Rusizi National Park

Wildlife & Wetlands • Near Bujumbura

Glide along the Rusizi River on a peaceful boat safari, watching hippos, Nile crocodiles, and rich birdlife where the river meets Lake Tanganyika.

Perfect as a half-day or full-day nature tour from Bujumbura, ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and families.

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More Than a Simple Game Drive

Rusizi National Park is Burundi’s best-known wildlife escape, just a short drive from Bujumbura. The park stretches along the Rusizi River as it flows towards Lake Tanganyika, creating wetlands, sandbanks, and channels where wildlife thrives.

This is where you can quietly approach pods of hippos, look for Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, and enjoy some of the best birdwatching in the country – all from the comfort of a boat.

Visiting with M Travel and Tours Burundi means your Rusizi experience is fully organized: boat, park fees, transfers, and a local guide who knows where wildlife likes to hide.

Why Travelers Love Rusizi

Safe, close-up viewing of hippos and crocodiles from a guided boat safari.
Excellent birdlife, including herons, kingfishers, cormorants, and more.
Beautiful views towards the DR Congo hills and Lake Tanganyika.
Easy half-day trip from Bujumbura, great for all ages.

Rusizi in Pictures

Replace these placeholders with your best Rusizi National Park photos – boat safaris, hippos, crocodiles, and river landscapes.

Boat Safari

Hippos resting in the water at Rusizi National Park

Hippo Pods

Crocodile on the riverbank in Rusizi National Park

Crocodile Viewing

Birdlife

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your Rusizi tour usually begins with a short drive from your hotel in Bujumbura to the park entrance. After a quick registration, you board a small motorboat with a local guide and boat captain.

As you move along the river, you’ll pass sandbanks, reeds, and quiet channels where wildlife rests. Hippos surface and disappear in groups, crocodiles warm themselves on the riverbank, and fishermen glide past in their dugout canoes.

You’ll also have time to pause the engine to enjoy the silence of the wetlands, take photos, and watch the birds flying low over the water. On clear days, you can see the skyline of Bujumbura behind you and the hills of DR Congo across Lake Tanganyika in front.

Tour Highlights

Guided boat safari on the Rusizi River with local experts.
Regular sightings of hippos and Nile crocodiles (from a safe distance).
Birdwatching opportunities with many water and wetland species.
Peaceful river scenery where the Rusizi meets Lake Tanganyika.
Easy to combine with a Bujumbura city tour or lakeside sunset.

Visiting Rusizi National Park with M Travel and Tours Burundi

We organise private and small-group trips to Rusizi National Park as a half-day or full-day tour from Bujumbura. With M Travel and Tours Burundi , you don’t have to worry about logistics – we handle everything:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bujumbura.
Private vehicle with driver and fuel.
Park entrance fees and boat safari arrangements.
Professional local guide throughout the visit.

Rusizi is also one of our favourite options for a short Lake Tanganyika & wildlife experience, especially if you want to see hippos and crocodiles during your time in Burundi.

Combine Rusizi With

Bujumbura City Tour – markets, monuments, and local life.
Lake Tanganyika Beach Time – relax by the lakeshore after your safari.
Livingstone–Stanley Monument – historic viewpoint above the lake.

Tell us how many days you have, and we’ll design a Burundi itinerary that includes Rusizi, Gishora Drums, Karera Waterfalls, and more – all at your pace.

Plan My Rusizi Tour