The geographical positioning of Burundi in the heart of Africa with its wonderful landscapes and lush vegetation is making the country a popular holiday paradise.
Burundi is sometimes called "The Switzerland of Africa". The soft and temperate climate in Burundi; as well as the variety of its geographical landscapes adds to the popularity of Burundi as a relaxing holiday destination.

The capital of Burundi, Bujumbura

The foundation of Bujumbura is dated back in 1876. Initially, Bujumbura was only a port on the shore of the Lake Tanganika and soon developed into an important African business city, which then became the Capital. Bujumbura is located on the shores of Lake Tanganika which is geographically the western border of Burundi.

The activities in Bujumbura are based around Lake Tanganika but for the guests who are not fond of water Bujumbura offers a plethora of sports such as golf, tennis, volley-ball, horse riding, bowling and even a flying-club. In addition to sports activities, Bujumbura is home to some excellent international restaurants. Bujumbura also has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment. Here you can dine along the shores of Lake Tanganyika perhaps savouring a delicious local fish called the “Sangala,” and then spend the evening in a night club, relaxing in a friendly atmosphere.

Tourist Attractions for Travel in Burundi
Lake Tanganyika

Burundi’s Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in the world, after Lake Baikal in the former USSR. This famous African lake is full of fish and good for water sports.

 
All year round, the Lake Tanganyika remains attractive for all kind of fantastic activities and water sports: skiing water, sailing, fishing and many other activities which usually imply strolls along the lake. Aside from the private swimming pools in some hotels there are many beautiful places along the Burundian lake shore which are convenient for swimming, especially the public beach of KAJAGA, near the Hotel "Club du Lac Tanganyika."

Travel in Burundi’s Beautiful Landscapes
From the top to the mountains which constitute the peak Congo Nile, you have a beautiful view of the central plains and Gitega which is the second largest town of Burundi. The city of Gitega is a peaceful place with peculiar beauty and exquisite charm. The route Bujumbura-Gitega goes via Muramvya (50 km from Bujumbura) through wonderful green landscapes. At 12 kilometers from Gitega, the road reaches Giheta, an artistic centre for different African works in leather, ceramic, ivory, wood-carvings…. This is the opportunity to memorize the trip in the area by purchasing some artistic works at the centre.

Fauna and Flora of Burundi
The geographical structure of Burundi and the micro-climates within the country involve a diversity of vegetation. Thus, from the savannah to the steppers, through mountain forest, Burundi is a delightful blooming African country. The fauna is quite rich and comprises different type of animals including antelopes, hares & buffalos. There are crocodiles and hippopotamus in Lake Tanganyika where they can sometimes be seen form the lake shore. Beauty, variety and scientific value of Lake Tanganyika, Ruvubu and Kibira are excellent places to just kick back, relax and absorb the African way of life and cultures of Burundi.

Burundi’s Forests and National Parks

• National park of Rusizi
• Forests of Congo-Nile Ridge (Kibira)
• Forests of Kigwena-Rumonge
• National park of Ruvubu
• Forest of Nyakazu and Mwishanga
• National Park of Kibira

Scenic Travel Locations in Burundi

200 kilometres from Bujumbura, in the North-East of Burundi, is a region of extensive depressions dotted with many lakes and abounding in bird life. It is an area of great scenic beauty where the visitor may discover, by canoe, such lakes as Cohoha, the bird Lake. The bird lake is renowned for its ornithological reserve. Other lakes in this scenic location of Burundi include, Kacamirinda and Kanzigiri.

For more information about African countries, travel in Africa or visiting Burundi, contact us at Africa Travel Guide.

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