Explore the Burundi Highlands: Where the Hills Touch the Sky:
Burundi, commonly referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” encompasses an exceptionally dramatic and rolling landscape. Most of this small country is dominated by the Burundi Highlands mountain range, one of the major peaks of the Congo-Nile Divide database marmot.
Here, one finds the United Nation’s historical beauty and cultural heritage in a vast mountainous area of a higher elevation filled with deeply green, terraced hills that appear to stack up to the clouds.
Unlike the lowland plains near Lake Tanganyika, the higher elevations of Burundi often provide a cooler, temperate climate with exceptional views, and, more importantly, it is an important biological watershed. When you visit this area, you will experience the true, beautiful core of Burundi.
The Roof of the Nation: Mount Heha and the Great Divide
The Burundi Highlands are an important geographical feature; they are the watershed divide between the two largest river systems in the world. The Burundi Highlands are also home to Burundi’s tallest state.
Mount Heha: Burundi’s tallest peak.
At the apex of this magnificent landscape is Mount Heha at approximately 2,684 meters (8,806 feet) above sea level. The mountain is located in the Bujumbura Rural province and is very easy to hike. The trek up Mount Heha is more than just a hike; the various trails lead you through diverse vegetation, including wooded areas, highball, tallgrass, shrubs, and enormous trees.
The reward for climbing is a spectacular sweeping view of the green hills of the surrounding area, and on a clear day, the landscape reveals the glorious distance of the blue waters of Lake Tanganyika. The weather can be lovely too, since the air at higher elevations is often pleasantly cool and sufficiently dry compared to the humidity of lower altitude areas.
The Congo-Nile Divide.
More broadly, the highlands are formed by the crest of the Congo-Nile Divide. This is an invisible geological line, emphasizing the divide between rivers flowing west toward the Congo River basin (and ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean) and rivers flowing east toward the Ruvubu and Kagera rivers, which ultimately flow into the Nile River.
The function of the watershed place also demonstrates the significant ecological role of the area, as it is the water source for much of Burundi and beyond. For this reason, simplicity, we can understand why Burundi is called the Heart of Africa.
Kibira National Park: The Misty Highland Rainforest
Kibira National Park is a more protected place, found in the northern region of the Burundi Highlands, and represents the best examples of montane rainforest in the country.
An Ancient Ecosystem.
Kibira is a large and protected forest historically used by the ancient royalty of Burundi as a sacred hunting ground. Elevations stretch from 1,500 to 2,600 meters, meaning it is typically moist and makes for a home to a variety of ancient and various vegetation.
There are bamboo thickets and large ferns covering the landscape as well as tall trees that provide an authentic tropical experience, immersing you in nature. Being at this elevation and moisture allows for perfect tea plantation conditions that flank the tourism parks, such as near Teza, which adds to the beauty and cultivated nature of the area.
A Primate and Bird Haven.
Kibira is a paradise for naturalists with multiple species of primates, including chimpanzees, as well as large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys, which make it a proper environment for primate tracking and nature walks.
Kibira is documented to have over 250 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching. With a local ranger, travelers can take guided tours to walk these peaceful trails among the mist while enjoying the ecological diversity that flourishes in the cool, elevated highland climate.
Cultural Landscape: Tea Plantations and Traditional Life.
The highlands of Burundi are equally beautiful for the human element, thereby weaving a historical connection between the people and the rolling landscape.
Green Gold of the Hills.
The cool temperatures and heavy rainfall, provided by the mountains, generate the ultimate microclimate for cash crops, particularly tea and coffee. As you drive through the highlands, the sight of mile upon mile of perfectly trimmed bright green tea plantations means you have arrived at your destination (particularly around Teza). These plantations create not only a stunning view of terraced landscapes but also the economic foundation for rural communities living in the hills.
Rural Charm and Hospitality.
In the highlands, you can experience the traditional Burundian hospitality at its fullest. The rural landscape is supplemented by traditional housing and small villages. Muramvya and Gitega (the political capital of the country) are significant cultural capitals in the highlands and offer museums and craft centers.
The highlands give travelers the opportunity to experience the local culture, see traditional crafts being made, and live at the rhythm of life percolating through the steep, often difficult, but certainly fertile mountainous region. The highland region offers all of these experiences, from its high peaks to its low valleys.
