Last Updated on May 14, 2026 by Augustine Tours
What are the best things to do for a Burundi tailor-made tour or group safari vacation? If you are reading this, it is probably that you want to travel and want to plan a tour in Burundi. Before getting into things to do, let me introduce Burundi,” the heart of Africa”.
Burundi is one of the smallest countries on the African continent, yet it packs a lot of beautiful scenery into a little area. The nation is organized into 16 provinces that occupy an area of just more than 27837 square kilometers, around the size of Brandenburg, one of the 16 German states.
Burundi’s primary natural features are hippos and birds, green hills and mountains, and Lake Tanganyika, the second-oldest freshwater lake in the world, the second-largest by volume, and the second-deepest after Lake Baikal.
The country may lack wildlife richness compared with its neighboring countries, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, but its joie de vivre, beautiful beaches, and green hills make it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and cultural tour experience.
While it is not a prime destination for African wildlife safaris, here’s a list of the best places to visit in Burundi!
Where is Burundi
Where is Burundi located when considering a Journey to this country? You Should Know This! This is the ultimate travel blog, updates, and tips for your next trip to Burundi. This article discusses frequently asked questions about Burundi from the geographical position, culture and history, way of life, visa requirements, safety, and lesser-known tourist attractions like Agasumo ka Mwaro or Intore dancers.
We have tried to gather some information for anyone considering a trip to Burundi, whether a tourist or a travel blogger would need to ask. If your question is not among these, feel free to email us at the email address found at the bottom of this article, and we shall be happy to exchange notes.
Where is Burundi? This travel guide to Burundi shall be updated on a regular basis as we get new insights. Here are the different questions that usually don’t find (or find hard) answers on Burundi travel blogs.
Burundi Tourism Profile
Where is Burundi & what is Burundi known for? The country lies in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It shares borders with Rwanda, the DR Congo, and Tanzania. Burundi has an amazing multitude of happy and friendly people who are proud of their country.
They will make sure you enjoy your visit.
Burundi greetings
Greetings in Burundi are full of expressions of peace and love for individuals and the whole community.
Therefore, they share both a common language and collective cultural elements, which are admirable. It is openly passed to all visitors with a warm handshake or a hug accompanied by a beautiful smile. Christianity remains the most-followed religion here. Families or friends enjoy a meal together in a social moment, accompanied by a drink.
Traditional Clothing
Burundi traditional clothing consists of African Vitenge (wrappers). Young girls and women wear this type of clothing very popular during ceremonies and social gatherings. Mostly, people in rural areas do not go for the Western style of clothing. Instead, they settle for a traditional way of dressing. Burundi clothing is simple and uniquely designed. It is important that the person wearing the garment feels comfortable. And, they can perform various duties and work.
Music in Burundi
Where is Burundi music? In this country, the value of music has proven to be significant to the culture. And, one of the most celebrated cultures is the playing of historical drums. The drums were much more than simple musical instruments. During royal times, the drums announced major events for the king, such as royal coronations, funerals, and weddings.
Burundi tour itineraries that include Karera waterfalls and Gishora drum sanctuary
Locals play the drums at major events, particularly during national and international events. They still respect drums just as their ancestors did. Welcoming everyone with warm smiles is the way of life here in Burundi.
Burundi ultimate travel blog: fun facts, tips, and Things to do
Where to find Burundi travel information- If you’re considering a journey to Burundi, realize you’re entering a territory very much undervalued. This country is positively blooming with diverse and lush greenery. The assemblage makes up a sundry of creatures to match. It’s no wonder to catch a smile while you journey to Burundi.
What may bewilder you is the uncertain nature of reports about the security conditions in this region. Most of them will suggest that you will need to maintain a certain security consciousness and observe your surroundings intently.
Tune in to the media and local sources for ongoing developments related to travel there, as Burundi was once reported to be a questionable destination for tourism. No less, reflecting on these general guidelines will further grant you peace of mind during your planning and your vacation in Burundi.
These guidelines apply to both tailor-made and fixed departure packages, including all-inclusive tours that take you from Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda or vice versa.
Do I need a visa to visit Burundi? (Updated April 2026)
All visitors arriving in Burundi, unless coming from visa-exempt countries, can obtain a visa upon arrival at Bujumbura airport.
It is recommended to get travel insurance before arriving in the country. Get comprehensive medical insurance, adding coverage for hospitalization and medical evacuation. Talk to your insurance provider about the details of your policy before you travel.
What is Burundi known for?
