1-Day Hippo Viewing Tour
This 1-Day Hippo Viewing Tour is one of the most loved wildlife experiences in Burundi.
At Rusizi National Park, you will board our engine-powered boats, operated exclusively by M Travel and Tours Burundi, allowing you to reach the best viewing points—places you cannot access on foot.
From the river, you will see hippos resting in family groups, young hippos beside their mothers, and crocodiles basking along the banks. You will also witness fishermen returning from Lake Tanganyika, a beautiful, authentic moment of local life.
Combined with Bujumbura city attractions, this tour is perfect for travelers looking for nature, culture, and real Burundian experiences all in one day.
Itinerary
Morning: Hippo Viewing by Engine Boat – Rusizi National Park
Upon arrival at Rusizi National Park, your guide will lead you to our private engine boats.
This unforgettable boat experience includes:
- Close-up hippo viewing, including mothers with their young
- Possible sightings of Nile crocodiles
- Birdwatching along the riverbanks
- Slow navigation through peaceful delta waters
- Viewing local fishermen returning from their early-morning fishing trips
- Access to hidden spots only reachable by boat
The river is calm, making the ride safe, comfortable, and suitable for all ages.
Your guide will explain the behaviors of hippos, the ecosystem, and the daily life of the communities living around the Rusizi River.
Midday: Bujumbura Cultural & Historical Highlights
After the wildlife experience, you continue exploring Bujumbura’s key attractions:
- Independence Monument
- Livingstone–Stanley Monument
- Local craft markets
- Important historical sites
- Cultural stops around the city
- Optional lunch at a lakeside restaurant (at own cost)
Afternoon: Lake Tanganyika Waterfront
End the day with a relaxing stop at the shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s most iconic lakes.
Enjoy:
- Scenic viewpoints
- Peaceful lakeside walking
- Optional refreshments at a lakeshore café
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
What’s Included
- Private transport
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Fuel for the entire day
- Private engine-boat ride inside Rusizi National Park
- Entrance tickets to Rusizi National Park
- Visits to all mentioned attractions
Duration
7–8 hours
Start time flexible based on your preference.
Why This Is the Best Hippo Tour in Burundi
- Exclusive engine-boat access to the best hippo spots
- Safe, clean, well-maintained boats
- Trained wildlife guides
- Perfect viewing angles for photography
- Combination of wildlife, culture, and city exploration
- Personalized experience for solo travelers, couples, and families
No other tour provides this level of access and comfort on the Rusizi River.