Gishora Drum Sanctuary
Burundi is a country that has many clans within and they are bound by the drumming ceremonies that are conducted throughout different seasons within the year. The citizens believe that the drumming ceremonies help to improve on their unity within their land and this is the main reason why Gishora Drum Sanctury exists. Historically, it was established by the last sovereign leader of Burundi known as King Mwami Mweza IV. The king was highly respected in society as he was at the top of the hierarchy of leadership in the pre-colonial Burundi. A legend has it that the sanctuary was formed in celebration of his victory over his counterpart, Chief Ntibirangwa as they were fighting for leadership. This competition was evident in the last quarter of the 19th century and after winning, this prompted the king to establish the Gishora drum sanctuary as a memory for the victory earned.
The sanctuary is nestled on top of the hill, approximately 7 kilometers from the town of Gitega. It is also paramount to highlight that it is just about 220 metres off Gitega – Ngozi road. The sanctuary can be accessed through Bujumbura city where travelers can board private cars or use public buses to the sanctuary.
The drum sanctuary is run by the local men called Abatimbo. The Abatimbo are the successors of the hereditary Abanyigisaka who were the religious leaders in the region back then in the 19th century. The Abatimbo are therefore the successors of the religious institutions throughout the country and take care of the sanctuary. They also had high-ranking positions in society and were entrusted with the authority to run the court system in the ancient Burundian society.
Uniqueness of the drum sanctuary.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary has many grounds on which it prides itself as being unique from the rest of the sanctuaries within the region and historical museums.
The fact that the drum sanctuary preserves the ancient artistic drums that were used in the traditional rituals is one of the factors that sets it apart. The royal drums have a distinct physique in that they are big, tall and have attractive artistic designs on their exterior though the powerful sound they produce stands out as a major distinct characteristic. They are locally called Ingoma.
Traditional dances that are performed within the sanctuary by the local citizens continuously make the drum sanctuary unique and special from the rest of the historical places in Burundi. The dances are performed by the locals with the aim of uniting all the natives together. Watching the Burundians do their thing at this sanctuary is a moment one could tell for the rest of their lifetime because of the thrilling adventure it gives.
The drums kept at Gishora Drum sanctuary have distinct features that make them unique from the rest of the drums. They are made of sacred wood from the trees related to Burundi spirits known as the cordia Africana locally known as “Umuvugangoma, Markhania (Umusave)” and many other hardwood species. This therefore makes the drums durable and have been in existence since the 19th century.
The Gishora drum sanctuary is indeed a sacred place and is one of the historical places used to educate citizens about religion, traditional drumming which helps elders to pass on skills to the next generations and keeps the culture in practice and alive. The drumming ceremonies are protected by a specific set of laws that were enacted by the government in 2007 to ensure that it’s peaceful and carried out within the law.
When it comes to attractions, Burundi indigenous people homesteads that is; the grass thatched huts, local dressing attire, and their social life due to the way they perform their duties in society and selflessly share their way of life which is such an interesting phenomenon to experience. All these together with the cultural dances performed at the sanctuary make the place worth a visit.
In conclusion, the sanctuary is a great way to experience this aspect of Burundi culture as well as the architecture of a royal palace which is recreated here.
Activities
Cultural dances. These are performed by the Burundi citizens who have been trained by their ancestors on how to perfectly entertain visitors in society and dance to their traditions.
Drumming. Drumming is such an iconic activity in the Society of Burundi. Local people drum for the visitors and also teach them how to drum their hereditary drums.
Visits to the huts. The well-built huts at the sanctuary are a symbol of power and represent the way of life of the ancient Burundi people. Visitors to the sanctuary get the chance to view how the ancient Burundi people used to live their life in the huts and get insights into the family system of the ancient Burundi society.
Storytelling is another activity that cannot miss mention. The Burundi natives normally tell stories to the visitors on how they live their life in a similar way with those of their ancestors while at the sanctuary.
