Discover Burundi’s capital, green highlands, ancient traditions and royal culture during this private three-day journey.
The experience begins with a guided exploration of Bujumbura’s markets, monuments and important city landmarks. You will then travel through the scenic tea-growing hills of Teza, explore Kibira National Park, enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue lunch in nature and participate respectfully in a traditional blessing experience near a sacred ikigabiro tree.
The journey continues to Gitega for an overnight stay before concluding with an energetic royal drum performance at the famous Gishora Drum Sanctuary. Kibira is one of Burundi’s principal protected natural areas, and the journey towards the park passes through the impressive Teza tea plantations.
Day 1: Arrival and Bujumbura City Experience
Our professional guide and driver will welcome you at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport or collect you from your hotel in Bujumbura.
Begin your Burundi experience with a guided city tour covering some of the capital’s most interesting places. Depending on the day, opening hours and your arrival time, the tour may include:
- Traditional and modern markets
- Important monuments and memorial sites
- Independence Square and central Bujumbura
- Local neighbourhoods and commercial areas
- Lake Tanganyika viewpoints
- Cultural and historical landmarks
During the tour, your guide will introduce you to Burundi’s history, everyday life, traditions and modern development.
After the city experience, transfer to Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika or another suitable hotel of a similar standard. Club du Lac is a major lakeside hotel in Bujumbura offering rooms and apartments near Lake Tanganyika.
Accommodation: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika or similar
Meals: Lunch and dinner, depending on arrival time
Day 2: Teza Tea Plantation, Kibira National Park and Gitega
After breakfast, depart Bujumbura and travel into Burundi’s beautiful central highlands.
Teza Tea Plantation
Stop at the scenic Teza Tea Plantation, where rows of tea bushes cover the surrounding hills. Walk through selected areas of the plantation, learn about tea cultivation and enjoy panoramic views of the highlands.
Kibira National Park
Continue to Kibira National Park for a guided nature experience. Explore the forest surroundings, learn about the park’s plants and wildlife and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
A private barbecue lunch will be prepared in an authorised and suitable area near the park. Relax in nature while enjoying grilled food, refreshments and views of the surrounding landscape.
Sacred Ikigabiro Tree Experience
Visit a locally identified sacred ikigabiro tree and learn about its traditional significance. In Burundian royal history, ibigabiro were trees connected with royal courts and carried religious or commemorative meaning.
With respect for local customs and subject to the guidance of the local custodian, guests may participate in a quiet cultural moment and ask for blessings, protection or good fortune.
After the experience, continue to Gitega, Burundi’s political capital.
Accommodation: Tropitel Hotel Gitega or similar
Meals: Breakfast, barbecue lunch and dinner
Day 3: Gishora Royal Drums and Return to Bujumbura
After breakfast, travel to the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, located outside Gitega.
Meet the traditional drummers and experience a powerful performance featuring Burundi’s sacred royal drums, songs, dances and cultural demonstrations. Gishora remains one of the country’s most important places for experiencing Burundi’s royal drumming tradition.
There will be time to meet the performers, take photographs and learn about the meaning of the drums in Burundian society.
After the performance, begin the return journey to Bujumbura. Lunch will be provided along the way before your final drop-off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your departure arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Tour Price
US$1,480 Total
The advertised price is based on one private traveller.
Included
- Airport or hotel pickup
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- Professional English- or French-speaking guide
- Experienced driver
- Two nights’ accommodation
- Daily meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water and soft drinks
- Bujumbura city tour
- Teza Tea Plantation visit
- Kibira National Park visit
- Private barbecue experience
- Traditional ikigabiro cultural experience
- Gishora Drum Sanctuary visit and performance
- Entrance fees
- Tour coordination
- Security arrangements where required
- Return transfer to Bujumbura
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Burundi visa fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Laundry and other personal hotel expenses
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
