Ruvubu National Park

Ruvubu is the largest protected area in Burundi, running along the Ruvubu river valley in the northeast with savanna on the slopes, gallery forest along the water and papyrus swamp in the bends. Buffalo, hippo, several antelope species and more than two hundred bird species live in it. Leopard are present but almost never seen. Tracks run through the park and walking is possible with rangers.

Background

Ruvubu National Park was established in 1980 and covers 508 square kilometres. Its borders fall within four provinces, Karuzi, Muyinga, Cankuzo and Ruyigi, and the Ruvubu River runs the full length of the park and gives it its name. The park is the last remnant of the natural grassland that once covered most of north-eastern Burundi. Besides hippopotamus and Cape buffalo, it holds Nile crocodile, waterbuck and several kinds of duiker. Five primate species live here: Senegal bushbaby, blue monkey, red colobus monkey, vervet monkey and olive baboon. On 14 March 2013 the park was listed as a Ramsar site, under the name Parc National de la Ruvubu.

Source: Wikipedia, "Ruvubu National Park"

What's there

• The river valley - the Ruvubu winding through the middle of the park.
• The gallery forest - the tree cover along the water.
• The buffalo and antelope - the larger animals on the savanna slopes.
• The bird list - more than two hundred species recorded in the park.

When to go

June to September is the dry season and the practical window. The rains from October to May make tracks difficult. Wildlife concentrates near the river late in the dry.

Things to know

Infrastructure is minimal with basic camping rather than lodges. Wildlife is scarce compared with East African parks and sightings need patience. Access needs a vehicle and rangers arranged in advance.

Nearby

Muyinga is northwest, and Cankuzo is south.

Key facts