× 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 🇧🇮 Ruvubu River Trail Hike the Ruvubu River Trail, Burundi. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Karera Waterfalls Trail Explore Source of Nile Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Burundi | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Ruvubu River Trail The Ruvubu River Trail in Burundi is a hidden gem, stretching about 12 kilometers along the picturesque banks of the Ruvubu River. It offers stunning views of lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, making it a treat for nature lovers. However, don’t expect a walk in the park; the trail can be a bit rugged in spots, so a decent level of fitness is required. Getting to the trailhead via public transport isn’t too tricky, but you might need to be patient with local buses. Compared to other hikes in the country, like the more popular but crowded hikes in Kibira National Park, Ruvubu feels more off the beaten path, giving you a real sense of solitude and connection with nature—just be prepared for the occasional muddy patch! Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Burundi Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – October Duration: 5 days Distance: 30 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 Ruvubu River Trail Burundi Grab your own Travelguide for only Dusk and dawn hippo pools — The Ruvubu’s slow bends collect deep, dark pools where hippos loaf by day and become active at sunrise/sunset. It’s one of the trail’s showstoppers: raw, loud, and photogenic from a safe distance. Go early or late for the best chance to watch them emerge and hear that guttural grunting echo off the riverbanks. Gallery forest tunnels — Sections of the trail thread through tight, riverine forest: tall trees, dangling lianas, and dense undergrowth that feel like a different world from the open savanna. The shaded microclimate brings out butterflies, orchids and an intimate, humid atmosphere you don’t get on many East African rivers. Birding and papyrus swamps — Expect a noisy mix of kingfishers, herons, African fish eagles and papyrus specialists flitting along the reeds. The river’s wetlands concentrate birds, so even a short stop can turn into a satisfying hour of spotting, listening and binocular-action. Rugged river vistas and mirror bends — The trail rewards with sudden viewpoints over meandering S-shaped bends, glassy backwaters and dramatic reflections at golden hour. Those simple compositions—water, sky, a distant clump of trees—make for the kind of photographs that actually look like you worked for them. Riverside life and small villages — The human rhythm along the Ruvubu is part of the trail: fishermen in pirogues, cattle being led to water, women washing clothes on the banks and occasional market stops. These scenes give the hike cultural texture and chances to chat, barter for snacks, or learn local river lore—polite curiosity goes a long 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 Ruvubu River Trail The best time to hike the Ruvubu River Trail in Burundi is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers more stable weather, making your trek a lot more enjoyable. Expect daytime temperatures to hover around 20-25°C (68-77°F), which is pretty comfortable for hiking. Nights can get a bit chilly, dropping to about 10-15°C (50-59°F), so a light jacket or fleece is a good idea. During the rainy season, from October to April, the trails can get muddy and slippery, and you might find yourself dodging downpours. Temperatures during this time are generally warmer, around 25-30°C (77-86°F), but the humidity can make it feel even stickier. Pro tip: Bring along a reusable water bottle and a water purification system. Hydration is key, and you’ll want to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles whenever you can. Plus, the local water sources might be a bit questionable, so better safe than sorry! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Ruvubu River 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 Ruvubu River Trail Total Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers round trip, but you can opt for shorter segments if you’re looking for a more manageable hike. Estimated Duration: Expect to spend about 2 to 3 days on the trail, depending on your pace and how much you stop to soak in the views or take pictures. Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging. There are some steep sections, and the terrain can be uneven, so good boots and a bit of stamina are your best friends here. Starting Point: The trail typically begins near the town of Muyinga. You can get there by taking a bus from Bujumbura, which usually takes … read more 👉 Total Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers round trip, but you can opt for shorter segments if you’re looking for a more manageable hike. Estimated Duration: Expect to spend about 2 to 3 days on the trail, depending on your pace and how much you stop to soak in the views or take pictures. Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging. There are some steep sections, and the terrain can be uneven, so good boots and a bit of stamina are your best friends here. Starting Point: The trail typically begins near the town of Muyinga. You can get there by taking a bus from Bujumbura, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours. Just hop on a bus heading to Muyinga, and once you arrive, ask locals for directions to the trailhead—most are friendly and willing to help. Major Landmarks: Ruvubu National Park: This is the highlight of the hike, where you’ll get to see diverse ecosystems and maybe even spot some wildlife. Ruvubu River: The trail follows this beautiful river, offering stunning views and great photo ops. Local Villages: You’ll pass through a few small villages. It’s a great chance to interact with locals and experience Burundian culture. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of rugged paths, riverbanks, and some grassy clearings. You’ll encounter rocky sections, muddy spots after rain, and some steep climbs. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking—think rolling hills, dense forests, and the glistening river weaving through it all. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: Expect to see lush tropical forests, bamboo groves, and wildflowers along the way. Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, various bird species, and maybe even a crocodile basking along the riverbanks. This trail is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience a bit of adventure. Just make sure to pack enough water, snacks, and maybe a good book for those cozy evenings by the river. Happy hiking! ⚠️ 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 Ruvubu River 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? Ruvubu River 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 Ruvubu River 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 hit the Ruvubu River Trail, soak in the wild vibe—it’s like nature’s own chill-out zone. The best surprise? Stumbling upon a local fishing village where the people are as warm as the sun. Just a heads-up: the trails can get muddy, so bring sturdy shoes. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every step without slipping into the river! 🫱 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