My Favorite Things to Do in Burundi

Burundi may be small in size, but it holds a giant place in my heart. From powerful drumming ceremonies to peaceful boat rides on Lake Tanganyika, every time I explore this country, I uncover something new and unforgettable. If you’re wondering what makes this place so special, here are my favorite things to do in Burundi – experiences I recommend to every traveler, no matter how short their stay.

🥁 1. Feeling the Power of the Gishora Royal Drummers

This is always my first recommendation to anyone visiting Burundi. The moment those drums begin, you don’t just hear them — you feel them.

The Gishora Drum Sanctuary, near Gitega, is not just a performance space; it’s a place of cultural pride and ancestral connection.
Watching the Abatimbo (royal drummers) in action is like stepping into living history.

👉 Book the Gishora Drums Experience – you’ll never forget it.

🌊 2. Cruising on Lake Tanganyika at Sunset

There’s something magical about Lake Tanganyika. It’s calm, deep, and ancient — and the sunsets? Breathtaking.

I love organizing private boat rides in the evening, with local music, drinks, and the cool breeze over the water.
Sometimes we pass small fishing villages and greet locals waving from dugout canoes.

👉 Try the Lake Tanganyika Boat Tour — especially for couples or photographers.

🐾 3. Taking a Safari in Rusizi National Park

You don’t need to go to Kenya or Tanzania for a wildlife safari. Rusizi National Park, just outside Bujumbura, is home to:

Hippos, crocodiles, antelope, and dozens of bird species
Peaceful boat safaris through river channels
The iconic spot where Livingstone and Stanley once stood

This is one of my go-to places when I want to reconnect with nature — it’s serene, uncrowded, and full of life.

🏙 4. Wandering Around Bujumbura City

Bujumbura is a city with soul. It’s where I always find new surprises, from buzzing markets to quiet lakeside corners.

Some of my favorite spots:

Independence Monument
Livingstone–Stanley Monument
Craft markets for unique souvenirs
Local cafés with strong Burundian coffee and sweet snacks

I often take friends on our Bujumbura City Tour, which feels more like a walk with a local than a tour.

💦 5. Exploring Karera Waterfalls

Hidden in southeastern Burundi, Karera Falls is a peaceful escape into nature. The waterfall is divided into multiple tiers, surrounded by greenery, birds, and fresh mist.

I love hiking around the area and just listening to the water crash — it’s the perfect day trip when I need peace.
Sometimes I combine it with a visit to the thermal springs nearby.

👣 6. Visiting the Batwa Community

Of all the cultural experiences I’ve had, visiting the Batwa people touched me the most. They are one of Burundi’s oldest communities, and their resilience, stories, and traditions are incredibly inspiring.

You get to learn how they make pottery, hunt, and dance.
It’s a meaningful way to connect with real Burundi, beyond the tourist attractions.

I always ensure the visits are respectful and benefit the community directly.

🌄 7. Watching Sunrise from a Hilltop in Gitega or Kibira

There’s nothing like standing above the foggy hills of Burundi early in the morning, watching the sun rise over the countryside. I’ve done it alone, with clients, and even with groups — and every time, it’s magical.

Gitega’s rolling hills offer the best viewpoints.
Or head to Kibira National Park for misty rainforest sunrises and nature hikes.

Bring a thermos of Burundian coffee and enjoy the silence.

🍴 8. Eating Local Brochettes by the Lake

This one is simple — but it’s a favorite for a reason. Grab some freshly grilled goat brochettes, fried bananas (plantains), and a cold drink, and sit by Lake Tanganyika as the sun goes down.

Best places? Try Saga Plage or small beachside bars near Kinindo.
I often take visitors for this “simple luxury” on their first evening.

🛍️ 9. Shopping for Handmade Drums and Baskets

Every time I travel within Burundi, I come back with at least one handmade item. Whether it’s a colorful woven basket, a small traditional drum, or beautiful carved art, the crafts in Burundi are truly unique.

Gitega and Bujumbura have some of the best local artisan markets.
It’s also a way to support local communities directly.

💬 Final Thoughts: My Favorite Things to Do in Burundi

Burundi is not just a place to check off your travel list — it’s a place to feel, connect, and discover. It’s where people greet you with a smile, where every landscape has a story, and where the rhythm of life is just different.

If you’re planning to visit, I’d be happy to help you craft your own unforgettable trip. You’ll see that Burundi is not just beautiful — it’s soulful.

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