Burundi and Uganda Tour

Day 1-3: Bujumbura, Burundi

Bujumbura City Tour

• Lake Tanganyika: Start your tour in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake. You can relax on Saga Beach and enjoy the lake’s pristine waters.
• Livingstone-Stanley Monument: Visit this historical site where famous explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley met.
• Rusizi National Park: A great spot to see hippos and other wildlife near the shores of Lake Tanganyika. You can take a boat tour on the Rusizi River and spot different bird species.
• La Pierre de Livingstone et Stanley: Visit this famous rock where the two explorers are said to have met.

Cultural Experiences

• Musee Vivant: Explore this small museum to learn more about Burundi’s wildlife and traditional ways of life.
• Bujumbura Market: A bustling market where you can buy local crafts, clothes, and fresh produce while interacting with the locals.

Day 4-5: Gitega and Central Burundi

Gitega, the Cultural Heart of Burundi

• National Museum of Gitega: Visit this museum to understand Burundi’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The museum showcases traditional art, musical instruments, and artifacts.
• Drumming Experience: Witness a performance by the Royal Drummers of Burundi, an ancient cultural tradition. This drumming troupe performs vibrant and energetic drum routines, a must-see in Burundi.

Karera Waterfalls

• Located near Rutana, these waterfalls are one of Burundi’s hidden gems. The beautiful multi-level cascades offer an excellent spot for nature lovers and hikers.

Day 6: Crossing into Uganda (Kisoro)

• Travel from Burundi into Uganda, entering via the south-western border near Kisoro, a picturesque town at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.
• Lake Mutanda: On the way, you can visit this stunning lake near Kisoro, surrounded by dramatic mountain views and perfect for a tranquil boat ride.

Day 7-9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

• Uganda is famous for its Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the most incredible wildlife experiences in the world. Spend a day trekking through the forest with professional guides to get up close with the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Bird Watching: Bwindi is also home to over 350 bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
• Batwa Cultural Experience: Learn about the Batwa pygmy people, who were the original inhabitants of the Bwindi forest. You can join a guided cultural tour where the Batwa demonstrate traditional hunting and survival techniques.

Day 10-12: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Game Drives and Wildlife Safari

• Game Drives: Queen Elizabeth National Park offers some of Uganda’s best wildlife-viewing opportunities. You can spot elephants, lions, buffalos, and hippos. The Kasenyi Plains are ideal for game drives, especially for viewing predators.
• Kazinga Channel Boat Safari: Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is famous for its large population of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
• Tree-Climbing Lions: Visit the Ishasha Sector in the southern part of the park to see the famous tree-climbing lions, a rare sight in Africa.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: Head to Kyambura Gorge to track chimpanzees. This scenic forested gorge is known as the “Valley of Apes.”

Day 13-14: Kibale National Park, Uganda

Chimpanzee Tracking

• Kibale National Park is one of the best places in Uganda for chimpanzee tracking. Spend a day trekking through the forest to find these lively and intelligent primates.
• Bigodi Wetlands: After your chimpanzee experience, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is known for its birdlife and primates. This eco-tourism project is run by the local community.

Day 15-16: Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls Experience

• Murchison Falls: This is Uganda’s largest national park, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge to create the powerful Murchison Falls. Take a boat ride to the base of the falls for a close-up view of this natural spectacle.
• Game Drives: The park is home to large populations of lions, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes. You can also spot the rare shoebill stork.
• Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: On your way to Murchison Falls, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. This sanctuary is part of the effort to reintroduce rhinos into Uganda’s national parks.

Day 17-18: Jinja, Uganda (Source of the Nile)

Adventure Activities on the Nile

• White Water Rafting: Jinja is the adventure capital of Uganda and offers world-class white water rafting on the Nile River, with Grade 4 and 5 rapids.
• Bungee Jumping: For adrenaline seekers, Jinja also offers bungee jumping over the Nile.
• Boat Cruise: Take a relaxing boat cruise to the source of the Nile, where the river begins its journey towards Egypt.

Community Projects

• Visit local community initiatives in Jinja where tourism helps support education, healthcare, and environmental projects.

Day 19-20: Kampala and Departure

Kampala City Tour

• End your trip in Uganda’s vibrant capital, Kampala. Take a city tour to visit key attractions such as:
  • Kasubi Tombs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Buganda kings are buried.
  • Uganda National Museum: A great place to learn about Uganda’s history and culture.
  • Craft Markets: Stop at Buganda Road Craft Village to buy souvenirs and local crafts.
• Ndere Cultural Centre: Experience traditional Ugandan music, dance, and storytelling at one of the best cultural centers in Uganda.

Practical Information:

1. Best Time to Visit:
   • Both Uganda and Burundi are best visited during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. This is especially important for activities like gorilla trekking, as trails are less muddy.
2. Visa Requirements:
   • Uganda: Many travelers can apply for an eVisa or get an East African Tourist Visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with one visa.
   • Burundi: You’ll need to check if your nationality requires a visa, which can often be obtained on arrival or through a consulate.
3. Health and Safety:
   • Ensure that you have all required vaccinations (yellow fever is often mandatory) and take anti-malarial medication. It’s also advised to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.
4. Transportation:
   • Road travel is the primary way to get around, and you’ll likely need a 4×4 vehicle for rural areas and national parks. Uganda has good roads, but some areas in Burundi can be more challenging.
5. Local Currency:
   • Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), and Burundi uses the Burundian Franc (BIF). It’s advisable to carry some cash as ATMs might not be available in rural areas.

This Burundi and Uganda tour offers a well-rounded experience of East Africa, from cultural and historical sites to incredible wildlife adventures and scenic landscapes. You’ll get the best of both worlds—immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures and enjoying some of Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions.