Tour Overview
Burundi is one of the African countries that has tightly reserved its traditions and culture. Popular historical sites, traditions and norms have been preserved and also passed on from one generation to another. Traditions and customs like; the dances and some other ritual have been continued and a highly respected. In this cultural tour you will encounter performances and Places like; the snake and cultural museum in Bujumbura, the Intore warrior dancers, the Gasimbo dance, the national museum at Gitega, the Germans gorge at Nyakazu tourist site, also visit the Islam center, the explorers memorial.
Safari Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Bujumbura
Day 2: Visit the Source of the Nile and the Gitega National Museum
Day 3: Gitega – Gishora drum sites, Cultural Performance
Day 4: Kigwena reserves, Nature Walk and Chimps Trekking
Day 5: Airport transfer
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bujumbura
Half day tour in Bujumbura, Cultural Tour of Bujumbura Morning, we visit Rusizi national park where a possible boat tour in Rusizi river can let you explore closer the hippo, numerous birds and the joining point between Rusizi River and Lake Tanganyika;Belvedere Climb offering a nice view of Bujumbura city ,Independance hero mounument.After we visit explorers Memorial, a huge rock in the Suburbs of Bujumbura commemorating the meeting between explorers Stanley and Livingstone.
Accommodation: club du lac Tanganyika (luxury and midrange)
Hotel residence ubuntu, le clos de limbas (basic)
Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Visit the Source of the Nile and the Gitega National Museum
After breakfast, we take the direction to the Source of Nile, and then Karera waterfalls .On our route, magnificent tea plantations and landscapes will make you carry your camera ready for pictures.
After karera waterfalls, drive to Gitega, the second town and colonial capital of Burundi. Visit of Gitega National Museum with its collection of artefacts, Gitega city administrative offices,Catholic location of Mushasha and its different schools.
Accommodation: club du lac Tanganyika (luxury)
Orange or Helena Hotel (midrange)
Hotel residence ubuntu, le clos de limbas (basic)
Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 3: Gitega – Gishora drum sites, Cultural Performance
After breakfast visit of the drum sanctuary of Gishora. Gishora is one of the famous drum sites of Burundi. Gishora is perched on the top of a hill at 7km from the urban centre of Gitega The site of Gishora also houses two ritual drums that were never beaten : Ruciteme (the one for whom we clear the forest) and Murimirwa (the one for whom we cultivate). The two names are intimately linked to the farming vocation and refer clearly to the fertility, characteristic of the king. We have also ordinary drums which the Batimbo could beat on special occasions of the country.
Visit the drum sanctuary of Gishora to relive the cultural tradition of Burundi which is becoming scarcer. The site recreates an architectural complex of Royal palace, rarely found elsewhere in the country. Get there a lot of information will be provided by Mr Antime who has travelled a lot of countries across the world exhibiting the image of Burundi with his drum.
Here drummers’ performance can be watched. Lunch at Gitega city .After lunch, visit of the city .Gitega is the second largest town of the country, with its typical colonial architecture. It hosts the National Museum with its ethnographic and archaeological collections
Accommodation: club du lac Tanganyika (luxury)
Orange or Helena Hotel (midrange)
Hotel residence ubuntu, le clos de limbas (basic)
Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 4: Kigwena reserves, Nature Walk and Chimps Trekking
After breakfast, drive to Kigwena National Reserve for a walk in the forest to search for its flora and fauna which includes chimpanzees and monkeys including the owl faced monkeys and baboons,
After visit, lunch at Blue Bay for lunch and beach relaxation (tennis court,swimming ,beach volley) .Drive back to Bujumbura city
Accommodation: club du lac Tanganyika (luxury and midrange)
Hotel residence ubuntu, le clos de limbas (basic)
Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 5: Airport transfer
Have an early breakfast and head to the Airport for your departure flight if its in the morning, and if its later you can relax in your hotel before you head to the Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
END OF CULTURAL TOUR (5 DAYS)
The Safari Package Covers:
• Chimps Permit
• Relevant Government Taxes.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Full time English and French speaking Driver
• Ground Transportation by a 4x4 safari vehicle
• Airport transfers as long as you are departing on the same day your safari ends
• Entrance fees to the Cultural sites and the Source of the Nile
• Accommodation ( 4 night) and Meals en route as stated in the itinerary
Safari Exclusions:
• Air Fares
• Visa Fees
• Personal Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities