Rusizi National Park (Parc National de la Rusizi) is one of Burundi’s most accessible and popular wildlife reserves, located just outside the country’s economic capital, Bujumbura. The park is defined by the Rusizi River, which flows from Lake Kivu down to the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, forming a rich and vital delta ecosystem. This landscape of floodplains, grasslands, and papyrus beds supports a significant population of hippos and crocodiles, as well as an incredible diversity of birdlife. Its proximity to the city and the unique opportunity to see large aquatic wildlife, including the legendary giant crocodile Gustave, make it a premier destination for a short and rewarding nature escape.

Name and Address

• Name: Rusizi National Park (also Rusizi Nature Reserve).
• Address: Located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Bujumbura, Burundi, along the Rusizi River and the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

How to Get There

Due to its close proximity to Bujumbura, the park is very easy to access.

• By Car/Taxi (Recommended): The journey from Bujumbura is a short 20-30 minute drive. Taxis can be easily hired for a half-day trip. The main road to Uvira (in the DRC) actually passes through the park, dividing it into two sections.
• By Guided Tour: This is a very popular option. Tour operators in Bujumbura offer boat safari packages that include transport to the park and a guided cruise on the Rusizi River, which is the best way to see the wildlife.
• Visitor Tip: A boat tour on the river is the highlight of any visit and offers the best chances of seeing hippos and crocodiles up close. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September when animals are more concentrated around the water sources.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Rusizi is its dynamic river delta landscape.

• River Delta Ecosystem: The park is centered on the Rusizi River Delta, where the river splits into multiple channels and forms small islands and papyrus beds before emptying into Lake Tanganyika.
• Two Distinct Parts: The park is divided by the main road. The larger part lies on the eastern bank of the river and consists of a floodplain with acacia trees, grasslands, and shrubs. The smaller, southern part is the delta itself, a rich wetland environment.
• A Meeting of Waters: A key feature of the landscape is the visible meeting point where the sandy, lighter-colored waters of the Rusizi River flow into the deep, clear blue waters of Lake Tanganyika.

What Makes It Famous

Rusizi National Park is famous for its large populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles, its rich birdlife, and its legendary resident, Gustave.

• A Hippo and Crocodile Haven: The park was primarily established to protect the large pods of hippos that inhabit the river delta. It is one of the best places in Burundi to see these massive animals, along with numerous Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.
• Gustave, the Legendary Crocodile: The park is world-famous as the territory of Gustave, a giant, man-eating Nile crocodile of mythical proportions. Rumored to be over 6 meters (20 feet) long and responsible for hundreds of attacks, he has become a legendary and feared figure, though sightings are extremely rare.
• A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: As a designated Ramsar site, the park is a crucial habitat for water birds. It is home to over 200 species, including a large population of migratory birds like the African skimmer and the white-winged tern.
• Accessibility: Its fame is also due to its incredible accessibility. Being just a short drive from the main city, it offers a quick and easy way to experience Burundi’s wildlife without a long journey into the interior.

Differences from Other Wonders

Rusizi National Park’s wetland ecosystem and proximity to the city offer a very different experience from Burundi’s other national parks.

• Lakeside Wetland vs. Montane Rainforest: Rusizi is a flat, hot, wetland and river delta environment. This is in stark contrast to the cool, misty, high-altitude montane rainforest of Kibira National Park. A visit to Rusizi is about boat safaris and aquatic life, while Kibira is about trekking through dense forest to find primates.
• Accessible Day Trip vs. Remote Safari: The park’s location next to Bujumbura makes it an easy half-day trip. This is fundamentally different from Ruvubu National Park, which is located in a remote part of the country and requires a multi-day expedition to experience its vast savanna landscapes.
• Focus on Aquatic Wildlife: While all of Burundi’s parks have their unique fauna, Rusizi’s primary draw is its concentration of large aquatic and semi-aquatic animals—hippos and crocodiles—and water birds, an