Duration
7-Day
Accra, Burundi
7-Day The Best of Burundi Expedition
Overview
This 7-day expedition in Burundi focuses on a Batwa smithing experience around Ngozi and Kibira National Park, blending cultural immersion with natural exploration. The plan includes city tours, park visits, and community interactions, ensuring a comprehensive experience.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Bujumbura to Bujumbura (Bujumbura)
Via Kibira NP, Gishora (Cultural Village), Ngozi (Town)
Country & park
Burundi
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
9 years
Activities
game drives, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika - Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura (City) – Dinner Included
Meals
Dinner 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
$4,015 USD
$3,905 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$4,180 USD
$4,015 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 9 years and older. Children under 10 are free.
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
Kibira NP
Day 3
Gishora (Cultural Village)
Day 4
Ngozi (Town)
Day 5
Lake Rwihinda
Day 6
Ruvubu NP
End
Bujumbura (Bujumbura) (Day 7)
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.
9
Minimum age of 9 years
The minimum age for this tour is 9 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: boat, normal 4x4 vehicle & hiking/walking
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
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
Mid-range hotel in Bujumbura (City) – Dinner Included
Dinner Included
Day 2
Tropitel Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gitega (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Hotel Des Plateaux Budget hotel in Ngozi (Town) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Ngozi (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Hotel Restaurant Agahimbare Budget hotel in Muyinga (City) – All Meals Included
Budget hotel in Muyinga (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
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 7
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 Bujumbura International Airport, you will meet our English-French speaking driver guide to welcome you in Burundi. After meeting and greetings, he will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on the arrival time, we will proceed with exploring Bujumbura. We may whether visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument, a historical site commemorating the meeting of explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley, or local markets like Nyakabiga Market for cultural insights. Accommodation: Club du Lac Tanganyika. Mid-range hotel located in Bujumbura (City) Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) 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) Drinks not included
Day 2
Kibira National Park Nature walk and Batwa smithing experience
After your breakfast, we will head to Kibira National Park, approximately 2hour car drive from Bujumbura. Kibira is a rainforest area and was historically home to the Batwa, making it a significant cultural and natural destination. Around 9 Am, You will then take a guided walk to see the biodiversity of the park. Along your way, you may get a chance to see primates like chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, and over 200 bird species as they inhabit in this park. Later after, you will immerse into the pygmy culture. The Batwa are known for traditional skills, including ironworking, demonstrations of smithing, music, dance, and storytelling. You will learn Learn about their history and current challenges, while interacting with them before you get transferred to your hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Gitega (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Kibira National Park Stay: Tropitel Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gitega (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Immerse yourself in Gishora Drum Sanctuary and Gitega National Museum
After your breakfast, you will go to witness the awe-inspiring performance of the Royal Drummers of Burundi (Abatimbo). These drummers are known for their powerful, synchronized drumming and acrobatic dances. A local guide at the sanctuary will explain to you the historical significance of the drums, their role in Burundian royalty and ceremonies, and the traditions preserved at Gishora. You'll learn about the two ritual drums that were never beaten, as well as the 'ordinary' drums used in performances. Later after, we will visit the Gitega National museum. The museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts that tell the story of Burundi's past, from ancient tools and traditional weaponry to ethnographic displays of different ethnic groups, royal regalia, and historical documents. Budget hotel located in Ngozi (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gishora Drum Sanctuary (Cultural Village) Stay: Hotel Des Plateaux Budget hotel located in Ngozi (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Ngozi City tour and community walk
After your breakfast, We will go for a community walk in Gatonde village where most of the Batwa/pygmy from Kibira were relocated to engage with local artisans and learn more about their lifestyle. Normally, Ngozi is a smaller town with a rich cultural heritage, and Batwa communities nearby may offer additional cultural experiences. Later after, explore the town, visiting local markets and get transferred to your hotel. Budget hotel located in Ngozi (Town) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Ngozi (Town) Stay: Hotel Des Plateaux Budget hotel located in Ngozi (Town) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Visit the Kirindo Intore warriors and Boat cruise along Lake Rwihinda
After your breakfast, we will go to experience the Kirundo intore warriors, a performance of Intore warrior dance, where dancers wear Leopard hides, wigs, and perform with lances and shields, accompanied by drums, antelope horns. Later, We will go for a boat cruise on Lake Rwihinda, known as Bird Lake. If you are a bird lover, this would be your great day to spot many waterbirds while enjoying the serene natural surroundings. Budget hotel located in Muyinga (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Rwihinda Stay: Hotel Restaurant Agahimbare Budget hotel located in Muyinga (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Morning Game drive in Ruvubu National Park and evening nature walk
After your breakfast, we will go on a game drive in Ruvubu National park. You may expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephant and buffalo. Later after in the evening, we will go on a guided nature walk to explore the savannah glasslands on foot, encountering wildlife and plant species up close. 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 7
Transfer back to Bujumbura and departure
Depending on your departure times, engage in morning activities like shopping for souvenirs at local markets. Transfer to Bujumbura International Airport for departure. Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Bujumbura International Airport (Bujumbura) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) 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)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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 9 years and older. Children under 10 are free.
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) – Dinner Included. Meals: Dinner 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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