Rusizi National Park – Wildlife viewing and birdwatching near the Congo border

Rusizi National Park – Wildlife viewing and birdwatching near the Congo border: Besides attractions like Gishora Drum Sanctuary, Located 15 km northwest of Bujumbura, Rusizi National Park is the most sought-after park in Burundi, well-known for the Rusizi River, which flows into Lake Tanganyika, creating a delta that serves as a home for Nile crocodiles and hippos.

The park is also known as Parc National de la Rusizi and has two sections, which are divided by Bujumbura-Uvira Road. The eastern bank of Rusizi River is where the most part of Rusizi National Park is lies. The wild flora on this 45-kilometer-long and 2-kilometer-wide flood plain is dominated by acacia trees, bushes, and savannah grasses. Periodically, the lowlands of Rusizi River flood, forming large areas of savannah, grasslands, woods, and swamps that all draw species.

Rusizi National Park’s wildlife

The park is divided into two sections: the smaller part forms the Rusizi Delta near the entry to Lake Tanganyika, while the larger portion is located on the eastern bank of the Rusizi River. Visitors will have a great time exploring the park’s many distinctive plants and animal species. Hippos, Sitatungas, Monkeys, Gazelles, and Nile crocodiles which are said to have killed over 300 people are among the natural species that call the park home.

 Approximately 200 bird species call Rusizi Park home, including the Glossy Ibis, Lesser Flamingo, African Skimmer, Red-chested Sunbird, Angola weaver, Sharpe’s Pied Babbler, Glossy Ibis, White-faced Whistling-Duck, and White-winged Tern, are a few of what to expect on a safari to Rusizi National Park. The area also receives migrating bird species, such the red-chested sunbird and the white-winged tern, that frequently visit the park. The banks of the Rusizi River are flooded by a variety of Flamingos.

Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, this park is also home to the Karera Falls, that are believed to be the source of the Nile River. These falls are made up of two platforms and many cascades of different sizes. About 50 meters to the west of this main fall lies another lesser waterfall. The third waterfall, which flows into the valley, is created when waters of these two falls meet on a second landing.

Activities to do in Rusizi National Park, Burundi

Rusizi River in the National Park is the most popular national park in Burundi and also the most visited park and this is due to its abundant wildlife and crocodiles. In addition to being the best spot in Burundi to see wildlife, the park is an ideal place for bird watching both native and migratory or seasonal bird species, game drives, nature walks, hiking to the Karera waterfalls, and many other activities.

Rusizi National Park walking safaris

Rusizi Park is an amazing destination to explore on a walking safari. In addition to your safari guide, an armed ranger guide provides security assistance during walking safaris through the National Park. Walking safaris in Burundi Rusizi National Park offers tourists the opportunity to explore the park in an up close and encounter a variety of plant species along with a number of different species of animal among which include antelopes, several monkey kinds, birds, and much more. The guides will give you all the information on any subject and always respond to any questions that you might have.

Observing birds at Rusizi National Park

Rusizi Park is accommodates over 200 different species of birds, which tourists may spot during a bird-watching experience. Birdwatchers interested in birdwatching use the different trails within the park to walk in search for different bird species. With a good pair of binoculars and a bird guide, tourists can see a variety of colorful bird species, even those that are far away. In addition to seasonal species of birds like the white-winged tern, you may also spot other varieties of birds in the park, such as the ball fetch weaver, red-chested sunbird, and Sharpe’s pied babbler.

Boat safaris in Rusizi National Park,

Rusizi National Park offers boat safaris along Rusizi River. Boat safaris are a great way to see more wildlife along the river banks, such as the Nile crocodiles and schools of hippos. Along with other park wildlife, aquatic birds may be spotted along the shores as they come to hunt what to feed on

sport fishing in Rusizi National Park,

While on a spot fishing safari to Rusizi, travelers may choose to let go of their catch, have it cooked for them, or roast it after the activity on the Rusizi River. To engage in sport fishing in this great park, one must have a permit. To participate in the activity while in the park, make sure your tour operator reserves a permit for you.

The ideal time to visit the park is:

Although the park is open all year-round, the best time to go on a safari is during the dry season. This runs from June to September and it is characterized by little or no rainfall and regarded as the peak season. Whereas budget travelers can still visit the park during the low season characterized by rainfall when most of the accommodation facilities reduce on the prices on lodges. Because the nation is located in tropical Central Africa, the rainy season lasts for the remainder of the year.

Access to Rusizi National Park: Rusizi National Park lies a few kilometers from the DR Congo border, 15 kilometers northwest of Bujumbura. The park is divided into two sections by Bujumbura-Uvira highway. There are several ways to get to this great park, isuch as use of ground transport by car and air transport by flights from Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Bukavu, or from Burundi International Airport in the country’s capital, Bujumbura.

Where to stay in Rusizi National Park:

After making a reservation with a reliable local safari company such as Africa Adventure Vacations, you’ll find a variety of safari lodges, hotels, and other lodging options booked for you in Burundi where you will spend your nights on your safari to Burundi. Among other accommodation options include:

Urban Lodge: 13 miles from Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve in Bujumbura, this lodging option has a balcony, free private parking, a restaurant, and a garden.

Situated in Bujumbura, close to the golf course (11.1 kilometers from Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve), the Roca Golf Hotel has a restaurant, spa amenities and an outdoor pool. The trip to Bujumbura International Airport takes ten minutes.

The Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika is situated in a large park that leads to a fantastic beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Bujumbura, 6.3 kilometers from Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve.