Rusizi National Park

Rusizi National Park

Rusizi National Park is located in Burundi, along the Rusizi River, 15 km north of Bujumbura. The park is home to hippos and sitatungas, and Gustav the Nile crocodile, who is rumored to have killed 300 people here. The centerpiece of the lush reserve is the Rusizi River, which maintains an aquatic ecosystem dominated by flat floodplains, reed-lined watercourses and riverside vegetation. The river meanders from Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika, where the sandy waters of the Rusizi River finally meet the deep blue waters of Lake Tanganyika. The best way to explore the reserve is on a boat trip along the river. The Rusizi is an important birdwatching destination, where waders and fishing eagles are often seen. Hordes of hippos and crocodiles litter the shallow water, offering endless amusement to onlookers. The wildlife here includes antelopes, monkeys and a wide variety of vibrant bird species, making the national park a very ideal destination for tourists from all over the world. Flamingos live here too, and their large numbers and ever-changing colors amaze visitors.