Burundi

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.

Rusizi National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Burundi and known as the country's most important protected areas for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers and nature lovers. The park covers an area of 106 square kilometers (41 square miles) stretching along the Rusizi River from the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika toward the border with Rwanda. The park was created to conserve the Rusizi River delta, its surrounding floodplains, and the diverse flora and fauna that depend on these habitats. Today, it remains one of Burundi's premier ecotourism destinations, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the country's natural beauty just a short drive from the capital city, Bujumbura. Rusizi National Park is situated approximately 15 kilometers north of Bujumbura, Burundi's largest city, making it one of the country's most accessible protected areas. The park follows the course of the Rusizi River, which flows from Lake Kivu through Rwanda before emptying into Lake Tanganyika, one of the world's deepest freshwater lakes. Despite its relatively small size, Rusizi National Park encompasses several distinct habitats, each supporting unique wildlife communities. These ecosystems include: River channels, Papyrus swamps, Floodplains, Freshwater marshes, Open grasslands, Acacia woodland, Palm groves, seasonal wetlands. Wildlife animals you watch in the park are Hippopotamuses, Nile Crocodiles, Sitatunga antelope, Bushbuck, Warthog, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, African civet, Genet, Small mongooses, African clawless otter (occasionally observed). Other than wildlife, travelers visiting the park can watch bird species i.e African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Great White Egret, Purple Heron, Black Crake, African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, Spur-winged Lapwing. Flora The park's vegetation is closely linked to its wetland environment. Visitors encounter dense papyrus reeds along the river, towering palms, acacia trees, riverine forests, grasses, and a variety of aquatic plants. These habitats stabilize riverbanks, improve water quality, and provide shelter for countless birds, fish, and mammals.

Ruvubu National Park is the largest national park in Burundi found in the North eastern part of Burundi covering about 508 square kilometers (50,800 hectares) with savanna ecosystem, rich biodiversity along the Ruvubu River. The park stretches across the provinces of Karuzi, Muyinga, Cankuzo and Ruyigi. The Park is close to the Tanzanian border deriving its name from the Ruvubu River Burundi's longest river that flows through the park supporting an extensive network of wetlands, forests and grasslands. Geography and Landscape The terrain of Ruvubu National Park is diverse compared to much of Burundi's mountainous terrain. The park is dominated by the winding Ruvubu River, whose floodplains create fertile habitats that sustain wildlife. In the park are Open savanna grasslands, Riverine forests, Gallery forests, Wetlands and marshes, Woodland savannahs, Seasonal floodplains. The elevation ranges from approximately 1,350 to 1,830 meters above sea level, creating varied ecological conditions that support numerous plant and animal species. The river meanders for about 65 kilometers through the protected area, forming oxbow lakes, swamps and natural watering points for wildlife. Wildlife in the Park Wildlife animals in Ruvubu National Park are known to wander around their natural vegetation habitat and these include; Hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, African buffalo, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, Warthog, Duikers, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, Blue monkey, Red colobus monkey, Senegal bushbaby, leopards as well as various bird species including both resident and migratory birds. These include; African fish eagle, Kingfishers, Herons, Egrets, Bee-eaters, Storks, Hornbills, Weavers, Various waterfowl that inhabit wetlands, forests and open grasslands. Vegetation in the Park The park comprises of original savannah vegetation which includes dominant plant communities i.e Tall grasses, Acacia woodlands, Brachystegia woodland, Combretum species, Riverine forests, Papyrus swamps. These habitats are essential for maintaining soil stability, regulating water flow and supporting wildlife. They combine wetlands, forests and open grasslands. Tourism Activities Ruvubu National Park offers many adventures and activities travelers can engage in while on safari holiday and these include; Wildlife viewing/ Game Drives, Birdwatching, guided Nature walks, Photography safaris, Ecological research, Guided excursions, Scenic exploration along the Ruvubu River. Best Time to Visit Ruvubu National Park can be visited anytime around the year although the best time to visit the Park is during the dry seasons in the months of June to September as well as December to February as the tracks are navigable and photography is clear.