Photography and sightseeing can also be enjoyed while at the sanctuary. The sanctuary sits on top of a hill that therefore gives the breathtaking views of the surroundings of the sanctuary in the towns of Gitega and Bujumbura.
The drum sanctuary is always active from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. Therefore, you can visit it any day however, it’s better and of great importance for visitors to book the entertainers in advance for sensational and uninterrupted performances.
- Things to see and do in Burundi
Despite the fact that Burundi is one of the small countries in the whole of Africa, it has a variety of stunning nature in such a small space it has. The country is divided into 16 provinces which cover an area of just over 28,000 square kilometers. Hippos and birds are the main natural attractions in Burundi with their homes varying from shrublands and forests, to huge lakes. This small country has got some great inland beaches where the heat can be escaped by a cool and safe dip in one of the country’s lakes. Culture in Burundi is also varied for such a small nation and the influences from colonial settlers as well as the original cultures are worth learning about in order to understand this small but fascinating country. Therefore, here is a list of things to see and do while in Burundi.
Gitega
Another notable place to visit is Gitega, the former capital of the Belgian colony in Burundi during the colonial times. This is where the National Gitega Museum, a notable museum in the country teeming with artifacts and information about the country’s rich history and culture, is located. It is also famous for being the place where the last Burundian king, Ntare V died in 1972.
The city has a number of worthwhile attractions including the remarkable Gitega National Museum which has a vast collection of artifacts and antiquities from Burundi’s past as mentioned above. Gitega is well equipped for tourists and has a decent range of accommodation options for most budgets. The city is commonly included on safari tours as an overnight stopover.
Visit the Hot Springs of Burundi
There are around 10 thermal water sites in Burundi in total! Unfortunately, not all of them are operational but there are still some that are accessible to the public. Mugara Hot Springs in Bururi (around 176 km off Bujumbura) is comprised of 2 descending hot springs coming out of the ground and sliding down slopes, creating a basin with 48°C temperature below. Locals believe the water to have medicinal properties so people flock over to take a dip into the warm water.
Another hot spring known to have healing properties by the locals is the Muhweza Hot Springs in Rutana, around 122 km away from Bujumbura. The Muhweza Hot Springs is 2 basins with water being supplied from below. The first one is reserved for men while the more secluded one is reserved for women.
Mount Heha
Mountain Heha is the highest mountain in Burundi and on top of all, it is part of the Burundi Highlands mountain range. The mountain is popular for trekking and at 2,864m it makes a good challenge for anyone looking to summit. The mountain is located fairly close to Bujumbura and this is the most convenient location to use as a base before setting out to climb the mountain.
Saga Beach
Many people could think that a country that has a sea port has nice beaches. A trip to Saga beach comes in to prove this wrong. The beach, which is part of the shore of Lake Tanganyika, may not be a sandy white beach from the Mediterranean but it is a great place to take a dip and enjoy the warm waters of the lake. The beach is easily accessible and is located only a few kilometers away from the capital. The best time to visit the beach is mainly the weekend when the crowd of locals ensure that the atmosphere is lively and fun in the other wards, when the vibes are high however you can visit during the weekly days.
Burundian Drumming Performance
If you have never been to Burundi once you make up your mind, don’t miss out get to witness this heart-pounding performance for yourself. Once reserved for important events in the old Burundian monarchy, locals and visitors alike can now watch “The Royal Drummers” of Burundi and enjoy this UNESCO Intangible Heritage by visiting the country’s region of Gishora (just a few miles away from Gitega) where their drum sanctuary is located.
Their hypnotic beating of the drums which is said to symbolize the form of a woman’s body can be experienced by booking a guided tour. The performances last for almost an hour and in the end, you can try your hand at making at pounding some beats as well!
Visit the “Source du Nil” (Source of the Nile)
A debate has been around all over about where the River Nile gets its source from. Some sources say the Nile’s ultimate source in Uganda, but there’s also a small spring near Bujumbura vying for the spot. Despite of this, this natural landmark is still worth a visit. What looks like a rather insignificant spring over 100km from the capital, is most probably the southernmost source of the Nile River.
