Discover Burundi in 12 Days: Culture, Nature & Hidden Gems

This 12-day journey offers a rich and immersive exploration of Burundi, blending breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and authentic local traditions. From the lush tea fields of Teza Tea Plantation to unforgettable wildlife encounters in Ruvubu National Park, and relaxing moments along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this tour is thoughtfully designed for travelers seeking to experience the country in depth at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.

Our 12-day itinerary for this tour is an example and fully customizable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalized Uganda Safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

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Trip Details & Logistics

Meeting point

Melchior Ndadaye International Airport


Availability

Year round, all days of the week


Duration

12 days


Group size

Minimum 1 traveller, maximum 14 travellers


Included

  • All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) as specified in the itinerary
  • Safari vehicle and fuel
  • English speaking tourist guide
  • Entrance fees and activities stated
  • Taxes
  • Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour

Not inlcuded

  • Visa fees
  • Drinks/alcoholic drinks
  • Additional meals
  • Tips
  • Activities not part of the described itinerary
  • International travel insurance

What to bring

Click HERE to view our recommended Burundi Travel Information Guide


About our guides

  • Our specially trained team double as experienced guides and drivers
  • We can also provide a translator depending on availability for different languages
  • We also provide female guides for single female travellers.
  • All guides have a minimum experience of 5 years in guiding, and we mostly employ senior guides, licensed.
Discover Our Rates & Accommodations for This Tour

Mid-Range Class

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

12 Days Burundi Tour

Day 1 – Arrival in Bujumbura

Upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by our experienced guide and transferred to their hotel.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika


Day 2 – Tea Plantations & Cultural Performance

The day begins with a visit to the Teza Tea Plantations near Kibira National Park, the largest tea plantation in Burundi, covering over 600 hectares. Guests will enjoy walking through the beautiful green tea fields and a short nature hike in the surrounding forest, known for its fresh mountain air and rich biodiversity.

Afterwards, the journey continues to Kirundo. Visitors will experience something vibrant and unique: a traditional Intore dance performance, where culture truly comes alive.

Overnight Stay at Rama Hotel, Kirundo


Day 3 – Lake Rwihinda & Ruvubu National Park

In the morning, guests will enjoy a sunrise boat cruise on Lake Rwihinda, an excellent spot for birdwatching and peaceful scenery, followed by an exploration of Ruvubu National Park—one of the country’s most important wildlife areas.

Overnight Stay: Jerusalem Hotel, Gitega


Day 4 – Royal Drums & Karera Waterfalls

In the morning, guests will visit the famous Gishora Royal Drums Sanctuary in Gitega Province. Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, Gishora offers one of the most authentic drum experiences in Burundi. This important cultural site preserves the legendary Royal Drums, and visitors can witness an impressive traditional drumming performance while learning about the history of the palace.

The journey continues to the National Museum of Gitega, which houses important historical artifacts, traditional objects, and cultural collections that showcase the history of Burundi.

Later in the day, guests will explore the beautiful Karera Waterfalls, a spectacular natural site surrounded by lush vegetation, where five remarkable waterfalls cascade down the hillside.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Le Perroquet


Day 5 – Southern Nile & Hot Springs

After breakfast, guests will visit the southernmost source of the Nile River, a fascinating geographical landmark linked to the legendary Nile, as well as a pyramid built in the style of the Egyptian pyramids.

The journey then continues to the Muhweza Hot Springs, a natural retreat surrounded by tranquility.

Later in the day, guests will visit the Kwa Miganda Eco-Cultural Center, a site dedicated to preserving Burundian traditions and crafts.

Overnight Stay at Green Park Resort Bugarama in Ijenda


Day 6 – Mount Heha & Buta Martyrs

In the morning, guests will embark on a hike up Mount Heha, Burundi’s highest peak, enjoying panoramic views and a refreshing outdoor experience.

As the journey continues, guests will visit the Martyrs of Fraternity Memorial, a powerful historical site symbolizing unity and courage.

Overnight Stay at Monastery Hotel in Buta
Hôtellerie / Retraites – Monastère de Buta


Day 7 – Mount Kibimbi & Muyange Hot Springs

In the morning, guests will hike Mount Kibimbi and enjoy a scenic picnic at the top, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Afterwards, they will relax at the Muyange Hot Springs, taking in the tranquility of nature.

Overnight Stay at Moonlight Hotel in Bururi


Day 8 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Tanganyika

In the morning, guests will trek through the Bururi Nature Reserve to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat— a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.

Later, guests will travel to Rumonge, where they will enjoy Lake Tanganyika, its calm waters, and relaxing beaches.

Overnight Stay at Sunstone Beach Resort


Day 9 – Lake Activities & Local Life

After breakfast, guests will visit the Rumonge port, observe local fishermen, and take part in lake activities—the perfect balance after days of exploration.

Overnight Stay at Niyibituronsa Hotel


Day 10 – Bujumbura & Historical Monuments

In the morning, the tour returns to Bujumbura with a short stop at the Livingstone and Stanley Monument, a historic site marking where the two famous explorers met.

Later, guests will visit Independence and Democracy Square, the Mausoleum of Prince Louis Rwagasore, and the Living Museum, connecting with the country’s culture and heritage.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika


Day 11 – Rusizi River & City Life

The tour concludes with a relaxing boat cruise on the Rusizi River in Rusizi National Park. During the cruise, guests may observe hippos, crocodiles, and many species of birds in their natural habitat, as well as the famous meeting point of the Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika.

After the excursion, guests will explore the city’s neighborhoods and visit local markets for a more authentic connection with daily life.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika


Day 12 – Departure

Guests will be transferred to the airport for departure, taking home unforgettable memories of Burundi’s culture, landscapes, and warm hospitality.

END OF TRIP

Before Booking, Please Read the Following Carefully
  1. Prices are valid for 2026.
  2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
  3. The lodges and hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. In the event that a property is unavailable, we will be pleased to offer a suitable alternative of a similar range, quality, and service standard to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
  4. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavor to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
  5. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
  6. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.

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