Duration
12-Day
Accra, Burundi
12-Day The Best of Burundi Mixed Culture and Nature Tour
Overview
This 12-day expedition takes you deep into the heart of Burundi, a landlocked gem in East Africa known as the "Heart of Africa." The journey combines vibrant cultural immersion, including performances by the Intore Warrior Dancers and the world-famous Gishora Drummers, with nature adventures in national parks and along Lake Tanganyika. You'll explore historical sites, engage with local communities, and discover Burundi's unique landscapes, from tea plantations to the source of the Nile.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Bujumbura to Bujumbura (Bujumbura)
Via Rusizi NP, Kibira NP, Teza Tea Factory
Country & park
Burundi
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
12 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika - Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura (City)
Meals
Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$4,345 USD
$3,795 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$4,345 USD
$3,795 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older. Children under 14 receive a discount.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Burundi
Start
Bujumbura (Day 1)
Day 2
Rusizi NP
Day 3
Kibira NP
Day 4
Teza Tea Factory (Highlight)
Day 5
Gishora (Cultural Village)
Day 6
Kayanza (City)
Day 7
Kirundo (City)
Day 8
Ruvubu NP
Day 9
Rutana (Town)
Day 10
Karera Waterfalls (Highlight)
Day 11
Rumonge (Town)
End
Bujumbura (Bujumbura) (Day 12)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour uses hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
12
Minimum age of 12 years
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura (City)
Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included
Day 3
Safari Gate Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4
Tropitel Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gitega (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Hôtel Le Paradis Mid-range hotel in Kayanza (City) – All Meals Included
Mid-range hotel in Kayanza (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Belan Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Ngozi (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Rama Hôtel Kirundo Budget hotel in Kirundo (City) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Kirundo (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Hotel Restaurant Agahimbare Budget hotel 1-2hr drive from Ruvubu NP – All Meals Included
Budget hotel 1-2hr drive from Ruvubu NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9-10
Le Perroquet de Mwishanga Hotel Budget hotel in Shanga (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Shanga (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11
Niyibituronsa Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Rumonge (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Bujumbura international airport pick up and transfer to your hotel
Upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, you will meet your professional local guide who will welcome your and then transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic and cultural hub. Later, after your check-in, if time permits, take a short city tour of Bujumbura, visiting the vibrant central market, the colonial-era art-deco architecture, and the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bujumbura (City) Stay: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Fishing experience in Lake Tanganyika and Visit Rusizi National Park
After your breakfast, depart for Rusizi National Park, just outside Bujumbura. Embark on a boat safari along the Rusizi River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, Sitatunga antelopes, and diverse birdlife. Later in the evening, visit a nearby fishing village to learn about the local fishing culture and their sustainable practices on Lake Tanganyika. You will also learn how to prepare the Burundian cuisine before you taste Mukeke or Ndagara (a fish unique to Lake Tanganyika). Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Rusizi National Park Stay: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Transfer to Kibira National Park, Nature walk and Pygmy experience
After your breakfast, drive 2hours to Kibira National Park, a pristine rainforest spanning the border with Rwanda. Embark on a guided nature walk; you may spot chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and rare birds along your way, as the rainforest inhabits primates. Later after your lunch, visit a nearby Batwa community to learn about their indigenous culture, including traditional singing, smithing and pottery. Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Kibira National Park Stay: Safari Gate Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Teza Tea Plantations experience and transfer to Gitega
After your breakfast, drive around 2hours to Teza, home to Burundi’s lush tea plantations. Tour a tea estate, learning about tea production from leaf to cup, and enjoy a tasting session. Take a leisurely walk through the rolling green hills, capturing photos of the scenic landscape. Visit a nearby village to meet farmers and learn about their daily lives. Mid-range hotel located in Gitega (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Teza Tea Factory (Highlight) Stay: Tropitel Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gitega (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Gishora Drum Sanctuary and Gitega National Museum
After your breakfast, you will visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, a UNESCO-recognized site. Witness a powerful performance by the world-famous Gishora Drummers, whose rhythmic beats on ingoma drums tell stories of Burundian heritage. Learn about drum-making and the sacred drums Ruciteme and Murimirwa. Later after your lunch, tour the Gitega National Museum, housing historical and ethnographic artifacts, including royal regalia and traditional crafts to learn about Burundian culture. Mid-range hotel located in Kayanza (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gishora Drum Sanctuary (Cultural Village) Stay: Hôtel Le Paradis Mid-range hotel located in Kayanza (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Kayanza Coffee Plantation experience and Basket Weaving
After your breakfast, visit Kayanza, a region known for its coffee and crafts. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about Burundi’s primary export and sample freshly roasted coffee. Later, participate in an Igiseke basket-weaving workshop with local women artisans. Create your own basket and learn about the cultural significance of this craft. Mid-range hotel located in Ngozi (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Kayanza (City) Stay: Belan Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Ngozi (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Intore Warrior Dancers and Kirundo Local market
After your breakfast, Depart for Kirundo, a northern town near Lake Rwihinda. Enjoy the rolling hills and lush landscapes along the way. After 2hours of car drive, visit to a local community for a performance by the Intore Warrior Dancers. These dancers, historically protectors of the king, perform acrobatic movements in leopard skins, headdresses, and ankle bells, wielding spears and shields to reenact battle scenes. Engage with the performers to learn about their traditions. Later after your lunch, explore Kirundo’s local market and interact with artisans crafting pottery and baskets. Budget hotel located in Kirundo (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Kirundo (City) Stay: Rama Hôtel Kirundo Budget hotel located in Kirundo (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Lake Rwihinda and Ruvubu National Park
