Rusizi National Park is located 15km the north-west of Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi and a few kilometers to the border with DR Congo. The road is in good condition and after visiting the reserve, visitors often reach out to the DR Congo border.
The focal point of the lush reserve is the Rusizi River that supports a water-based ecosystem dominated by flat floodplains, reed-lined waterways and riverfront vegetation. The river meanders its way from Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika, where the sandy Rusizi river waters eventually meet the deep blue waters of Lake Tanganyika.
The major tourism attraction here is the boat ride, which offers you a great wildlife and bird life experience. The reserve is rich is bird life as the major attraction.
The reserve is best explored on a boat trip that explores the course of the river. Rusizi is a major birding destination, where waders and fishing eagles are often spotted. Bloats of hippo and basks of crocodiles litter the shallows of the water, providing endless entertainment for onlookers. Visitors are encouraged to look out for the famous legend of Rusizi, “Gustave”, a mammoth man-eating sized crocodile!
The two hours boat ride, is fun and reward, as you get to reach to the shores and starting point of Lake Tanganyika, watch fishermen go by their day activities.
Marabou stork, cisticola, Sharpe’s pied babbler, red-chested sunbirds African skimmers, and a few migratory species are just a few of the birds to spot on safari. In total, there are over 225 species of birds in the area. Even the rare flamingos are occasionally spotted at the reserve.
Commonly spotted wildlife includes hippo, crocodiles, sitatungas, and monkeys. There is also abundant antelope in the area (wildebeest), which can be spotted on islands, fertile lands and drier grasslands.
Where to stay at Rusize National Park.
Since the park is close to Bujumbura city, majority of visitors, have an overnight in Bujumbura and transfer over in the morning or during day to visit the park, for a wonderful boat ride and nature walk, for those who love bird watching.
You can combine your visit to Rusize National Park, with our Rwanda tour, in a combined East Africa tours.
Rusize National Park, can as well be combined with a day excursion in Bujumbura as the park is just roughly a few minutes’ drive from Bujumbura city.
Speak to our safari specialist at One More Adventure Safaris and have your Burundi safari tailored in align with your taste and budget to Rusizi National Park.
Once you start a trip planned by One More Adventure Safaris, you fall into the One More Adventure rhythm. No request is too small, neither complicated, we curate the entire trip with you, from start until when you meet your interest and budget at hand. Our rapport with the local guides and continuous assessment of your interests and needs demonstrated the diamond standard of all safari specialists. We are also available outside working hours when a couple of things needs to get done.