× 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 🇧🇮 Karera Waterfalls Trail Hike the Karera Waterfalls Trail, Burundi. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Mount Heha Trail Explore Ruvubu River Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Burundi | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Karera Waterfalls Trail The Karera Waterfalls Trail in Burundi offers a refreshing escape into nature, showcasing stunning waterfalls and lush greenery, but it’s not without its quirks. Stretching about 5 kilometers, the hike is moderately challenging, with some steep sections that might leave you huffing a bit, especially in the humid air. Getting to the trailhead via public transport is doable, but expect a bit of a bumpy ride and some negotiation with local drivers. Compared to other hikes in the area, like the more popular Teza Trail, Karera can feel a bit quieter and less trafficked, which is a plus if you’re after solitude. Just keep in mind that the paths can be a tad overgrown in spots, so a bit of navigation skills will come in handy. Overall, it’s a solid option if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, but don’t forget your insect repellent! Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Burundi Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – September Duration: 1 day Distance: 8 kilometers Total ascent: 800 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 Karera Waterfalls Trail Burundi Grab your own Travelguide for only Main Karera Plunge — The signature curtain of water that thunders into a rock amphitheater; dramatic, photogenic and loud in the best way. The scale and raw power here is the trail’s calling card, and standing on the viewing ledge you feel properly soaked by the place even before you get wet. Tiered Pools & Swim Spots — A string of emerald pools and gentle cascades upstream where you can cool off between sections of the hike. Clear water, natural “bathtubs” and easy access make this more than just a lookout — it’s a proper refresh stop on a hot day. Basalt Ledges & Rock Sculptures — The river has cut neat channels, potholes and ledges into volcanic rock, creating little natural bridges and photo-worthy rock formations. These sculpted surfaces make the trail visually interesting and different from ordinary forest routes. Montane Forest & Birdlife — The trail threads through dense, humid forest alive with chirps and trills; expect to see butterflies and hear vocal primates and a variety of birds. It’s compact but surprisingly biodiverse for a short hike, so keep your ears tuned and your camera ready. Village Stops & Coffee Terraces — Local hamlets and hillside gardens sit just off the trail; you’ll often pass small plots of coffee and crops and can buy fresh fruit or a soda from vendors. That human element gives the hike cultural texture — people, stories and a chance to support the community along the way. 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 Karera Waterfalls Trail Hiking the Karera Waterfalls Trail is an awesome adventure, and timing can make a big difference. The best months to hit the trail are typically from May to September, when the weather is drier and cooler. During this time, you can expect temperatures around 15-25°C (59-77°F). It’s not scorching, so you won’t be drenched in sweat before you even start the hike. If you go outside of this window, especially during the rainy season from October to April, be prepared for muddy trails and potential downpours. Temperatures can drop to around 12°C (54°F) during the rainy season, which can feel pretty chilly if you’re not dressed for it. Pro tip: Bring a lightweight rain jacket, even in the dry season. Weather can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to be caught off guard. Plus, it’ll keep you cozy if the temps dip unexpectedly! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Karera Waterfalls 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 Karera Waterfalls Trail Total Distance: The Karera Waterfalls Trail spans approximately 5 kilometers, making it a manageable trek for most hikers. Estimated Duration: You can expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views or snap photos. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. It has some steep sections, but nothing too crazy if you’re used to hiking. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the village of Karera. To get there by public transport, you can take a bus from Bujumbura to Gitega. From Gitega, catch a local taxi … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Karera Waterfalls Trail spans approximately 5 kilometers, making it a manageable trek for most hikers. Estimated Duration: You can expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views or snap photos. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. It has some steep sections, but nothing too crazy if you’re used to hiking. Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the village of Karera. To get there by public transport, you can take a bus from Bujumbura to Gitega. From Gitega, catch a local taxi or a moto-taxi to Karera. It’s a short ride, and you’ll get to see some local life along the way. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Karera Waterfalls: The main attraction, a series of stunning cascades that are perfect for a refreshing break. Local Villages: You’ll pass through small villages where you can experience local culture and maybe grab a snack. Scenic Overlooks: There are several spots along the way where you can pause and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of dirt paths and rocky sections. Expect some elevation changes, with a few steep climbs. The scenery is lush, with dense greenery and vibrant landscapes that showcase the beauty of Burundi. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: You’ll see a variety of plants, including tall grasses, shrubs, and tropical trees. Look out for coffee plants, as this region is known for its coffee production. Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for birds, butterflies, and maybe even some small monkeys. The sounds of nature are pretty soothing, too. This trail is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Burundi while getting a little exercise. Just make sure to bring enough water, wear good shoes, and enjoy the journey! ⚠️ 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! Pick your country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Cook Islands Costa Rica Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Republic of the Congo Réunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino São Tomé and Príncipe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Virgin Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City State Venezuela Vietnam Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Sign me up for the newsletter I agree to the Terms email BUY NOW 100% secure payment via Stripe. The Travel guide is directly downloadable after your purchase. Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic, amazing amount of information! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My goodness this is amazing, it‘s what I‘ve been looking for hats off too you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very complete and informative. It‘s still missing places, but I gotta to commend you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is truly amazing, thank you, can‘t wait to explore it with my kids! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome resource, thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is amazing! Can’t wait to explore the ones I haven’t seen ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love this! Well done, great idea. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thanks for taking the time to make this gem! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This might be the best website I’ve ever seen. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it‘s incredibly valuable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As someone who’s only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you very much! I‘m going to visit my dad, it‘s going to be very useful! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is really cool! We’ll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is so cool. I’ll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is very impressive! Good work. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done! Explore Burundi Karera Waterfalls 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? Karera Waterfalls 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 Karera Waterfalls 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 wander the Karera Waterfalls Trail, soak in the serene vibe—it’s like nature’s secret hideout. The best surprise? Those hidden pools perfect for a refreshing dip; just be ready for a bit of a scramble to find them. One heads-up: the path can get slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are a must. Trust me, the views are worth every step! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 20 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