After your breakfast, take a sunrise dugout canoe trip on Lake Rwihinda, known as “Lac aux Oiseaux” (Lake of Birds). Spot pelicans, herons, and other bird species with a local guide. Later, drive 3 hours to Ruvubu National Park, Burundi’s largest national park. Enjoy a panoramic view along your way Embark on a guided game drive or walking safari in Ruvubu, home to zebras, bushbucks, and occasionally elephants and buffalo. Learn about the park’s conservation efforts. Budget hotel located 1-2hr drive from Ruvubu NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Ruvubu National Park Stay: Hotel Restaurant Agahimbare Budget hotel located 1-2hr drive from Ruvubu NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Transfer to Rutana, Visit Source of the Nile
After your breakfast, drive around 4hours to Rutovu and go to visit the southernmost source of the Nile, marked by a small forest and the Ruvyironza River. Explore the site and learn about its significance, corroborated by researchers as a key Nile tributary. Later, have a Picnic lunch near the Nile source before you visit the Muhweza Hot Springs, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters. Meet a traditional Burundian family for a cultural exchange, learning about their customs and daily life. Budget hotel located in Shanga (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Rutana (Town) Stay: Le Perroquet de Mwishanga Hotel Budget hotel located in Shanga (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Visit German Fault and Karera Falls
After your breakfast, Drive to Karera Falls, a series of four cascading waterfalls in Burundi’s southern countryside. Take a guided hike to view the falls and enjoy the surrounding lush scenery. Swim in the natural pools to fully enjoy the falls. Later in the afternoon: Visit the nearby Nyakazu German Fault, a dramatic gorge with historical significance as a German military post during World War I. Explore remnants of the fortification. Budget hotel located in Shanga (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Karera Waterfalls (Highlight) Stay: Le Perroquet de Mwishanga Hotel Budget hotel located in Shanga (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Transfer to Rumonge – Palm Oil and Lake Tanganyika
After your breakfast, drive about 2hours to Rumonge, a town on Lake Tanganyika. Visit a palm oil production site to learn about this controversial industry and its impact on Burundi’s economy. Later, have a Lunch at a lakeside restaurant to enjoy fresh fish and lake views and then walk along Beach, a vibrant local spot to explore nearby fishing villages. Optional visit to the Rubumba Tourist and Cultural Village to learn about royal enthronement rituals. Mid-range hotel located in Rumonge (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Rumonge (Town) Stay: Niyibituronsa Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Rumonge (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Transfer to Bujumbura, Livingstone Stanley memorial – Departure
After your breakfast, drive about 3hours back to Bujumbura. In route, visit the Explorers Memorial, commemorating Livingstone and Stanley’s meeting, and the Independence Hero Mausoleum. Later, Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time for shopping at a craft market for souvenirs like baskets, pottery, or coffee. After, transfer to Melchior Ndadaye International Airport for your departure. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bujumbura International Airport (Bujumbura) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Bujumbura
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Bujumbura Airport (BJM - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Empirical Tour and Travel
5.0 operator rating
33 reviews
Empirical Tour and Travel is a sustainable and responsible tour company that offers unforgettable travel experiences in Dr. Congo and the East African Region. We cater to travelers who are interested in safaris, gorilla trekking, cultural tours, sightseeing tours and hiking adventures.
Office In
Rwanda
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2018)
Member Of
Rwanda Tours & Travel Association
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Burundi, Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Efficient, kind-hearted, sensitive to customers wishes and needs and always smiling.
My wife and I travelled with Eraste to DRC, Burundi and Rwanda for 13 days during August,2023.Pre tour communication with him was great and any issues quickly answered.He took care of all transport, accommodation ,visas and tickets (including Gorilla permits) without fuss which made our trip so enjoyable.Already we have recommended Eraste and Empirical Tour and travel, to traveler friends of ours as ours was an unforgettable experience.
Jim and Marcia Bowater · New Zealand
Unforgettable trip with ETT
Exciting and full of impressions and adventures trip through 3 countries. A great experience of meeting gorillas and chimpanzees, but also an amazing experience from a boat on the Nile. Photos with crocodiles and hippos near the waterfalls will remain in our memory for the rest of our lives. Thank you Erast for taking care of us and for the wonderful time together on the island near the volcano in DRC. Good luck.
Ania i Szymon · Poland
Eraste is a really nice guy who does all he can to give one a memorable trip.
I very much enjoyed my visit to see the Red Monkeys at Musanze even if there were so many people at the same venue going off to see the Gorillas. The Diane Fossey centre is well worth the time for a visit. The Genocide museum in Kigali although it is harrowing it should not be missed. The highlight of my whole trip was going into the Congo to see the Gorillas, for me it was a life time memory. The boat trip on the slow boat to Goma in the Congo was a really enjoyable day too, not much to see in the town except the wooden bicycles. Burundi was a good experience too as not many make the effort to visit as such many locals are please to meet and chat.
Richard W B · New Zealand
8-day game safari
I did an 8-day game safari tour with Empirical Tour and Travel across the amazing land of Rwanda. As a white female solo traveller I was very pleased with the way this travel agency handled all the little details of my travel. Accommodations were nice and transportations between destinations were smooth. Eraste and Joseph made me feel safe and comfortable the whole journey. With their travel plan I was able to experience Rwanda as a local, which added priceless value for this trip!
Elina · Finland
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older. Children under 14 receive a discount.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request changes to this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika - Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura (City). Meals: Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Bujumbura
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Empirical Tour and Travel, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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