Africa
Green hills, drumming traditions and a lakeshore on Tanganyika.
Burundi is a small, densely farmed country of terraced hills and tea plantations on the edge of Lake Tanganyika. Bujumbura sits on the lake's northern shore, with sandy beaches nearby, while Kibira National Park protects mountain rainforest and chimpanzees. Gishora, near Gitega, keeps alive the royal drumming tradition that has UNESCO recognition, and Rusizi National Park shelters hippos and birdlife close to the capital.
Tourism is modest and facilities are basic, so trips tend to be slow, personal and flexible. Expect brochettes, grilled fish from the lake, beans and plantain, and roads that wind through endless green hills. Some governments advise caution in parts of the country, so check current advice before going. June to August is the main dry season and the best time to visit; December and January bring a shorter dry spell.
June, July, August.