Bururi Forest Nature Reserve in Burundi is an evergreen lowland forest, known for its rich biodiversity. The reserve covers an area of 33 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, that comprises of 93 species of trees, 87 bird species and primates such as chimpanzees and monkeys. It is situated in southwestern Burundi and along the edge of congo Nile divide. Bururi forest nature reserve created in 1951 stands on an elevation of between 1,900m to 2,307m and an Annual varying rainfall pattern from 1,200 mm to 2,400 mm that favors its inhabitants.
Attractions at Bururi forest Nature Reserve in Burundi
Wildlife viewing
Bururi forest nature reserve boasts of a population of chimpanzees that inhabits the less explored forests compared to Kibale national park in Uganda. the reserve also hosts other primate species such as colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys and baboons.
The Reserve is one of the forests that was a home to Leopards that are now extinct due to cultural beliefs of the kings that could hunt leopards to use its skin as a kingship symbol. The forest also has rare sightings of bush bucks and squirrels along the canopy trees.
Birdwatching
Travelers to the bururi forest will engage in birdwatching activity where they will spot a variety of forest birds such as black billed turaco, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, African blue flycatcher, apalis, African thrush, white browed robin chat, montane night jar, ring-necked dove, lizard buzzard, Red chested cuckoo, fork tailed drongo, gray cheeked hornbill and much more.
Hiking
Hiking in the forest reserve is one the activity for nature lovers visiting bururi forest enjoying the untouched trails with canopy trees feeling the natural scent of nature.
Siguvyaye River
Visiting the Siguvyaye River that flows through the southern end of the reserve. The waterfalls of the river and the beautiful surrounding landscapes are potential tourist attractions. The river provides chances of spotting wildlife while quenching thirst.
Photography
The forest creates pure magic for photoshoots in real nature. Alongside the waterfalls, it is more of a movie capturing zone.
Ancient worship site
Like other ancient beliefs, bururi forest nature reserve was used in the past as a place of worship or the link between heaven and earth. The ancient Burundians visited huge trees in the mountain forests to worship other gods.
Flora
The forest reserve holds great conservation importance, with a variety of tree species that act as source of herbal medicine. Some of plant species include prunus Africana, kigelia Africana, mahogany and many more.
Cultural visits
Travelers get a chance to visit over 28 batwa people and their households that lived in bururi forest reserve before but now are sheltered outside the reserve. Visiting the batwa community contributes to their life of living since they are prohibited from settling in this forest. During their stay in the forest, they could hunt animals leading to their extinct.
How to get bururi forest nature reserve in Burundi
The reserve is accessed by road from Bujumbura city in Burundi that takes about 2 hours’ drive through bururi town and reach bururi forest reserve. It is well accessed with 4-wheel vehicles that are efficient with Burundi’s terrain.
Best time to visit bururi forest nature reserve
The forest reserve can be visited anytime of the year, however a visit during the dry season can be the best between December to January and June to September. During this time, there are dry trails and clear visibility.
Accommodation options in bururi
There are a variety of accommodation from budget to luxury ones and these include.
- Hotel club du lac Tanganyika
- Roca Golf hotel
- Moonlight hotel
- Kiriri garden hotel
- Burundi palace boutique hotel