Kibira National Park

Welcome to the lush and captivating Kibira National Park, a hidden gem nestled in the northwestern part of Burundi. This park covers an impressive 400 square kilometers, overlapping four provinces and extending from the provincial town of Muramvya all the way to the border of Rwanda, where it connects with the Nyungwe National Park.One of the park’s most significant features is its montane rainforest, which makes up around 16% of the park and is the only montane forest in all of Burundi. As you explore the park, you’ll come across an array of dominant tree species such as Symphonia globulifera, Newtonia buchananii, Albizia gummifera, and Entandrophragma excelsum. You’ll also encounter areas of bamboo stands and montane bog, creating a diverse and unique landscape.The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 98 mammal species and over 200 bird species, including the great blue turaco, mountain buzzard, white-spotted flufftail, grey parrot, bar-tailed trogon, and black-and-white-casqued hornbill. You may even be lucky enough to spot some of the park’s primate species, including chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys.The Kibira National Park holds significant cultural importance as well. Until 1933, it was a hunting reserve of the kings of Burundi, and the forest was respected and revered by the local people for its magical power. Today, the park is managed by the Institut National pour l’Environnement et la Conservation de la Nature (INECN), which works tirelessly to preserve this stunning natural wonder.As you traverse the park, it’s essential to keep in mind the various pressures it faces, such as felling of trees and bamboo, poaching, and encroaching subsistence agriculture. Despite these challenges, the park remains a vital source of water for the country, accounting for over three-quarters of the water that goes into Burundi’s largest dam, which generates half of the country’s hydroelectric energy.Overall, Kibira National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of this unique African landscape.