Burundi is a rewarding tourist destination in Africa endowed with wonderful nature right from unbeatable equatorial climate and stunning weather all year round, incredible wildlife biodiversity, charming hospitable people with their outstanding rich cultures.
Among the top popular places to visit in Burundi is Ruvubu National park situated in the Northeastern about 216km from Bujumbura. Very famous tourist attraction in Burundi as the largest protected area in the country with 508 square kilometers.
It is also known as Parc National de la Ruvubu to many travelers and it extends and touches the neighboring Tanzania in the south. The park extracts its name from the river Ruvubu that flows through the park.
Attractions in Ruvubu National Park.
The fact that it is Burundi’s largest protected area with incredible wildlife biodiversity in the region; tourist numbers of those willing to travel to Burundi for Burundi safaris tours are seen on the rise.
Records indicate44 animal species and some of these include, Hippos, cape buffalos, duikers, and five primate species thus the Vervet monkey, red colobus monkey, blue colobus monkey, olive baboons, and Senegal bush baby with over 200 bird species like water, forest, and mountain birds and reptiles include Nile crocodile and lizards among others.
The outstanding wildlife biodiversity of Ruvubu National Park is the main center of focus by quite many travelers and tourists at the park.
River Ruvubu is also one of the tourist attractions found here. It flows through the park to the south, joining the Nyabarongo River on the border of Rwanda and Tanzania. River Ruvubu is 416 km long with a drainage basin of 14000 square kilometers.
Things to do in Ruvubu National Park.
When it comes to what to do and what to see in Ruvuvu National Park Burundi, there’s quite a lot and interesting that can be done at this famous national park in terms of tourist activities. And some of these include the following;
Guided safari game drive. If there’s a clearer way on a safari to fully explore and feel the touch of a true African safari is by taking on a safari game drive to one of the African parks like Ruvubu.
Guided safari game drives in here are just epic as they will give you a chance to see lots of animals, birds, and other wildlife species with the help of a professional native safari guide.
The park has about 50km of tracks and these are dedicated for safari game drives. While on a game drive here, expect to see a wide number of animals roaming freely within the park such as elephants, buffalos, duikers, birds, and other wildlife species.
Night safari game drives are also arranged and well conducted here and these will always give you a chance to encounter the rare nocturnal animals.
Birding tours. If you’re one of those wondering where to go for a birding safari – Ruvubu is ideal for bird-watching safari tours. The park recorded over 300 bird species including water, mountain, and forest birds.
Nature walks / walking safari; Nature walks and walking safari experiences are part of what can be done at this park. This is mainly walking in the park, unlike game drive where you drive through with a safari vehicle.
Nature walks and walking in the park in the company of a safari ranger and a safari guide gives you a chance to spot some of the wildlife species missed on game drives as the game drives are only limited to tracks and trails.
Boat trips; Boat trips are a better way to relax and explore aquatic life without any hustle and bustle. While here, you may choose to take on a boat ride at Ruvubu River and this will take you to those better spots with a clear view of species along the river banks such as Nile crocodiles, Hippos, and water birds.
How to get to Ruvubu National Park
Getting there is not difficult as it is only 216km from Bujumbura with options of flying into Burundi’s Bujumbura international airport and transferring to there by road. Or one can opt for flying into Kigali airport for combined Rwanda – DR Congo – Burundi safari tours.
Accommodation and where to stay?
There are comfortable hotels and lodges in and around the park but these lodges will need to be contacted for booking quite in advance as rooms normally sell out in the high seasons. Accommodation can be booked by your trusted tour operator for proper safari arrangements.