Burundi is known for its traditional hospitality. Burundi is a modest heart-shaped country in the bosom of East Africa between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania. If you are hoping to relax, slip away to the sandy shores, but if you’re seeking adventure, go hiking. Regardless of which you prefer, you’ll certainly have the ultimate vacation experience.
Actually, Burundi compacts its raw charm, but it has an abundance of details to offer. Burundi owns some of the most fascinating cultural legacies from a prodigious bunch of loyal locals to its spectacular landscape.
The country might not be flush with wildlife compared to adjoining lands, but Burundi evens out with its stake of scarce fowl, parks, plains, and reservoirs.
Is Burundi a safe travel destination?
When sketching out your bucket list, Burundi is undeniably a destination to include among the world-class countries known for responsible tourism. If you choose to soak up the culture, the countryside will impress you.
Burundi lies at the core of East Africa, so when it comes to generosity, wisdom, and folklore, you won’t encounter another destination so welcoming. For this reason, we recommend that you apply for a visa to enter this travel destination.
Things to do in Burundi- beyond a stopover tour
When considering a journey to Burundi, realize it is one of the smallest countries you’ll ever come across. Nevertheless, the densely populated communities in Africa are home to around 10 million natives. Since the country is compact, virtually all of it is reachable by its trails.
Tourists can explore the vast selection of geographical details in Burundi, including riverbeds, cliffs, and highlands from a distance. Although the leading natural attractions are undervalued, Burundi has the power to grow into a tourist hotspot. Let’s take a peek at some of the finest places to call on in Burundi.
Tour Bujumbura
Known as Buja, it is a bustling city with good food, drink, and nightlife. Bujumbura is the economic and former political capital of Burundi, one of the landlocked countries in East Africa. The city is located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, and its population is estimated to be around 800,000 people. It is the largest city in the country and the economic and cultural hub of the country.
The city is the main port for the country and the main trading center for local produce. It also serves as a regional hub for the transportation of goods and services. It is home to the University of Burundi, the largest university in the country. The city also hosts several cultural and sporting events, such as the Bujumbura International Cultural Festival, the Bujumbura Marathon, and the Bujumbura International Film Festival.
Relax at the beach of Lake Tanganyika
How about relaxing at the beach of Lake Tanganyika while enjoying a fresh Mukeke? Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the world’s longest freshwater lake, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most well-known attractions. DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia also border the lake, but it’s usually one of the most popular places to visit when in Bujumbura. Some great hotels and resorts are also found here.
The lake has various beach spots where guests may spend the day exploring the restaurants and cafes and soaking up the sun along the shore. But don’t be startled if you come across a hippopotamus sleeping near you in the scorching Burundian sun! These beautiful animals, who are typically non-aggressive, leave the lakes from time to time to relax on the beach.
See Karera waterfalls
The Karera Waterfalls, also known as the Chutes de la Karera, are a grouping of four waterfalls in Burundi’s Rutana district. The location is frequently included in Burundi trip packages. The most stunning of the four waterfalls is the one you arrive at first. It is where you may leave your vehicle. Upstream from here comes Nyakai II, the smallest of the four falls and a great site for an impromptu shower.
This stream connects to Mwaro Falls before forming Karera Falls, the area’s namesake and largest waterfall. They are around 70 meters tall and are one of Burundi’s most magnificent natural beauties.
Bururi – Natural Reserve of Bururi & Natural Reserve of Kigwena
According to the editorial, Bururi: the link between Heaven and Earth, “The ancient Burundians attached considerable attention to forest conservation, notably mountain parks. Several mountain forests were preserved and adopted as a place of worship, while other forests served as a necropolis for Queen Mothers.”
The natural flora is unusually distinct. The forest is home to a few endemic species. The most abundant are the plant species belonging to the families of Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, and Rubiaceae. There are also 205 species of birds squatting in Burundi.
Kirundo: Intore dancers in Burundi
Kirundo is where visitors discover such reservoirs as Cohoha and the Bird Lake by kayak, making it perfect for tourists seeking seclusion and tranquility. The lakes are ideal for individuals who prefer watching Africa’s birds taking in their old ways.
You’ll appreciate the fascinating types of world-famous dance sets and Intore’s ancestral rhythms of the dancers and drummers. It’s rare because the dancers set the beat for the performers and not the other way around.
Gitega Royal Drummers- Songa Mount Hiking – Ancient houses (Architecture)
Since you and your family are taking a journey to Burundi, you can’t leave without visiting the city of Gitega. It’s a tranquil place with particular charm and exquisite appeal. Batimbo are the classical dancers who perform to the echoes of tambourines. The performers have toured Washington, Montreal, Munich, Berlin, and Tokyo, just to name a few, as an instrumental part of acclaimed international festivals.
