Rusizi National Park -Burundi Wildlife Tour: Primate Safaris

About the Park

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.