A commemorative pyramid marks the place where people say the River Nile starts, and it’s a nice spot to take a trip to when you are in town. However, unless you have your transportation or a tour already arranged before visiting the site, you might have a hard time getting there on your own. It is located in Kasumo, a place around 115km southeast of Bujumbura.
Chutes de la Karera
The Chutes de la Karera should be one on your list as well when planning a safari to Burundi. and consists of four beautiful falls namely; Nyakai I, Nyakai II, Mwaro Falls, and Karera Falls are collectively called and is popular among adventure seekers dropping by Burundi. The fall nearest to the car park is actually the prettiest but this should not stop you from walking around and seeing the others.
Walking upstream is possible and a quick shower to cool off from anxiety is possible in the smallest of the four waterfalls. The tallest waterfall and the areas namesake is the Karera Fall which is especially fearsome in the height of the wet season.
Kagera Falls are a spectacular series of waterfalls in southeastern Burundi also located to the south of Rutana. The waterfalls occupy over 142 hectares, being made up of six branches divided on three landings.
On a first level, is a main fall subdivided into two parallel branches of a length estimated at 80 m about which pours on a basin. This fall consists of several waterfalls of different sizes intersected with two platforms. Another smaller waterfall is located roughly 50 m to the west of this main fall. Waters of these two falls converge on a second landing to form the third waterfall which pours on the valley.
To get there, one might need to join a pre-planned tour or hire a charter car from Burundi to the region of Rutana where the falls are. It’s best to visit them from October to January which is the country’s wet season.
There are no public transport options to the falls so a visit needs to be arranged by a chartered vehicle, as part of a tour, or of course self-drive is another option.
Vyanda Natural Reserve
Another natural resource to see in Burundi, is the Vyanda natural reserve. The reserve can be easily accessed by the town of Rumonge which is nearby. The reserve is not particularly well equipped for tourists but a visit is possible with some forward planning and contact. There are usually two prices for guided tours; the full price and a reduced fee if your guide fails to show you any of the chimps in residence.
It is also worth noting that the chimps are fully wild and not accustomed to close encounters with humans so don’t expect the sort of photo-opportunities that some of Africa’s other reserves offer from this reserve.
Bururi Nature Reserve
The wet forests of Bururi provide the perfect habitat for a number of animals including as well over 100 species of birds.
Walking in the reserve is a popular activity and the reserve has a number of circuits to suit all levels of fitness. The reserve is high in altitude and is therefore a refreshing place to visit in the heat of summer. A drive from Rumonge to the reserve is fairly short but offers up some stunning attractions alongside the way.
Rumonge Nature Reserve
Founded in 1980, the Rumonge Nature Reserve is one of the most recently formed in Burundi. Like the other reserves in Burundi, Rumonge Reserve has a number of rare bird species that can be spotted throughout the year as well as species of mammals and exotic plant life.
Things to do
City tour Bujumbura
Burundi has been suffering from many conflicts in the region and because of this, the small city has not seen much development over the past decades. The city, commonly known as Buji, has retained other characteristics from its period as a French colony such as excellent food, a booming drinking and dancing scene that visitors will enjoy.
French cuisine can be found at various restaurants in the city, occupying a wide range of prices and quality. Apart from the French cuisine, you can also tryout the Burundian cusine. Bujumbura isn’t like any other place you will ever visit in the East African region and this is probably one of the reasons why, Burundian cuisine is truly one of its kind, especially since Lake Tanganyika hosts a variety of fish that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Never miss out your chance to try out some Mukeke while hanging out by the shore. This is one of their most famous delicacies and is always served fresh by establishments around the lake. Other fish that you may also try out are the Ndagala, Sanagala (also known as the Captain Fish) and the Inonzi. If you’re willing to try the Mukeke out, Pasta Comedia at Avenue dela Plage and Bora Bora Beach Club at Chaussee d’Uvira in Bujumbura offer this highly-rated dish in the city. Sights in the city include the University which is the only one in Burundi and the Independence Monument which remembers hard times of occupation by French, Belgian and German rulers. The Living Museum is also located in Bujumbura and is arguably one of the best museums of its kind in Africa. It shows ancient and modern crafts used in Burundi.
