Ruvubu National park is the largest national park in Burundi covering 508 square kilometers in the northeastern part of Burundi. it borders the provinces of Muyinga, karuzi, cankuzo, Ruyigi and neighbors Tanzania to the south. Ruvubu national park stands at an elevation of between 1,100 m to 1,361 m above sea level. The park’s name is derived from river Ruvubu which runs through the length of the park. This national park was declared a Ramsar wetland of international importance in march 14th 2013 because of its rich biodiversity. The park features wetlands and savannah woodlands boasting 44 mammal species and over 400 bird species.
What to do in Ruvubu national park.
Ruvubu national park has several activities due to its uniqueness and standing out as the largest best national park in Burundi. Some of the activities include;
Game drives
Visitors engage in guided game viewing on the vast trails of the park where a variety of animals are seen in their natural grazing grounds. The animals spotted are the cape buffalos, water buck, hippos, Nile crocodile, duikers, oribi, lions, elephants, jackals and nocturnal animals like leopards and many more. Primates to see in Ruvubu national park are the olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and bush babies. The park has both day and night game drives.
Birdwatching
Ornithologists or birdwatching lovers will view over 400 bird species including waterbirds. Some of the birds includes; papyrus gonolek, warblers, sunbirds, purple crested turaco, Ross’s turaco, freckled night jar, bateleur, western barn owl, common Scimitarbill, black headed puffback, white crested helmet shrike, fork tailed drongo, green capped eremomela, green packed camaroptera, wattled starling, trilling cisticola, pale flycatcher, red collared widowbird, pin tailed whydah, black throated canary and many more.
Boat cruise
Visitors engage in boat trips on river Ruvubu that offers an opportunity to see aquatic animals and birds such as Nile crocodile and hippopotamus and waterbirds like African duck.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris involves visitors to walk on foot on the savannah trails while viewing animals up close like elephants, water buck, antelopes and many more.
Photography exploration
Wild life photographers immerse themselves in the beauty of Ruvubu national park as they take shots of animals, birds and rich flora.
How to get to Ruvubu National Park in Burundi
Ruvubu national park is accessed by road for about 4 to 6 hours from Bujumbura capital city and Gitega town. Four-wheel vehicles are most recommended.
When is the best time to visit Ruvubu national park
This national park can be visited any time of the year but the most preferred period is during the dry seasons of June, July, august and December, January and February that offers the best road conditions and clear skies.
Where to stay during your safari in Ruvubu
However, there are no accommodations inside the park, camping areas are provided for visitors interested in the camping experience. The accommodations near the park include, hotel club du lac Tanganyika, Roca Golf Hotel, Maison d’Accueil hotel, Hotel Dolce Vita Resort, Hotel Le Chandelier and many more
Are there safaris in Burundi?
Yes! There is a list of safaris that tourists engage in during a visit to Burundi. The safaris include cultural tours in gishora drum sanctuary, primate tracking in kibira national park, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, waterfalls viewing in karera, hiking tours, sport fishing, honey moon tours, boat trips and Bujumbura city tours.
Is travelling to Burundi safe!
Burundi is safe for travel experiences, however always plan with your booked recognized tour operator to ascertain the safety conditions of the country prior to your travel dates
Conclusions
Always arrange your safari through licensed and reputable tour operators such as BUJUKU ECO TOURS AND TRAVEL LTD for smooth and professional guided experiences.