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Burundi8 daysMax 12Solo-friendly

Burundi – The Heart of Africa

From Lake Tanganyika's hippo-rich wetlands to royal drummers on a ceremonial field, Burundi reveals a country few travellers have ever seen.

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As Featured In

The TelegraphCulture TripThe TimesLonely PlanetThe GuardianIndependentNational GeographicThe TelegraphCulture TripThe TimesLonely PlanetThe GuardianIndependentNational Geographic
About this journey

The story behind the route

A small Central African state, bordered by Congo DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania, Burundi has in the past been overshadowed by tumultuous and tragic events beyond its frontiers. However, as an antidote to the safari-chic fantasy of upmarket east African game lodges Burundi is a refreshing reminder that the real wealth of the continent lies in its people, their culture, their resourcefulness and their energy. This is Africa.

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The journey

Burundi – The Heart of Africa

Key moments

The moments that define this trip

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route
Route map for Burundi – The Heart of Africa
  1. Rusizi National Park Boat Safari

    A boat trip along the Rusizi River and into Lake Tanganyika passes through wetland habitat ideal for hippos, water-adapted Sitatunga antelope, and diverse bird species. The route also takes in the channels and islands of the Rusizi delta before calling at nearby fishing villages.

  2. Teza Tea Plantations & Kibira Nature Walk

    The drive to Teza brings the chance to observe tea plantations and learn about one of Burundi's main export products at close range. The day continues with a nature walk around Kibira National Park before the return journey to Bujumbura.

  3. Livingstone & Stanley Monument

    A stone monument at Ijenda marks the spot where explorer Dr. David Livingstone allegedly met journalist Henry Morton Stanley on 25 November 1871. The stop at Rumonge follows, where palm oil production — increasingly a subject of controversy — can be explored firsthand.

  4. Southernmost Source of the Nile & Karera Waterfalls

    The tour visits the southernmost source of the Nile near Rutovu in Rutana, a site only discovered in 1937. The day also takes in the Gorge of the Germans at Nyakazu and the Chutes de la Karera, an impressive series of waterfalls whose healing powers are celebrated by local communities.

  5. Gitega National Museum & Gishora Royal Drummers

    Gitega, Burundi's official capital since 2019, is home to the National Museum, which holds the country's largest historical and ethnographic collection. The highlight of the day is a performance by the world-famous Gitega Drummers on the royal field of Gishora.

  6. Intore Warrior Dancers

    The evening in Kirundo features a performance by Intore Warrior Dancers, who during royal times defended the King and paraded in dance following victorious returns. Dancers perform in leopard skins, elaborate headdresses, ankle bells, and ivory necklaces

Key moments for Burundi – The Heart of Africa

Full itinerary · 8 days

Prefer a PDF? Get the printable dossier
Dates & prices

Pick your departure

Reserve your place with a 10% deposit. Final balance due 70 days before departure. Single-room supplements optional — most travellers happily share.

  • Departure
    6 Jan 202713 Jan 2027
    Guaranteed
    From
    £2,345 pp
    Single supp. +£320
    Book now
  • Departure
    7 Jul 202714 Jul 2027
    Guaranteed
    From
    £2,345 pp
    Single supp. +£320
    Book now
  • Departure
    5 Jul 202812 Jul 2028
    Guaranteed
    From
    £2,345 pp
    Single supp. +£320
    Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Burundi journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip
What's included

Everything covered — and what's not

Included in the price

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Overland transport throughout with professional driver
  • All accommodation
  • Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
  • Meals as listed
  • Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Budget separately for

  • International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
  • Any airport taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa – when required
  • Drinks
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips (Discretionary)
Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We constantly monitor travel advice issued by the FCDO and will always inform clients of any relevant warnings before departure. Travellers should check the latest guidance for Burundi before booking and again prior to travel, as advice can change at short notice. We operate only in areas we consider suitable for small-group travel and will contact you promptly if any changes affect your trip.

This information primarily applies to British nationals — travellers from other countries should consult their own government travel authority. For official updates, see FCDO Travel Advice – Burundi.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Burundi – The Heart of Africa. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.

Four sites in Burundi — good mix of nature & culture. Finds out-of-the-way places that other tour operators ignore.

Ken

Burundi

An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!

Anna

This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!

Grete

My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Frank

Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.

Cathy

Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.

Lynn

We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.

Andy

We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.

Jennie

Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.

Debbie

Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.

Alexis

Four sites in Burundi — good mix of nature & culture. Finds out-of-the-way places that other tour operators ignore.

Ken

Burundi

An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!

Anna

This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!

Grete

My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.

Frank

Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.

Cathy

Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.

Lynn

We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.

Andy

We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.

Jennie

Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.

Debbie

Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.

Alexis

Want to customise this tour?

Make Burundi – The Heart of Africa your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

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Start planning your Burundi adventure

Join a small-group departure, or let our Burundi specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.

Common questions

Things travellers usually ask

  • How many travellers will be in my group?

    Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

  • Can I travel solo?

    Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

  • How fit do I need to be?

    Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

  • When are the next departures?

    The next available departures are 6 January 2027; 7 July 2027; 5 July 2028. See the "Pick your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

  • What's included in the tour price?

    Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; All accommodation; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

  • Where exactly does this trip go?

    This tour visits Burundi. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

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