Rusizi National Park is Burundi’s wildlife conservation hidden gem that was established in 1980 and covers 90 square kilometers. The park is located in the north of Bujumbura capital city near the border of DR Congo. Rusizi national park lies along the Rusizi river which flows into Lake Tanganyika. Rusizi national park is ideal for travelers looking to explore less crowded nature areas in Burundi.
Activities to do in Rusizi National Park
Rusizi national park offers a variety of nature activities that includes;
Wildlife viewing
The park boasts of wetlands and grasslands creating habitat for hippos, crocodiles, sitatungas, Gustave and other antelope species. Visitors also sight monkeys, mongoose and other animals that loves staying near wetlands while visitors see lions rarely in this park.
birdwatching
Rusizi national park hosts over 200 bird species in the river delta and wetland where ornithologists enjoy sightings of birds such as malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, pelicans, papyrus gonoleks, water thick knee, black crake, white winged tern, African skimmers, lesser flamingos, yellow billed stock, black heron, papyrus warbler, red chested sunbird and many others.
Boat safari on river Rusizi
Visitors enjoy guided boat trips on river rusizi where they spot hippos and crocodiles cooling their bodies in water and cruise to the point where the river delta meets Lake Tanganyika.
Cultural tours
Visitors get chances of interacting with the local community about their way of life, learning about their local ways of fishing on wooden boats around river rusizi and Lake Tanganyika.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing is also done on river rusizi after obtaining a permit for the activity where anglers will catch fish and leave it to go or have it roasted for eating after the activity.
How to get to Rusizi National Park
Road transport
Visitors embarking on a tour to Rusizi national park by road transport, travels about 15 kilometers from Bujumbura city to the park. The park is best accessed by vehicle; our safari vehicles offer comfort rides to rusizi park for all guided excursions every morning.
Air transport
By air transport, visitors can book flights from Rwanda international air port or from Bukavu Democratic republic of congo to Bujumbura airport and connect to rusizi national park.
Accomodations near Rusizi National Park
Bujumbura capital has got a number of accommodations for your comfort stay when visiting rusizi national park and these include;
Hotel Dolce Vita Resort
Hotel dolce vita resort is a modern hotel in Bujumbura offering a perfect blend of warmth and exceptional vacation experience. The hotel is a few meters from Lake Tanganyika and offers amenities like free Wi-Fi internet, free parking and swimming pool.
Hotel Hibiscus
Hotel hibiscus is one-of-a-kind accommodation located near Bujumbura central market where travelers enjoy relaxations with the best cup of coffee.
Royal palm Resort
Royal palm resort is a serene hotel located in Bujumbura that features beautiful elegance rooms. The hotel takes pride in offering exceptional service and a broad range of amenities, guaranteeing a supremely relaxing stay for guests.
Roca golf hotel
Roca golf hotel is a luxury accommodation located near the Bujumbura international airport. The hotel is spacious for all kinds of relaxations that includes spa services, swimming pool, air conditioning and restaurants.
Hotel kangaroo Bujumbura
Hotel kangaroo Bujumbura is a convenient hotel for travelers located few kilometers from Bujumbura international airport. It features rooms equipped with air conditioning, refrigerators, swimming pool and sauna for a comfortable stay.
When to visit Rusizi National Park
The park can be visited all year round however the best periods when the trails are clear and dry are during the months of June to September and December to February. The rainy season begins from march to May and October to November where the swamps are active favoring spot of birds and animals.