Itinerary

Thursday 4 March – Bujumbura

Arrive at your own leisure into Bujumbura, Burundi’s largest city and economic capital, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Despite being one of Africa’s least-visited countries, Burundi is surprisingly well connected with flights from several East African destinations. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel.

In the evening, we’ll hold a pre-tour meeting at the hotel lobby at 6:00pm to discuss the itinerary, practical information, and to meet your fellow travellers and local guide.

Afterwards, we’ll head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Bujumbura.

Friday 5 March – Bujumbura – Gitega

This morning, we begin our exploration of Burundi with a city tour of Bujumbura. Located along the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, the city offers a fascinating mix of colonial history, lively markets, and modern Burundian life.

Our first stop is the Livingstone–Stanley Monument, a memorial linked to the journeys of explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley in the region. The monument remains one of Burundi’s most famous historical landmarks.

We continue to the Independence Hero Mausoleum & Unity Monument, overlooking both Bujumbura and Lake Tanganyika. The monument symbolizes Burundi’s national motto: “Unity, Work, Progress.”

Leaving the lakeside city behind, we drive inland through Burundi’s scenic green hills towards Gitega, the political capital and former royal capital of Burundi. Along the way, we stop at the picturesque Teza Tea Plantations near Muramvya. Burundi’s fertile highlands produce some of East Africa’s finest tea, and we’ll enjoy a short walk through the rolling plantations while learning more about local tea production.

Visit the legendary Gishora Drum Sanctuary, considered by many the cultural highlight of Burundi. Burundian royal drumming traditions are recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage and remain deeply connected to the country’s royal history and identity. Experience a live drumming performance and learn more about the symbolism and traditions behind this unique cultural practice.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Gitega.

Saturday 6 March – Gitega – Karera Falls – Bujumbura

We visit the National Museum of Burundi in Gitega. While modest in size, the museum offers valuable insight into the country’s history, royal traditions, and cultural heritage.

We then continue south through Burundi’s lush countryside towards the spectacular Karera Falls. Hidden amongst dense greenery, this impressive series of cascading waterfalls is one of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Explore the scenic Karera Falls and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this hidden natural wonder.

We continue towards one of Africa’s most intriguing geographical landmarks: the Southernmost Source of the Nile. Marked by a small pyramid monument, this quiet spring is regarded as one of the southernmost tributary sources connected to the Nile River system.

In the afternoon, we return to Bujumbura, descending once again towards the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Bujumbura.

Sunday 7 March – Bujumbura

Airport drop off according to your flight schedule.

For those continuing to Rwanda. We recommend booking RwandAir flight WB483 from Bujumbura to Kigali (flight not included and subject to schedule changes).

End of tour.