My Journey through Burundi : A safari story has been told.
When I mentioned that I was going on a “safari” in East Africa to friends, they all pictured vast plains with lions, elephants, and herds of wildebeest, but my story was different, as I was going to visit Burundi, a small and mountainous country bypassed on most tourist maps. To be clear, there are no Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo); rather, I went to something far rarer and more fulfilling: the unique heart of Africa’s culture and geography.
This was not a safari where I could check off the number of famous animals I saw. This was a safari characterized by the number of genuine connections I made and the number of ancient secrets I uncovered.
My adventure through the country of Burundi told a story not many have had the privilege to tell. It was a journey marked by the thunder of royal drums, the clear waters of an ancient lake, and a sense of adventure every time the winding roads of the green hills and valleys revealed something new. In short, my journey suspended the limits of what I imagined the true African adventure to be.
Beaches of Bujumbura and the Ancient Lake.
The journey began in Bujumbura, the former capital of Burundi, a bustling city conveniently located directly on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Forget about the theory of a landlocked country with no beaches; Bujumbura has a vibrant lakeside community. For example, at Saga Beach, you’ll find soft sand, fresh air, and breathtaking sunsets overlooking the 2nd deepest freshwater lake in the world.
It was like an escape when you glide into the water in a small boat or pirogue. You can watch local fishermen toss their nets in the same way that their families have done for centuries, or you can head just north and visit Rusizi National Park. The “safari” is aquatic, whereby you take a sedate boat ride and see the gentle giants of the Nile—hippo half-submerged in water—and from the banks see the Nile crocodile sprawled in the sun, surrounded by a full list of waterbirds, like the dazzling Malachite Kingfisher. It is a much more serene and intimate way, entirely refreshing against traditional African wildlife representation, and the sheer enormity of this ancient body of water is awe-inspiring.
The Kingdom’s Rhythm: Royal Drummers of Gishora.
However, the true spirit of Burundi lies deep in its cultural history, which I experienced too during a trip to the provincial capital of Gitega Gishora Drum Sanctuary. The experience of listening to the historic Royal Drummers of Burundi was the pinnacle experience. This is so much more than a show; it’s a powerful, thunderous ritual.
There is nothing like standing a few feet away from the drummers as they start their coordinated performance, muscles straining, feet kicking higher than the knees. It is all very electrifying. The Karyenda (the sacred drum) is key in this tradition, meant to symbolize the strength of the old Burundian kingdom and its unity. Their fervor and rhythmic energy were absolutely contagious, moving way beyond folkloric music, as it became a gut-wrenching experience of nationalism and history—a cultural experience that completely entranced me.
Tracing the Lifeblood: The Source of the Nile.
No trip to Burundi is complete without taking in its maximum geographical brag: the Source of the Nile. Deep in the southern highlands close to Rutovu, a small stone pyramid marks the southern end of the tributary to the White Nile, the longest river in the world. Standing at the pyramid looking down at the small spring where the Nile in effect begins is a moment of quiet reflection. The surrounding countryside of misty mountains, crisp air, and green tea plantations, especially the beautiful fields of Teza, must be seen. I also hiked the trails around the Karera Waterfalls, an impressive series of cascades located deep in the forest.
These hidden waterfalls are an excellent representation of the raw natural beauty that Burundi has to offer, as you savor the rush of water and forest birds in basically complete solitude. However, this moment of the adventure pieced together history, geography, and simply breathtaking natural vistas to pull full circle from a unique experience of African adventure beyond the typical game drive.
The Welcoming Nature of the People.
Apart from the drumming or the magnificent lake, I believe what I will be left with as a memory of my journey in Burundi is not the drums or the lake, but the very welcoming and hospitable nature of the Burundian people. From the friendly “Muzungu” (foreigner) regards in the villages to friendly and helpful local guides, each experience seemed authentic and sincere.
This is a country only at the beginning of being opened up to the world, which means that every visitor has the opportunity to be a true explorer. My journey through Burundi was clearly not a safari but a deeper exploration, a safari of culture, history, and human connection the likes of which few have experienced. So, for a traveler looking for an authentic, meaningful, and less-traveled African narrative, Burundi is a hidden attraction waiting to be discovered with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