Nature walk
The Kigwena Natural Forest is conveniently located on the National Route no.3 in the Rumonge commune of Burundi and covers an area of more than 3,000 hectares. The forest here is dense and it feels like an adventure just to step foot in. Inhabiting the forest are a number of baboons, monkeys and various species of butterflies and birds. A guided tour of the forest is available through the country’s Environmental and Conservation Institute. Nature walks can be done from different reserves as mentioned earlier.
Bird Watching
If you do a quick search online, one of the most popular activities in Burundi is bird watching. The country has plenty of natural reserves, parks and even a lake where you can do just that!
Lake Rwihinda Nature Reserve, previously called the Bird Lake which is around Kirundo in Northern Burundi. This is where birds like the African Fish Eagle, Egret, Lesser kestrel, Great snipe and more can be watched as they live in their native surroundings.
Also popular, especially to ancient Burundians in the Bururi Forest Nature Reserve which they used to consider to be the link between heaven and earth. This former site of worship which was greatly protected by people is now a must-visit if you want to go bird-watching and to marvel over the amazing flora and fauna that this nation has to offer.
Hiking at Mount Heha
Mount Heha is the highest mountain in Burundi and is part of the Burundi Highlands Mountain Range. It’s around 65 km away from Bujumbura which is mostly the base area used by hikers going up to this mountain.
To get there, you will need a guide or a driver as you’re mostly going to drive your way up the mountain. The hike itself isn’t that strenuous as it isn’t that steep, but it’s still a fun activity to try.
Kibira National Park is located in about 48 kilometers to the north-west side of Bujumbura covering 400 square kilometer. It is also located on the apex of the beautiful Congo- Nile Range with an elevation range of 1100-2660 meters above sea level. It is the largest rain forest in Burundi together with Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. The park overlooks the border of Rwanda and it joins 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. It is believed up to now to be a home to hundreds of colobus monkeys. There are also a number of chimpanzees present although to see them it’s so difficult.
During the 19th century, this forest was a hunting reserve of the kings of Burundi. The local people respected the forest, investing it with a magical power. Rights of use for livestock grazing and the gathering of forest products were recognized. The sacred character of the forest, even prior to the colonial era, helped to conserve it. Between 1933 and 1980, Kibira was classified as the Congo-Nile Ridge Forest Reserve, first under Belgian rule, then after Burundian Independence in July 1962. Only the extraction of high-value timber was regulated and controlled.
Kibira National Park lies on top of the mountains of the Congo-Nile Divide. It is estimated that around 16% of the park consists of primary Montane rainforest, the only forest in all of Burundi and is adjacent to two large tea plantations, one in Teza and the other in Rwegura. A total of 544 plants are found in the park and the dominant tree species include Symphoniaglobulifera, Newtoniabuchananii, Albiziagummifera and Entandrophragmaexcelsum. The forest contains areas of montane bog and bamboo stands.
Wildlife
There are 98 species of mammal in the forest and 200 species of birds have been recorded down. The Kibira is a habitat to a number of primate species, including chimpanzees and black and white colobus monkeys, baboons. The park is home for birds such as Great Blue Turaco, Mountain Buzzard (Buteooreophilus), White-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrurapulchra), Grey Parrot (Psittacuserithacus), Bar-tailed Trogon (Apalodermavittatum) and the Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill (Bycanistessubcylindricus). The forest, the rivers and streams that flow through it, support animals the above mentioned animals.
Despite the fact that Kibira has not been as thoroughly studied as some of its neighboring protected areas, it is still considered ‘the most important site in Burundi for the conservation of montane-forest birds.
