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If it wasn’t for the Baikal Lake in Siberia, Lake Tanganyika would be the deepest, longest, and oldest freshwater lake in the world! Fortunately, the weather is much more pleasant in Burundi, so second place suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.Full of rare fish and myths, crocodiles, hippos and legends, the lake beckons travelers to this tiny African nation in search of unseen landscapes along hidden corners of the East African Rift.
Bordering Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania, Burundi’s natural landscape is nothing short of spectacular. From rolling mountain ranges to dense rain forests, glistening lakes and natural waterfalls, this place is yet another lesser-known African gem waiting to be discovered.
The capital, Bujumbura, is nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and offers up some of the best inland beaches in Africa – complete with a vibrant night scene.
A former European colony (Belgian and German), Burundi gained its independence in 1962, and initially had a monarchy. However, a series of assassinations, coups and a general climate of regional instability culminated in the establishment of a republic and one-party state in 1966. It then descended into civil war from 1993 to 2005.
Yet despite its turbulent past, Burundi’s natural landscape remains a marvelous destination for the adventurous. It’s jungle rain forests at the Rusiza National Park and the Kibira National Park – less than 20km from the capital – promise sightings of colobus monkeys, rare chimpanzee species, peculiar birds, and butterflies.
Holding 15 percent of the Earth’s fresh water, Lake Tanganyika is believed to be 15 million years old – and covers an area of 34,000 square kilometers at a maximum depth of 1,500 meters. Forming Burundi’s natural border, the Lake’s waters also reach the shores of Tanzania, the DRC and Zambia.
While roughly 98 percent of the 250 cichlid fish species in Lake Tanganyika, are endemic – which also extends to many of the Lake’s invertebrates including mollusks, crabs, copepods, shrimp, jellyfish and more.
And if you’re lucky, we might even catch sight of the notorious man-eating crocodile, Gustave. Six metres long and weighting nearly 1,000 kgs, he’s said to have killed nearly 300 people from the banks of the Ruzizi River on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika – best keep our distance then!
Day 1:
Transfer to lodge at the shores of the lake, check in and proceed to “La Pierre Livingstone et Stanley” a huge rock in the suburbs of Bujumbura commemorating the meeting between explorers. Further we hop on the boat on Rusizi river to take a close look at hippos, numerous birds until we reach the point when river drains into lake Tanganyika.
Day 2:
After breakfast we will visit yet another source of Nile. Shorty after, we head to Rutana in the East of Burundi to visit Karera waterfalls. After falls, drive to Gitega, the second town and political capital of Burundi. Visit a drum sanctuary at Gishora, to witness spectacular musical performance from the world famous Burundian drummers. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3:
Today we head to Gitega National museum with its collection of artefacts then continue to Bukeye and we will visit the vast tea plantations of TEZA. Lunch at nearby lodge, drive back to Bujumbura with several stops on the way.
Day 4:
Our trip would not be completed without a visit at fishermen village. From here we head on to Unity monument, Belvedere Hill offering a nice view of the Lake and the city. Next is “Maison fleurie” (shops of souvenirs), pass by Buja Café. Relax at the beach before heading to airport.
Grade: Easy and relaxing
Meals and hotels: Comfy lodges, double sharing. Meals excluded.
Approx cost: 5850 AED incl. flights
Specifically excluded:
Any expenses related to visa, PCR (arrangements in place).
Visa: We will guide you through the process.
See yah in Burundi x
Piotr / 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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