Ngorongoro Expedition and Tours

Rusizi National Park

OVERVIEW

National Park is the most popular and sought after Burundi tourist attraction. Rusizi National Park in Burundi is commonly known as Parc National de la Rusizi and is situated in the north-west of Bujumbura. The park is divided into two parts; the larger part lies on the eastern bank of Rusizi River whereas the smaller part forms the delta of Rusizi at the entrance point of Lake Tanganyika.

Tourists will enjoy a lot in this park as they can explore various unique species of flora and fauna and the environment also supports the existence of these unique species. Wildlife species in Rusizi National Park include hippopotamus, antelopes and monkeys along with numerous species of colorful birds.

Various species of trees namely the Acacia albida and Euphorbia candelabrum are found in the northern part of the reserve. Ponds of different sizes are present in the northern section of the region. Various species of unique birds form an integral part of the Rusizi National Park.

Fifty percent of Rusizi National Park comprises of forest followed by artificial landscapes covering (23%), shrub land (18%) and grassland (7%).Thus the Rusizi National Park is the home of numerous wildlife species which make the park a wonderful Burundi tourist destination.

RUSIZI NATIONAL PARK, Burundi — There is a large empty enclosure set up by the edge of the Rusizi River here, one that the Burundian authorities hope will one day lure tourists to this part of central Africa.

It is ringed by a fence topped with barbed wire and has a giant pool inside. If all goes according to plan, it will someday become the home of Gustave, an enormous man-eating crocodile that has for decades haunted the Rusizi and the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, where the river flows.

While shrouded in myth, Gustave is no Loch Ness monster. He lives and breathes and, most of all, devours. But as might be expected with such an oversize beast, some of the tales about him are rather tall.

While the largest Nile crocodiles typically measure something over 20 feet, Gustave supposedly reaches 30 feet; some people who have seen him claim he is 40 feet, teeth to tail. Locals describe how he has devoured fisherman after fisherman, swimmer after swimmer. During one raid, legend has it, he chomped up more than a dozen people and still seemed hungry at the end of it all.
 

Serengeti National Park Serengeti National Park

Best Time To Visit

  • December to March: Calving season is the ideal time to witness the birth of thousands of young animals. It’s also when predators are most active, hunting vulnerable newborns.

  • April to June: The migration begins, as large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other species start moving northward across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands.

  • July to October: Peak migration season, especially notable for the dramatic and dangerous crossings of the Mara River, where many animals fall prey to crocodiles.

  • November: Short rains signal the return of the herds to the Serengeti after months away, revitalizing the landscape and offering another spectacular wildlife display.

HOW TO GET THERE

  • By Road: The Serengeti is accessible by a roughly 7-hour scenic drive from Arusha, allowing travelers to pass through various landscapes, including villages and countryside along the way. It’s a great option for those who enjoy road trips and want to see more of the Tanzanian landscape before arriving at the park.

  • By Air: For a faster, more convenient option, regular flights operate from Arusha to multiple airstrips within the Serengeti. These flights significantly reduce travel time, offering stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

  • Pack Smart: Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for varying temperatures, along with a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Stay Hydrated: Make sure to carry plenty of water, especially during extended game drives to stay refreshed.
  • Respect Wildlife: Always observe animals from a safe distance and avoid interacting with or feeding them.
  • Follow the Rules: Listen carefully to your guide and follow all park regulations for both your safety and the preservation of the environment.

Animals in Serengeti National Park

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffalo

Leopard

Wildebeest

Wild Dog

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Cheetah