Activities
Cultural encounters
While in Kibira National Park, travelers get to visit the pygmies village of Buseka from where they get introduced to the way of life of the locals who dwell there. The pygmies demonstrate their way of social life through traditional dances, songs, their preparation of local food, dressing attires thereby giving travelers a wider knowledge of a different people and their culture.
Bird watching
The park is labelled as an important birding area in Burundi. It has about 200 species that can be seen while on a bird watching activity. Travelers are encouraged to have bird guides and binoculars such that they can see a large number of birds. Among them that tourists can spot while on a bird watching safaris include the mountain buzzard, white spotted fluff tail, grey parrots, the great blue turaco and the black and white squeaked hornbill.
Guided nature walks
This is a great way to explore the park and learn of its most hidden treasures like small rivers and waterfalls. These help travelers to see more of the park that they might have missed
Game viewing
This activity is wonderful to travelers stepping out to see various mammals that call the park a home. Some of the animals to see include chimps, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons to mention but a few.
The water from the forests of the Kibira National Park account for over three-quarters of the water that goes into the country’s largest dam, which generates half of the hydroelectric energy generated in the country.
- Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve
This lake is another hotspot for an amazing variety of flora and fauna that attracts tourists in Burundi. The reserve covers an area of over 8,000 hectares consisting of a mix of shrubland, forest and grassland. The lake is another place that birdwatchers will adore. The amount and number of rare and stunning birds that visit this lake is too much to mention.
Agriculture and decreasing water levels are having an impact on the reserve despite preservation efforts. As per now, despite the above issues, the reserve remains a must-visit destination for travelers in Burundi.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the Great Lakes of Africa and the longest freshwater lake in the world. It is the most famous attractions the country has to offer. Tanzania and Zambia also border to the lake but it’s always on the list as one of the most-visited spots while you’re in Bujumbura.
The lake is home to several beaches where visitors can enjoy the day by trying out the restaurants and bars around and soaking up the sun by the shore. Don’t get surprised, though, if you see a hippopotamus lying beside you under the hot Burundian sun. From time to time, these amazing animals which are mostly non-aggressive leave the lakes to get some energy by the beach.
- Musee Vivant (living museum)
It’s safe to say that Burundi is truly rich in culture. Being under the reign of powerful Western nations like France, Germany and Belgium as well as being a former monarch, this country has a lot of stories to tell us and the future generations. Luckily, they managed to keep all these artifacts and documents through their museums.
While in Bujumbura, drop by the Living Museum, a complex with a zoo, a historical and cultural exhibit, as well as some shops. Visitors can take part in feeding the animals as well as watch some concerts being held on the museum grounds now and then. This place is one of the greatest of its kind in Africa and gives you a glimpse of the Burundian way of life.
- Rusizi River National Park
Located just outside of Bujumbura is the fascinating Rusizi National Park. The plains surrounding the river are flooded periodically, bringing hundreds of animals to the area for his vital life source. If you are planning for a quick safari while in Bujumbura, you can head over to Rusizi National Park where you can watch hippos, flamingos, and even crocodiles go about their daily lives while walking along the Rusizi River.
The park, with its clear skies, is a true bird-watchers paradise. The migratory birds that visit the park include rare and beautiful species from both Asia and Europe such as sand pipers and plovers.
The Ruvubu National Park is the largest in Burundi and covers an area of over 500 square kilometers and is located on the northeast of the country. The park, which was founded in 1980, is home to some of the most majestic and impressive wildlife for at least 400 species in the country including beasts such as hippos, buffalo and crocodiles, lions, antelopes, monkeys.
The park is also known for its variety of rare plants and flowers as well as the birdlife that migrates to the region throughout the year. Within the Park, there is a Ruvubu River that attained its name after the park.
Preservation of the park is one of the country’s top concerns, so much so that humans have been evacuated from the area. The park is well equipped for camping and is easily accessible by road.
