Among the protected areas and national parks in Burundi is Kibira national park located in north western of the country about 48km from Bujumbura. The part extends in the north to the border of Rwanda touching borders with Nyungwe Forest.
Kibira national park covers 400 square kilometers and 16% of which is estimated as Montane rainforest – the only montane rainforest in Burundi at an elevation of 1100m; this montane forest lies adjacent to two large plantations in Teza and Rwegura.
Kibira national park is one of those few areas endowed with thrilling natural biodiversity in the central African region. The park has over 644 plant species, 98 mammal species, 200 bird species, and primates.
Until 1993, the forest was a vibrant hunting ground for the kings of Burundi; it was so highly protected by natives because they strongly believed it had magical powers attached to it.
If you’re planning to visit Burundi and looking for where to go on a safari in Burundi, Kibira national park is one of those popular places and one can visit for a magical safari experience in Burundi.
Attractions in Kibira National Park Burundi.
There are quite a number of various attractions in this majestic park and it is one of those top destinations in Burundi with abundance in terms of nature and wildlife safari experiences.
Some of the attractions in Kibira national park include the following;
Bird species;the park is a great spot for birds for those travelers who are interested in bird watching. The park recorded over 200 bird species and among these are; Great blue turaco, mountain buzzard, white spotted fluff tail, grey parrot, bar-tailed trogon, and black and white casqued hornbill among others.
Primates; Kibira is home to a number of primate species such as black and white colobus monkeys, endangered chimpanzees, and baboons making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience primate safaris and tours in Burundi.
Pygmies community; pygmy people are also one of the ethnic groups of people in Burundi. With almost similar culture and behaviors as the Batwa in Uganda and Rwanda.
Pygmies in Kibira Busereka village once lived in the forest before they were evicted and the place gazetted into the park. The pygmies’ rich culture is one of the great attractions in Kibira for many travelers and we invite you to experience a unique cultural encounter during your visit.
Teaplantations; the Kibira forest region receives much rainfall annually with fertile soils and this has tremendously supported tea growing in the area and neighboring communities boosting the country’s economy which is largely dependent on agriculture.
There are two famous large tea plantations in Teza Rwegura Kibira that you have got not to miss while in Kibira – Burundi.
The Kibira forest;is the only montane rainforest in Burundi, and it is one of the great tourist attractions in Kibira national park. The forest is a habitat for some of the tree species with a variety of montane bogsand stands. If you’re one of those that enjoy thick forest treks, Kibira forest is such a great attraction worth visiting in Burundi.
Nevertheless, Kibira forest is well known as the main source of many water streams and rivers in Burundi and a trip here could lead you to some of these water sources that originate from the forest.
Things to do / Activities in Kibira national park
With the above highlights, there are a handful of activities that can be done here including but not limited to;
- Guided Forest walks
- Birding / bird-watching
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Unique cultural tours and experiences
- Game viewing, among others.
Accessibility / How to get there.
The most convenient way of getting to this park is by flying into Bujumbura international airport and connecting with your driver/guide and transferring to the park, North West of the country – approximately 61km from the airport, and 1hr and a half drive. The help and guidance of a ground-basedBurundi tour operator will be ideal for a successful safari in Kibira national park.
Accommodation and where to stay:
There are a number of hotels available in Kayanza city, the closest city to this park, approximately 10 miles away and the popular hotels for Kibira national park tours include; Hotel Le Paradis and Hotel La Maravilla in Kayanza city.
What is the best time to visit Burundi and Kibira national park?
Burundi safaris in Kibira national park are best done in the drier months of the year thus to say in the dry seasons of the year. The best time for Burundi safaris and tours is from June to August and between December to February. These are the seasons where little or no rainfall is received across the country.