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Burundi is a popular tourist destination where tourists love to visit to have a firsthand experience of the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern African nation. Yes, tourism in Burundi is worth the time and money spent.
This nation has a rich ancestral history and cultures which are still upheld in the state although colonization also impacted the history and institutions of Burundi.
In this article, I’ll take you on a ride on how culture, European incursions, and even nature form the basis of what excite tourists on their visit to Burundi.
Contents at a Glance
1. Rusizi National Park
Burundi is famous for many aesthetic places that surprise its visitors. Topping the list of Burundi’s Tourist chart is the famous Rusizi National Park.
The Rusizi National Park does not only serve the functions of a park, it is also a game reserve. Tourists enjoy the exploration of different unique species of flora (plants) and fauna (animals).
The reserve is popular for its habitation of Crocodiles and leopards, including various species of insects and reptiles. This beautiful park has divisions into the Eastern bank of the Rusizi River, and the smaller part is around the entrance point of Lake Tanganyika which forms the delta of the Rusizi Park.
In addition to this, the extensive nature of the wetlands of Rusizi National Park gives room to different species of birds in the area.
Tourists often see birds like kingfishers, herons, and egrets, to mention a few. Thus this park is known to be a “birdwatcher’s paradise”.
Fishing activities are also done in the park; in the Rusizi River. Fishes like Catfish and Tilapia are often harvested by tourists.
2. Lake Tanganyika
Who would talk about the country of Burundi without mentioning the great lake of Tanganyika? This lake is known as the world’s longest. It also holds the position of second deepest in the world.
Records hold that the Tanganyika Lake is the second oldest freshwater, and also the second-ranked largest in volume.
More so, this lake is cherished as it is known as one of the most biologically unique homes in the world. Its great age gives it credit for being an evolutionary showcase.
Interestingly, the lake is famous for its Cichlids bringing a sense of uniqueness to Tanganyika. The Cichlids consist of ⅔ of the entire lake’s fish.
Activities like sport fishing are not foreign to this lake. Fishes like Goliath tigerfish and the Nile perch are always present to make fishing easy for tourists. Most of the shorelines are inhabited by Crocodiles except from the Mpulungu region.
This lake is warm, salt-free, and clear water. This water changes from silky stillness to high waves that are good for body surfs. Yes, Lake Tanganyika is famous for its pristine untapped beauty.
It is made of a picturesque environment with a clear crystal water flow. Interestingly, Lake Tanganyika is 673 kilometers, making for a breathtaking serene and vistas landscape. As part of the guidelines for tourism in Burundi, it should be noted that the lake is not safe for swimming.
3. Karera waterfall
The waterfall of Karera is renowned for its healing powers with its exotic water flow. This water acts as a soothing medication to the body. The pure forest reserves of Mugara Roumonge, and Kigwena, bring more richness to the Karera waterfall.
The Karera waterfall brings beauty to Burundi. It is 80 meters tall and gives a great landmark to the landscape of the country.
There are 3 major Cascades and various smaller water gatherings. This makes for the complexity of the waterfall which is a beautiful sight to behold.
Tourists say that the best spot of the waterfalls is the Nyakai Cascade where you can park your car.
Upfront is the smallest of the Karera waterfall. It’s called the Nyakai II. It is said that this is the ideal place to take an impromptu shower. The wet season is the best time to see the falls.
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4. Mount Heha
It’s hard to hear a tourist visit to Burundi without talking about their experience of Mount Heha. Apart from any lushness that comes from Mt. Heha, this mountain is reputed for its height as it marks 2670 meters. This thus makes it the tallest spot in all of Burundi with significant contribution to tourism in Burundi.
Hikers are always excited about this location. People who appreciate beauty are welcome here. The view from Mt. Heha gives one an aesthetic feels to always remember.
This place is home to several special flora and fauna. The greenery lushness of this place also creates a beautiful backdrop for outside activities.
Tourists when visiting Burundi never stand the chance to miss a visit to Mount Heha, as they can see all of Burundi’s beauty and even beyond.
5. Teza Tea Plantation
Tea production was introduced in this region after the occupation of the Belgians in the area. This culture has not left the people of this place and they make great profits from tea production in the export market of coffee and tea.
The Teza Tea Plantation is located among thermal springs and it’s now an aesthetic location to take beautiful pictures and make good memories for tourists who come to visit the site.
Tourists love everything about this plantation as they get to witness tea making firsthand, coupled with the always welcoming gestures of the tea producers.
Teza Tea Plantation is unique as it not only has the characteristics of a beautiful greenery area, it also focuses on ethical and sustainable tea making.
The production of tea in this factory focuses solely on quality over quantity, making every single cup of tea a testament to dedication and hard work.
Visitors are always happy at the end of a tour of the Teza Tea Plantation. The reason behind this is because they participate in the processes of meticulously picking tea leaves to the traditional production of the teas.
6. Beaches in Bujumbura
When it comes to tourism in Burundi, another place loved by tourists in the great country of Burundi is Bujumbura, which houses several beautiful beaches. Amazingly, other beaches like Saga, Uziri, Genny, and even Kinindo are tourist attractions in the area too.
The Genny beach hosts many food spots and bars. With this, you can enjoy the local foods of the area while appreciating nature’s scenery. It is a vast area consisting of plenty of hut shelters that protect individuals from sun rays.
The Saga beach which is located on the western coast of Burundi in Bujumbura is a children’s and family favorite.
In addition to that, the beach houses lake waters and rivers which is safe for everyone to have a swell time swimming. The Kinindo beach on the other hand is a beautiful beach made of blue waters and soft golden sands. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it an incredible place to relax.
7. Gishora Drum Sanctuary
You know what they say about saving the best for the last right? Well, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary is one monument in Burundi that is very much alive. This Sanctuary basks in the glory of the cultural heritage of the Burundi people.
The act of drumming has been a long-aged practice in the country of Burundi. These drums served as a pillar of political power during the times of monarchy in this region.
Drumming is a symphony that holds a mixture of religious rituals, combat-style dance, epic poetry, and specific rhymes in one.
This great act of drumming by the people of this region has always had its heritage historically in agriculture, the installments of kings, and even the death ceremony of a King or Queen. The practice of drumming also signifies unity with the people and honor to royalty.
The people are very specific with the trees they use to make their drums. They use no other tree except the umusave (Markhamia lutea), umuvugangoma (Cordia Africana), and the umurama (Bridelia atroviridis).
Tourists love this blend of culture as they participate in the drumming activities held in the great Gishora Drum Sanctuary location in the country’s capital.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How security-conscious should travelers be while visiting Burundi?
It is always safe to consult your government travel advisories before heading to Burundi. This is to ensure your safety in the region.
2. How would you state the history of Burundi?
It has a long history of being a kingdom. It gained independence in 1962 after being colonized by Belgium and Germany. The country has had its share of violence and political instability.
3. Where is the location of Burundi?
Burundi is a landlocked country located in East Africa and bordered by Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. The country’s capital is Gitega.
Conclusion – 7 Things Tourists Love About Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked and beautiful nation with a lot of tourist activities. One would say it is almost impossible to forget your experience in this region. From the experience of nature to the appreciation of culture; tourism in Burundi is a rich experience to try.
You cannot but appreciate the species in the Rusizi Park. Lake Tanganyika is one beautiful Lake with historical landmarks. Also, the Gishora Drum performances preserves Burundi’s cultural heritage.
Words will only say but little of the experience tourists enjoy in Burundi and what tourism in Burundi means generally. Burundi is one country to put on your bucket list of tours.
