Rusizi National Park National Park

Rusizi National Park protects riverine and wetland habitats at the mouth of the Rusizi (Ruzizi) River where it enters Lake Tanganyika, in western Burundi near Bujumbura.

The park’s marshes, floodplain channels and lagoons provide habitat for hippos, crocodiles and a rich assemblage of waterbirds, and it is used for small-scale fishing and local recreation.

The protected area was established to conserve the wetland ecosystem and the species that depend on the Rusizi River corridor.

The park lies on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika close to the city of Bujumbura and the international border zone adjacent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Wildlife viewing: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to observe hippos and waterbirds along river channels and marshes within the park.

• Book a guided boat or river trip from Bujumbura to the Rusizi river mouth for the best chance to see hippos and waterbirds-early morning or late afternoon are the most active wildlife periods.
• Confirm current opening hours and any permit requirements with park authorities in Bujumbura before you go; services and guided‑boat operators are limited and often arranged through local tour desks.