CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Explore Rusizi National Park & Bujumbura City Tour

Discover the Wild Heart of Burundi: Rusizi National Park Safari & Bujumbura City Tour

If you’re looking to experience East Africa off the beaten path, Rusizi National Park in Burundi is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Nestled just outside Bujumbura, along the banks of the meandering Rusizi River, this compact but ecologically rich park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. With Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, you can enjoy a seamless and immersive journey into one of Burundi’s best-kept secrets—and extend your adventure with a vibrant Bujumbura city tour.

Why Visit Rusizi National Park?

Rusizi National Park offers a peaceful, uncrowded safari experience unlike any other in East Africa. It’s home to a unique combination of wetlands, savannahs, and riverine forests, which support a variety of animal species.

Highlights of the Rusizi Safari:

  • Hippos and Nile Crocodiles: Cruise along the Rusizi River and observe pods of hippos lazing in the water and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks.
  • Rare Birds: The park is a paradise for bird lovers, hosting over 200 species including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and the elusive shoebill stork.
  • Sitatunga Antelope: This shy, semi-aquatic antelope is a rare find and a key attraction of the park.
  • Guided Game Drives & Boat Safaris: Enjoy guided experiences that let you appreciate the park’s biodiversity up close.

The park’s proximity to Bujumbura makes it ideal for a half-day or full-day safari, especially for travelers looking to combine nature with culture.

Extend Your Experience: Bujumbura City Tour

No visit to Burundi is complete without exploring Bujumbura, the country’s cultural and historical capital. Safari 2 Gorilla Tours offers an expertly guided Bujumbura city extension that perfectly complements your Rusizi safari.

Top Attractions in Bujumbura:

  • Livingstone-Stanley Monument: Visit the iconic site where the famous explorers are believed to have met in 1871.
  • Lake Tanganyika Beach: Relax by one of the world’s longest and deepest freshwater lakes—perfect for a sunset drink.
  • Central Market & Crafts Village: Experience the local hustle, shop for handmade crafts, and taste authentic Burundian street food.
  • Musee Vivant (Living Museum): A cultural and natural history museum offering insights into Burundian traditions, music, and native species.

Plan Your Trip with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours
At Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, we tailor every trip to offer both comfort and adventure. Our Rusizi and Bujumbura package includes:

  • Airport transfers
  • Park entry and guide fees
  • Custom safari vehicles and experienced local guides
  • Optional add-ons to explore more of Burundi or connect to regional gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda or Uganda

Get in touch today to book your Burundi safari experience, and discover a side of Africa few travelers have seen—wild, warm, and wonderfully authentic.

CategoriesTravel Tips By Mugisha Aron

Karuma Wildlife Reserve | The Gateway to Murchison Falls NP

Tucked away in northern Uganda, Karuma Wildlife Reserve is one of the country’s hidden safari gems. Located just off the Kampala–Gulu highway near the iconic Karuma Bridge, this protected area forms part of the larger Murchison Falls Conservation Area, offering a quieter but captivating wildlife experience before diving into the dramatic landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park.

Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife photographer, or adventurous traveler, Karuma makes the perfect starting point for a truly wild Ugandan journey.

Why Visit Karuma Wildlife Reserve?

Karuma Wildlife Reserve boasts open savannahs, riverine forests, and rolling hills dotted with wildlife. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari with fewer crowds and unspoiled nature.

Highlights of Karuma Wildlife Reserve:

  • Scenic Game Drives: Spot elephants, antelopes, baboons, and buffaloes roaming freely in their natural habitat.
  • Birdwatching Paradise: Look out for species like the grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, and kingfishers.
  • Karuma Falls: Witness the powerful rapids of the Nile crashing over rocks – a mesmerizing sight for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Extend Your Adventure: Murchison Falls National Park

Just a short drive from Karuma lies Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic national park. Named after the thunderous Murchison Falls where the Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter-wide gorge, this park offers unmatched diversity in both scenery and activities.

Top Things to Do in Murchison Falls National Park

  1. Game Drives
    • Explore the northern plains for sightings of lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards, hyenas, and antelopes.
    • Best done early morning or late afternoon.
  2. Boat Safari on the Nile
    • Cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and countless bird species.
  3. Hike to the Top of the Falls
    • A thrilling trek offering panoramic views and up-close encounters with the roaring falls.
  4. Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest
    • Walk through a tropical rainforest to observe wild chimpanzees and other primates in their natural setting.
  5. Bird Watching
    • Over 450 species, including the rare shoebill stork, saddle-billed stork, and goliath heron.
    • Birding hotspots include the delta area, riverbanks, and forest trails.
  6. Sport Fishing
    • Try your hand at catching giant Nile perch (some over 100 kg) and catfish in the Nile River. Catch-and-release policy applies.
  7. Nature Walks
    • Guided treks through Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests offer encounters with monkeys, butterflies, and medicinal plants.
  8. Cultural Visits
    • Interact with nearby local communities and enjoy traditional Acholi and Alur music, dance, and storytelling.

Travel Tips for Karuma & Murchison Falls

  • Best Time to Visit: December–February and June–September (dry seasons)
  • Getting There: 5–6 hour drive from Kampala; charter flights also available to Pakuba Airstrip.
  • Accommodation: From budget safari tents to luxury lodges inside the park and nearby.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Karuma Wildlife Reserve, followed by a journey into Murchison Falls National Park, offers the ultimate Ugandan safari experience. From thundering waterfalls and roaring wildlife to peaceful riverside cruises and chimpanzee encounters, this is East Africa at its wildest and most beautiful.

Ready to experience Uganda’s natural wonders firsthand?

Click here to book your Karuma and Murchison Falls safari today and step into a world of adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable memories!