Rusizi National Park

Rusizi National Park, Burundi Geographically located in the Central African region, Rusizi is a national park is in the Republic of Burundi positioned next to the River of Rusizi. The park is about 15 kilometers north of the city of Bujumbura the capital of Burundi and it stands as the most famous and most visited national park in the country. In French, the official language of Burundi, the park is referred to as the Parc National de la Rusizi.

Rusizi national park is sectioned into two significant areas which are separated by the Bujumbura – Uvira road. Of these parts, the larger part lies on the eastern bank of Rusizi River. It is 2 kilometers wide and 45 kilometers long comprising of the acacia trees, grasslands and the shrubs which are dominating the wild vegetation.

Another section of the park is the delta of River Rusizi draining into Lake Tanganyika and this section is situated south of the highway. The river delta is characterized of the small islands, channels, water streams and the papyrus beds.

Wildlife of the park

Stretching over an area of approximately 90 square kilometers, Rusizi is a home to a number of wildlife species including birds, mammals, reptiles, and a breathtaking vegetation cover.

Animal species

Rusizi National park is known for protecting the highest population of hippos and Nile crocodiles that encompass on the shores of river delta. The park also hosts other animals like antelopes, sitatungas, monkeys and many others.

Bird species

Named after River Rusizi, Rusizi national park attracts over 200 species of birds that resident around the river shores and in the rainforests of the park. These bid species can be sighted during different park experiences like nature walks and boat launch. Among the birds to spot in the park include; the Sharpe’s pied babbler, red chested sunbird, cisticola, Angola weaver, the yellow browed cistril, Baglafecht weaver and many others. Also, the park is a home to some of the migrant birds including; the African skimmer, white winged tern and others.

Safari activities in the park

For an excellent encounter of the park attractions, one has to take part in different park activities like boat trips, bird watching, nature walks, and many others as explained below;

Game drives

Explore the best of Rusizi national park during an adventurous game drive experience which takes you through different parts and sections of the part as you spot a number of species like animals, vegetation cover, and some birds. Among these include; a number of hippos that live along the shores of River Delta, antelopes, monkeys, sitatungas and many others.

Bird watching

Fancy your eyes with beautiful and colorful bird species during a bird watching activity in Rusizi national park. The park protects more than 200 bird species including the migratory birds and the resident. Among the birds sighted in the park include; the red chested sunbirds, yellow browed cistril, red chested sunbird, Angola weaver, Baglafecht weaver, African skimmers, the white winged tern and many others. These species can be seen during park experiences like nature walks and game drives.

Boat cruise

Have a relaxed and stress-free moment on the safe and calm waters of River Rusizi during a boat trip experience. The activity provides you with a great opportunity of viewing various bird species and animals like hippos along the river shores at a closer distance.

Fishing

Enjoy the fishing experience on the River of Rusizi and Lake Tanganyika. After catching the fish, you can book one of the chefs at the park to help you with the cooking or even be provided with fire and others stuffs used in preparations.

Nature walks

Explore the national park of Rusizi on foot and sight different features like hills, lakes, rivers, and valleys that are in the park premises. During the walk, expect to spot various wildlife like animals, plants and also bird species.

Best time to visit the park

Rusizi national park can be visited all year around but the best time is during the dry months of June to September and it is the best time for safari walks in the park. This is because the park trails and plains are always dry during this season thus making the movement of the travelers easy.