Ruvubu National Park Burundi

Located in north-eastern Burundi, the park stretches over 4 administrative provinces of Cankuzo, Karuzi, Muyinga, and Ruyigi and covers an area of 50,900 ha. The altitude varies between 1,350 m and 1,836 m and the rainfall varies from 1,100 m to 1,200 mm per annum.

This park extends south-westwards from the border with Tanzania along a 65 km stretch of the Valley of Ruvubu River from which it takes its name. The south-west boundary of the park lies some 20 km to the east of the town of Gitega. The Ruvubu river valley comprises a series of flanked by swamp vegetation, gallery forest, and, further inland, savannah woodland.

Wildlife in the Ruvubu National Park comprises 44 species of mammals including hippopotamus, buffalo, leopard, monkeys, antelope, and lion. The park has reptiles such as the Nile crocodile, and more than 9 species of snakes

Ruvubu National Park has more than 425 species of birds thrive in this park making it all the more attractive; there are several species of aquatic birds with a species like Gonolek. There are forest birds, including mountain species, like trogons

Size of Ruvubu National Park

Ruvubu National Park is a national park in Burundi covering 508 km² that was established in 1980. Its borders fall within the provinces of Karuzi, Muyinga, Cankuzo, and Ruyigi. The Ruvubu National Park gets its name from the Ruvubu River which runs through the length of the park.

Location of Ruvubu National Park

Ruvubu National Park is located in the northeastern part of Burundi on the banks of river Ruvubu.  The park also extends south towards the border to Tanzania it is easily accessed from Bujumbura city which is only 26km away in the town of Gitega. Gitega is the second-largest city in Burundi

How to get to Ruvubu National Park

The Ruvubu National Park of Burundi is easily accessible by road as it lies about 216 km away from Bujumbura and the park itself has about 50 kilometers of tracks. Recently camping facilities for the visitors have been added making it more attractive to adventure lovers.

Things to do in Ruvubu National Park

Being Burundi’s main national park, the park offers several activities some of which include wildlife viewing and birding safaris.

Game drives

With about 50km of game tracks inside the park, guided game drives can be done by travelers while in the park. Guided game drives have travelers spotting a number of wildlife roaming the park as they go about their activities like the cape elephants, various bird species, as well as plants.

Walking Safaris

Walking on foot to encounter the savannah grasslands with their inhabitants including buffaloes and other wild animals, birds and different plant species is an exceptional way to discover and experience the best out of African safari.

Bird watching

If your personate about bird watching safaris then the shores of River Ruvubu are the most ideal for bird watching in Ruvubu National Park, travelers are required to carry proper gear like pair of binoculars and long lens camera.

Boat safaris

Boat safaris are a great way to discovers and also spot aquatic wildlife like birds and animals say the Nile crocodiles and hippos that some of the permanent residents of the park.

Nature walks

Nature walks give clients an opportunity to learn more of the park and its inhabitants including even those hidden ones that would otherwise have been missed and walking safari always gives you the best way to experience real Africa on foot.

When to visit Ruvubu National Park

Ruvubu National Park is a good destination to visit all year round but the dry season between June and August is the best for the optimum safari experience. Moderate rainfall occurs during the rest of the year. Due to Burundi’s position on the equator, temperatures are usually mild on the plateau while it rises slightly in the western lowlands.

Where to stay in Ruvubu National Park

Accommodation both in and outside Ruvubu National Park is hard to come by for those venturing to this area. Booking in advance is essential with limited camping close by while comfortable lodgings are more than 100 kilometers away Carrefour hotel, Guesthouse Banga.