× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Burundi 🇧🇮 Mount Heha Trail Hike the Mount Heha Trail, Burundi. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Kibira Rainforest Trail Explore Karera Waterfalls Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Burundi | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Mount Heha Trail The Mount Heha Trail in Burundi offers a mix of breathtaking scenery and a solid workout, stretching about 12 kilometers round-trip with a moderate difficulty level—perfect for those looking to break a sweat without tackling a full-on expedition. The trail winds through lush forests and presents stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, especially at the summit. Getting to the trailhead is relatively straightforward; you can catch a local bus to Gitega, then a quick moto-taxi ride will drop you off right where you need to be. While it’s a gem, it does have its quirks—some sections can be muddy and overgrown, and it’s not as well-marked as other hikes like the more popular Mount Rwenzori. Still, if you’re keen on experiencing Burundi’s natural beauty without the crowds, Mount Heha is worth the trek. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Burundi Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – September Duration: 2 days Distance: 10 kilometers Total ascent: 1,200 meters Safety warning The current risk level for Burundi is high. Check the advice before going. Get your Burundi Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Mount Heha Trail Burundi Grab your own Travelguide for only Burundi’s Highest Summit : Standing on Mount Heha means you’re on the country’s highest point — rewarding, quiet and satisfying. The final push is short but feels epic because the views open up and there’s a real “I made it” moment without a crowd of tourists. Wide Panoramas (Lake Tanganyika on Clear Days) : From the upper ridges you get sweeping views across the patchwork highlands and, when the sky cooperates, a sliver of Lake Tanganyika far below. The contrast between grassy slopes and distant blue water is what photographers and daydreamers remember. Working Hillsides & Coffee Plots : The trail winds past smallholder farms—coffee bushes, vegetable terraces and grazing cattle—so you’re hiking through living agricultural scenery rather than a fenced-off park. That gives the landscape texture and an ever-changing palette as fields and crops shift with the seasons. Pockets of Montane Forest and Birdlife : Scattered forest patches and bamboo copses shelter colorful sunbirds, francolins and the odd vervet monkey. It’s not a safari, but the concentrated mix of highland birds and small mammals in the forested stretches makes for satisfying wildlife stops between viewpoints. Village Trails & Cultural Moments : Much of the route follows local walking paths, so expect friendly greetings from farmers, children trailing your pace, and chances to taste roasted maize or fresh coffee offered at roadside homes. Those human moments — informal, real and unhurried — are a big part of why the trail feels different from more commercial hikes. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town unique site national park hike beach festival 🌤️ When to Go? Best Time to visit Mount Heha Trail The best time to hike the Mount Heha Trail is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period typically offers clearer skies and more stable weather, making for a much more enjoyable trek. Temperatures can vary quite a bit, but during the day, you might find it around 20°C (68°F) at the base, cooling down to about 10°C (50°F) or even lower at the summit. If you’re planning to go in the wet season, from October to April, be prepared for rain, which can make the trail slippery and less pleasant. Plus, temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F) during the day when it’s cloudy and wet, so pack accordingly! Pro tip: Start your hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise and beat the crowds. Plus, the early morning air is usually cooler, making it a bit easier on your legs. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water—hydration is key, especially if you’re sweating it out on the way up! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Mount Heha Trail If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Burundi Best quality hotels in Burundi 🥾 Get Your Walking Shoes Trail Details of Mount Heha Trail Total Distance: The Mount Heha Trail stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) round trip. It’s a decent trek that makes for a rewarding day hike. Estimated Duration: Plan on spending around 5 to 7 hours on the trail. This includes time for breaks, enjoying the views, and maybe snapping a few photos. Difficulty Level: The trail is considered moderate to challenging. There are some steep sections that might get your heart racing, but it’s manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the town of Gitega. You can get there by taking a bus … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Mount Heha Trail stretches about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) round trip. It’s a decent trek that makes for a rewarding day hike. Estimated Duration: Plan on spending around 5 to 7 hours on the trail. This includes time for breaks, enjoying the views, and maybe snapping a few photos. Difficulty Level: The trail is considered moderate to challenging. There are some steep sections that might get your heart racing, but it’s manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the town of Gitega. You can get there by taking a bus from Bujumbura to Gitega, which takes about 2 to 3 hours. Once in Gitega, you can either walk to the trailhead or hire a local taxi for a short ride. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Gitega National Museum: A great spot to learn about Burundian culture before you hit the trail. Local Villages: You’ll pass through a few small villages where you can interact with locals and maybe grab a snack. Summit Viewpoint: The top offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys—perfect for a picnic. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of rugged paths, rocky sections, and some muddy spots, especially after rain. Expect lush greenery, with dense forests at lower elevations giving way to open vistas as you ascend. The scenery is stunning, with rolling hills and the occasional glimpse of Lake Tanganyika in the distance. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: You’ll encounter a variety of flora, including eucalyptus trees, wildflowers, and dense underbrush. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for birds and small mammals. Monkeys are sometimes spotted in the trees, especially early in the morning. This trail is a hidden gem, so if you’re up for an adventure, you won’t be disappointed! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Burundi Travel Guide Discover the best Burundi has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Burundi 113 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 50 must-see highlights ✅ 5-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! 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Explore Burundi Mount Heha Trail isn’t the only highlight in Burundi. Explore all what Burundi has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Bujumbura, Gitega, Ngozi, see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Gisozi, Nyanza-Lac, Rumonge , see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Karera Waterfalls, Gishora, Mikeno, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : Kibira, Lake Tanganyika Nature Reserve, Ruvubu , see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Karera Waterfalls Trail, Kibira Rainforest Trail, Mount Heha Trail, see all 🏖️ Beaches        Compare the top best beaches : Lake Tanganyika, Saga Beach, Nyanza Lac Beach, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : Burundi Film, Bujumbura International Jazz, JAMAFEST , see all Explore Burundi ✈️ Ready to Go? Mount Heha Trail FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Burundi The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Burundi Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Mount Heha Trail? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Burundi Best quality hotels in Burundi What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Burundi? Burundi’s climate is a mix of tropical and temperate, with warm days and cooler nights, especially in the highlands around Bujumbura. The rainy season is from October to May, so a lightweight rain jacket is a smart move. If you’re exploring the countryside or climbing Mount Heha, be ready for muddy trails. When it comes to cultural expectations, dressing modestly is important—think long skirts or pants and covered shoulders in more rural areas. Keep it practical and respectful, and you’ll blend in just fine. Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Burundi. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts As you tackle the Mount Heha Trail, keep an eye out for those sneaky clouds that roll in—one minute you’re soaking in stunning views, the next, you’re in a misty wonderland. The best surprise? The locals you meet along the way; their stories and laughter will stick with you long after the hike. Just don’t forget to pack a rain jacket—trust me, you’ll thank me later! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 23 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript