I Went to Burundi After Everyone Told Me Not To — And It Was the Best Decision of My Life.

A True Story from Our Traveler, Naomi from Canada
#BurundiUnfiltered #SoloTravelAfrica #MTravelAndToursBurundi

“Are you sure it’s safe?”

That was the first thing my friends asked when I said I was going to Burundi.

“Where even is that?”

was the second.

I’ll admit — I had doubts. Every time I Googled “Burundi travel,” I saw warnings. Old blog posts. News headlines from years ago. Not much information. No glowing reviews. No tourist hype.

But I kept hearing something whisper in my heart: go anyway.

I Found M Travel and Tours Burundi by Accident…

And I thank the universe that I did.

Martin (the owner) didn’t give me a sales pitch. He gave me peace of mind. He explained everything clearly — the visa process, airport pickup, where we’d go, and most importantly…

He told me this:

“Burundi is safe. You won’t regret coming. We’ll take care of you like family.”

He was right.

Day 1: I Arrived in Bujumbura — And Was Greeted Like a Sister

There was no chaos, no fear, no discomfort. Just warm air, smiles, and the sound of Lake Tanganyika waves not far off.

Martin and his driver picked me up personally. I checked into a lovely boutique hotel and had grilled Mukeke fish by the lakeside that night.

The sky turned orange and pink. I exhaled. I was here. And I was safe.

Day 2–3: Drumbeats, Hills, and the Soul of Burundi

We drove to Gitega to witness something unforgettable — the Royal Drummers of Burundi.

I didn’t watch from the sidelines. I was invited to drum. To dance. To be part of it.

I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been to Bali. But nothing moved me like that drum circle in Burundi.

Day 4–5: Rusizi Safari – Wild, Real, Unfiltered

The next day, we toured Rusizi National Park. I saw hippos, monkeys, and birds I’ve never seen in my life — all in their natural habitat, not surrounded by tourists or noise. Just pure wilderness and silence.

And the People?

Burundians are the kindest people I’ve ever met. Children waved. Elders greeted me in Kirundi. I was invited into a family’s home in the hills. I ate cassava, laughed, and shared stories with women who had never met a foreigner — but treated me like a daughter.