Watch a drum show at Gishora Sanctuary
Drumming is a tradition. Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a well-known drum location in Burundi. It is one of the cultural sites to see when touring Burundi. This is a must-see on any Burundi trip itinerary. You can see a drum display virtually anywhere in Burundi, but Gishora stands out for a good reason: its history. Yes, the Burundi Drum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gishora is located 200 meters on the left side of the Gitega-Ngozi Road, 7 kilometers from Gitega town.
If you don’t get to see this heart-pounding performance, you’ve probably never actually gone to Burundi! Locals and visitors alike may now observe the Royal Drummers of Burundi and experience this UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Booking a guided tour allows you to witness their mesmerizing drumming show lasts an hour and you will learn the story behind the drum. You may take your hand at pounding some beats yourself!
Mugamba: Heha Mount Hiking- Traditional houses- Cattle in traditional Burundi
This country is made up of plateaus mainly. Mount Heha, set in the Bujumbura Rural province of Burundi, is the loftiest mountain in Burundi and the steepest point in the Burundi Highlands mountain territory. It stretches to the east of Lake Tanganyika approximately 30 km.
The straw-roofed rugo or traditional Burundian thatched houses are enveloped by a fence built with bamboo hedges. This empowers the residents with shelter against the icy weather, specifically at night. These red and kaolin family residences are sprinkled across the region along with African Ankole Longhorn cattle breeds.
That is the exploitation of local materials in the building. The houses found in this region are quite different from the Burundian traditional dwellings. With modernity, these houses have changed their format. This kind of dwelling resembles much of the constructions met in Ethiopia around Lake Wenchi.
The most interesting part of this dwelling zone is along the national road no.7, after the urban center of Ijenda. The tourist will find it difficult to choose between taking in views either near the road or on the large vista covering all the hills that endlessly stretch out. This route also leads to the source of the Nile, Karera waterfalls, and the Nyakazu rift. A guided tour in Burundi usually includes a trip to this amazing region.
Bujumbura Architectural tour – Lake Tanganyika and Fishing opportunities
The journey to Burundi will lead you to Tanganyika’s silky waters. The lake features warm, salt-free water that changes from clear stillness to overflowing waves, excellent for surfing. Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world, and after Lake Baikal, it ranks as the second deepest.
The waters host more than 350 different species of fish and are well known for aquarium fish exports and excellent angling. Sportfishing is prevalent at the lake, and the fishermen return home with catches such as the goliath tigerfish and Nile perch.
Muramvya: Kibira National Park – Tea plantations- Treaty of Kiganda
Kibira National Park sits northwest of Burundi, and the whole area is only 400 square kilometers. The forest is home to the white colobus monkeys, and it possesses over 250 species of birds covering the turtle dove. This is where you will see amazing tea plantations, and a visit to the Teza tea factory makes your day worthwhile on all levels.
Kiganda Royal Grounds
Kiganda is where King Mwezi accepted the invitation to sign a treaty with the Germans in 1903, which marked the beginning of the colonial era. It is not only a historical place of colonization, but also a significant cultural site.
One of the sites is a beautiful park, which is a historical sanctuary containing all details about the signing of the Treaty between the Germans and King Mwezi Gisabo, who was the traditional ruler during that colonial era. The other site is the royal inauguration grounds, where the Kings Mutaga Mbikije, Mwezi Gisabo, and many other ancient political kings were inaugurated. Touring this site is an incredible chance for one to enjoy the Burundian ancient royal walk on elegant, well-kept royal grounds.
Mwaro – Mwaro Falls/ Agasumo ka Mwaro
Mwaro Falls is a natural ecosystem with trails along the Kayokwe River. Offering a compelling display, the pathways lead to a sequence of steep cascades, which gave the name of this site, Agasumo, which means “falls.”
Agasumo ka Mwaro serves as one of the significant abodes of God: “I Wabo w’Imana”. Burundi considers “Agasumo ka Mwaro” as a memorable place that served as the center of worship for the devotees of this faith that has confronted the ages.
Burundi tea company – Tora (Bururi)
As the second cash crop in Burundi, tea brings foreign currencies to the East African community. Burundi Tea Company is exceedingly important to the nation as it generates employment. They formed the first tea plantation in 1963. Burundi has five tea factories in five other territories.
Burundi Coffee Company – Gitega
Burundi’s volcanic soil produces an exceptional environment for growing coffee. Volcanic soil is plentiful in nutrients such as nitrogen. Burundian coffee passes through a special processing technique to make its sweet citrus taste.