It has about 200 species of birds that travelers can see while on a bird watching excursions.
Make sure to have bird guides and binoculars such that you can see a large number of bird species including the rare ones.
Guided Nature walks
If you want to explore the park and soak up even its hidden treasures like small rivers and waterfalls, a guide nature walk is the best. You will see a lot of engaging things including wild animals, primates, reptiles and more.
Cultural encounters
If birding and game viewing doesn’t appeal, Kibira is also famous for cultural encounters. It starts with a visit to the pymies’ village of Busekera.
This experience introduces you to the local life of these people. The pygmies demonstrate to the tourists through traditional songs and dances.
They show you how they locally prepare their food, and their dressing attires. Travelers take part in these activities if they wish and it’s a great experience you shouldn’t miss.