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

Big Five Safari Adventure in Akagera National Park

Nestled in the eastern part of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is one of Africa’s most scenic and biodiverse parks—an extraordinary destination for wildlife lovers seeking a classic safari experience in the heart of East Africa. At Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, we offer immersive, guided safari experiences through Akagera, where you can explore the park’s untamed beauty and remarkable Big Five encounters.

Why Choose Akagera National Park?

Unlike the volcanic highlands of northern Rwanda, Akagera is a lush savannah park characterized by vast plains, rolling hills, and shimmering lakes. It’s Rwanda’s only Big Five park, home to lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and over 500 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork.

Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, Akagera offers an intimate, uncrowded experience—ideal for photography, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the raw beauty of Africa.

What to Expect on Your Safari
When you book with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, your Akagera safari is more than just a game drive. We offer:

  • Full-Day Game Drives with expert guides who know the park’s hidden wildlife hotspots.
  • Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema, perfect for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds at sunset.
  • Luxury and Mid-Range Lodging, including stays at Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Akagera Game Lodge.
  • Customizable Itineraries that can be combined with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park for a complete Rwandan adventure.

Why Safari 2 Gorilla Tours?

We’re more than just a tour company—we’re passionate storytellers and conservation advocates. With years of experience in Rwandan safaris and a strong focus on sustainable tourism, Safari 2 Gorilla Tours ensures every journey is authentic, responsible, and unforgettable.

Sample Itinerary: 2-Day Akagera Safari

Day 1:

Depart Kigali for Akagera, enjoy an afternoon game drive, check in to your lodge by the lakeside.

Day 2:

Early morning game drive to catch predators on the hunt, followed by a boat cruise. Return to Kigali in the evening.

Ready for Your Rwandan Safari?

If you’re looking to add a Big Five safari to your gorilla trekking adventure, Akagera National Park is the perfect complement. Let Safari 2 Gorilla Tours be your guide to the wild wonders of Rwanda.

Contact us here today to start planning your unforgettable Akagera safari experience!