Things to Do in Burundi – from Bujumbura Airport and Beyond

Best Things to Do in Burundi

Land at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport and step straight into real Burundi: Lake Tanganyika sunsets, Rusizi National Park boat tours, royal drums at Gishora, Karera Waterfalls and peaceful highland villages – all with trusted local guides.

πŸ™ Bujumbura city & local life 🌊 Lake Tanganyika sunsets & boat rides πŸ₯ Gishora royal drums & culture 🌿 Karera Waterfalls & Source of the Nile πŸ¦› Rusizi National Park wildlife

Top Things to Do Around Bujumbura

If you’re staying in Bujumbura for a few days or just have one free day before or after your flight, these experiences are easy to reach from the airport or your hotel. Our team at M Travel and Tours Burundi can include hotel and airport transfers in every tour.

City & Culture

Bujumbura City & Local Markets

Half-day or full-day β€’ Flexible departure

Explore the heart of Bujumbura with a local guide. Visit key monuments, panoramic viewpoints, local markets and everyday neighborhoods where people live, work and relax.

  • Hotel or airport pickup in Bujumbura
  • City landmarks, viewpoints and local markets
  • Optional coffee stop or local restaurant
Ask for a Bujumbura city tour β†’
Lake & Sunset

Lake Tanganyika Sunset Experience

Late afternoon & evening β€’ Relaxed

After your flight or meetings, unwind on the shores of one of the world’s deepest lakes. Enjoy a peaceful sunset, fresh air and the gentle sound of the waves along Lake Tanganyika.

  • Hotel or airport pickup in Bujumbura
  • Time to walk along the lake or relax at a beach bar
  • Optional sunset boat ride with views of hippos and crocodiles
Add a lake sunset to your transfer β†’
Wildlife

Rusizi National Park Boat Tour

Half-day β€’ Morning or afternoon

Just outside Bujumbura, Rusizi National Park offers calm river channels where hippos, crocodiles and many bird species live. A great first taste of East African wildlife.

  • Private transfer from Bujumbura to the park
  • Guided boat ride with local ranger
  • Easy to combine with airport pickup or drop-off
Plan a Rusizi National Park visit β†’

Best Day Trips from Bujumbura

With one full day available, you can leave the city and discover hills, forests, waterfalls and historic sites. These day trips are ideal for NGO staff, business travelers and holiday guests who want to see more of Burundi without changing hotels.

Culture

Gishora Royal Drum Sanctuary

Full day β€’ Culture & history

Visit the most famous royal drum site in Burundi, located near Gitega. Watch a live drum performance, hear stories of the old kingdom and enjoy panoramic views from the hill.

  • Morning departure from Bujumbura
  • Guided visit and drum performance at Gishora
  • Optional stop in Gitega, the historic capital
Request a Gishora day trip β†’
Waterfalls & Landmark

Karera Waterfalls & Source of the Nile

Full day β€’ Nature & scenery

Spend a full day in the green hills of Burundi. Walk to the cascades of Karera Waterfalls, enjoy the fresh air, then visit one of the sources of the Nile River marked by a monument.

  • Round-trip transport from Bujumbura or Gitega
  • Guided visit to multiple waterfall viewpoints
  • Stop at the Source of the Nile monument and gardens
Add Karera to your Burundi stay β†’
Forest & Views

Kibira National Park & Tea Plantations

Full day β€’ Forest & viewpoints

Travel into the misty highlands of Kibira National Park, where rainforest, birds and tea fields create peaceful scenery. A good option for travelers who love nature walks.

  • Drive through tea plantations and forested hills
  • Short walks and photo stops along the way
  • Can be combined with Gitega or Gishora on a longer trip
Ask about Kibira & tea experiences β†’

Multi-Day Burundi Experiences

If you have 2–4 days or more, we can design a complete itinerary that starts with your airport pickup and ends with your departure – including hotels, local guides and all ground transport.

2–3 Days

Culture, Waterfalls & Lake Tanganyika

Ideal first short itinerary

Combine key highlights for a short but powerful introduction to Burundi: Bujumbura city, Lake Tanganyika, Gishora Drums and the Karera area.

  • Day 1: Arrival, Bujumbura city & sunset at Lake Tanganyika
  • Day 2: Gishora Drum Sanctuary & highlands around Gitega
  • Optional Day 3: Karera Waterfalls & Source of the Nile
See our suggested 2–3 day tours β†’
4+ Days

Deep Burundi: Villages, Nature & Local Life

For travelers who want to connect

Spend more time in villages, talk with local people, visit cultural communities and enjoy quiet evenings in the hills – with full support from our team.

  • Airport pickup and customized first-night plan
  • Combination of culture, nature and village visits
  • Flexible ending: back to Bujumbura or onward to Rwanda/Tanzania
Start planning a deeper Burundi itinerary β†’
M Travel and Tours Burundi can connect your airport pickup with any of these experiences – in one simple booking.
Licensed & insured local operator Airport meet & greet included Card & cash payments available English & French-speaking team

How to Combine Your Airport Transfer with Things to Do in Burundi

Many travelers arrive in Bujumbura for work, NGO missions or conferences and want to see at least a little bit of Burundi while they are here. With BurundiAirport.com and M Travel and Tours Burundi, your airport transfer can easily become part of a real experience.

1. Tell Us Your Flight Details & Free Time

When you send your airport transfer request, simply add a note about your free days or free afternoons. Our team will suggest realistic options based on your arrival and departure times.

2. Choose the Experiences That Match Your Schedule

For short stays, we recommend Bujumbura city, Lake Tanganyika sunset and Rusizi National Park. If you have one full day, Gishora Drums or Karera Waterfalls are excellent choices. With more time, we can build a 2–4 day itinerary for you.

3. One Local Team Handles Everything

The same trusted team that manages your airport pickup also organizes your tours, vehicles and drivers. You don’t have to coordinate with many different people – you communicate with one local operator who knows where you are and what you need.

Whether you are here for three hours, three days or longer, we are ready to make your time in Burundi safe, smooth and meaningful.