Kibira National Park
Kibira National Park is one of the national parks in Burundi that travellers can visit while on a Burundi safari. Suitably located in the north-west of Burundi. The Park overlaps four provinces covering an area of 400 square kilometres and is conveniently located on the apex of the beautiful Congo-Nile range with an elevation range of 1100-2660 meters above sea level. The Park overlooks the border of Rwanda, and it adjoins with the vast and yet beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park, and is also adjacent to two large tea plantations with one on Teza and the other in Rwegura. The Park until 1933 was a hunting ground for Burundian kings. About 16% of the park consists of primary montane rainforest, which is the only montane forest in all of Burundi.
Attractions in Kibira National Park
The Park consists of montane bogs, bamboo stands which make a great habitat for the various wildlife that dwells there. The Park serves as the source of various rivers and streams which provide water around the country with the around the park receiving the highest rainfall. The vegetation of Kibira National Park is very thick and it makes it all the more necessary for tourists to explore it just to learn of its mysteries. There are various attractions in Kibira National Park mammal species which are about 98, 200 bird species, butterflies, and various plant species that are worth encountering.
Birds in Kibira National Park
Among the birds in Kibira that travellers can spot while on a bird watching spree include the mountain buzzard, white spotted fluff tail, grey parrots, the great blue turaco and the black-and-white-squeaked hornbill.
The various mammal species in the park that are specifically of interest to many tourists include chimpanzees, various monkey species like the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons,
The plant life in Kibira Park is one worth a visit for the park has various tree species like
How to get to Kibira National Park.
Travellers intending to visit Kibira National Park can get to the park by transferring through the pilgrims’ village known as Busekera, which is a major tourist attraction as well. While in the park, its best to get around in the company of a skilled guide, as well as use a 4WD vehicle to easily access and use the rather rugged roads in the park.
Activities in Kibira National Park
There are various activities in Kibira Park that travellers can take part while on a visit. Below are some of them;
Game viewing
Game viewing in Kibira National Park is a wonderful activity that has travellers stepping out to the various mammal species that call the park home. Some of the wild animals travellers are sure to see include chimpanzees, the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and so much more. Game viewing in Kibira National Park is done in the company of armed guides who help travellers with knowledge of the park and the various wildlife spotted.
Bird watching
Bird watching in Kibira Park takes travellers through well-developed trails in the park. The park is labelled an Important Birding Area in Burundi for it has about 200 species of birds that travellers can see while on a bird watching activity in the park. Travellers are encouraged to have bird guides and binoculars such that they can see a large enough number of bird species.
Guided Nature walks
Guided nature walks in Kibira National Park are a great way to explore the park and learn of its most hidden treasures like small rivers and waterfalls. Guided nature walks help travellers to see more of the park that they might have missed.
Cultural encounters
Cultural encounters can also be done in Kibira National Park, where travellers get to visit the pygmies’ village of Busekera from where they get introduced to the way of life of the locals who dwell there. The pygmies themselves demonstrate to the travellers their way of life through traditional songs and dances, show them how they locally prepare their food, their dressing attires, thereby giving the travellers a wider knowledge of a different people and their culture. Travellers can take part in these activities if they would like to. Travellers who do take part in the various activities get to feel just like the locals, and sort of get a sense of belonging to the locals.
The best time to visit Kibira National Park
The park can be visited all year long, irrespective of the season. The best time to visit Kibira Park is during the dry season which runs through the months of June to August and December to February when the roads are more accessible and less slippery. Travellers should be reminded that Kibira Park is a forested area that receives rainfall literally at any time of the year, irrespective of the season.
Accommodation in Kibira National Park may not come easy to find if one is a last minute traveller. Travellers can get accommodation in areas near the park, with some of the best hotels to find including Niyimpa Hotel and Guest House la Residence.
The Park is a great park to visit while in Burundi. Travellers interested in exploring the park should get in touch with a trusted tour operator knowledgeable of the park and the country, such that your Burundi safari to visit Kibira Park can be carefully planned for to your great satisfaction.
