Arrival and Welcome – Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Bujumbura

Your 4-Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Karera Falls, and City Tour begins with a warm welcome at Bujumbura International Airport. Upon arrival, a professional guide from Envubu Africa Safaris Limited will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to City Hill Hotel, your comfortable mid-range accommodation in Bujumbura. Whether you arrive early in the day or late in the evening, your transfer will be private and tailored to your arrival schedule.

Once at the hotel, you will check in and take time to relax after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner as you are formally introduced to the trip ahead. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing covering the entire 4-Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Karera Falls, and City Tour, including health and safety tips, local customs, and important dos and don’ts. This orientation ensures you are well-prepared and fully immersed in the cultural and logistical framework of the journey.

As the night sets in, take in views of Bujumbura’s cityscape or unwind at the hotel lounge. This first day is all about comfort, cultural acclimatization, and anticipation of the thrilling experiences that lie ahead.

Full-Day Bujumbura City Tour, Rusizi National Park, Livingstone Monument, and Transfer to Moonlight Hotel

After a restful night, Day 2 of the 4-Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Karera Falls, and City Tour kicks off with a hearty breakfast at City Hill Hotel at 7:30 a.m. After freshening up and checking out, your adventure in the vibrant city of Bujumbura begins. Your guide will meet you at 8:30 a.m. to start a comprehensive city tour that blends natural scenery, history, and spiritual landmarks.

The first destination is Rusizi National Park, a unique wildlife haven situated just outside Bujumbura. Here, embark on a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika, where you may witness hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking, and an impressive array of bird species such as cormorants and kingfishers. This park is a birdwatcher’s paradise and offers a serene introduction to Burundi’s rich biodiversity.

Following this natural immersion, proceed to the historic Livingstone Monument, a site that commemorates the meeting of explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. The monument stands as a symbol of Burundi’s role in African exploration history.

After a locally inspired lunch, continue to Burundi’s first Catholic Church, a site that holds deep religious and colonial history. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to the southern region where Bururi Forest National Park awaits. Check in at Moonlight Hotel, where a hot dinner and a peaceful night’s rest prepare you for the next day’s forest adventure.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Bururi Forest, Nile Source, Pyramid Monument, Karera Falls, and Overnight in Gitega

Day 3 of the 4-Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Karera Falls, and City Tour begins with an early start as you leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m. and journey to Bururi Forest National Park, one of Burundi’s last remaining tropical forests. This pristine wilderness is the highlight of the day, offering a rare opportunity to engage in chimpanzee tracking with the guidance of expert park rangers.

The forest is teeming with life—aside from chimpanzees, it is home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and an array of bird species, making it a hotspot for ecotourism. Your chimpanzee trek can last up to three hours, depending on the location and behavior of the troop. This intimate wildlife encounter offers unforgettable moments and is central to the conservation narrative of Burundi.

After the tracking experience, return to the hotel for a late breakfast, then check out and continue the day with visits to two key historical landmarks. First, visit the Source of the Nile, a tranquil and sacred site believed to be one of the farthest sources of the Nile River. Next, explore the Pyramid Monument, an architectural tribute symbolizing the central point of Burundi and its links to African heritage.

In the afternoon, make your way to the captivating Karera Falls, where cascading water over rocky outcrops creates a stunning natural spectacle. From here, proceed to Gitega, the political capital of Burundi. Upon arrival, check in at Isango Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation, capping off a day of natural beauty and historical insight.

Gishora Drum Sanctuary Cultural Experience and Departure

The final day of the 4-Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Karera Falls, and City Tour centers on cultural immersion and meaningful farewell. After breakfast and check-out from Isango Hotel, head to Gishora Drum Sanctuary, one of the most iconic cultural sites in Burundi. This sanctuary preserves the ancient tradition of royal drumming, a sacred ritual once reserved for kings and now recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At Gishora, you will witness a live drum performance, a vibrant celebration of rhythm, dance, and history. Learn about the spiritual and political significance of the drums, how they are made, and the role they continue to play in modern Burundian society. The performers, dressed in traditional regalia, deliver a high-energy display that leaves a lasting impression.

After the drumming experience, you will be transferred back to Bujumbura International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, if you have more time in Burundi, Envubu Africa Safaris Limited can help you organize custom extensions to explore other attractions like Kibira National Park, Ruvubu National Park, or lakeside retreats along Lake Tanganyika.

This concludes your unforgettable 4-Day Chimpanzee Tracking, Karera Falls, and City Tour, a compact yet profound journey through one of Africa’s most underexplored destinations.