After an heavy two-week journey through Cameroon, I made a good decision to continue my African adventure with an (long) overland drive into the Central African Republic (CAR).
Route i travelled coming from Cameroon:
Yaoundé – Bertoua
Bertoua – Yokadouma (drive to the border with the Central African Republic)
Yokadouma – Libongo – Bayanga (CAR)
(continue to the border with the Central African Republic (CAR). This is the deep Southeastern corner of Cameroon, close to the CAR and Congo border. Upon arrival in Libongo, i have crossed the border from Cameroon into CAR. The border is at the Sangha River and also the start of the Dzanga-Sangha National Park. This park is considered one of the best parks in Africa.
My destination: Dzanga-Sangha National Park, a remote sanctuary tucked away in one of the last remaining expanses of untouched rainforest on the continent. This park wasn’t just a stopover — it was the reason for crossing borders, and it delivered an experience like no other.
About Dzanga-Sangha: A Biodiversity Treasure
Nestled in the southwest corner of CAR, Dzanga-Sangha is part of the larger Sangha Trinational Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by CAR, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. Established in 1990 and spanning 6,865 square miles, this region is a global biodiversity hotspot — a living cathedral of trees, sounds, and secrets.
The park shelters an extraordinary array of endangered species, including:
Western lowland gorillas
Forest elephants
Bongo antelopes
Sitatungas, leopards, and countless primates and bird species
What makes Dzanga-Sangha so special is its intimacy with nature. Far from mass tourism, it offers raw, unfiltered wilderness, guided by those who know it best — the Ba’Aka people, indigenous forest dwellers with unmatched knowledge of the land.
Top Experiences & Places to Visit in Dzanga-Sangha
1. Gorilla Tracking
One of the park’s headline experiences is western lowland gorilla trekking — possibly the best in Africa.
Treks are done in small groups with expert trackers.
You can spend up to an hour with habituated gorilla families, observing their feeding, social interactions, and movement.
Unlike some busier parks, here you feel a genuine sense of solitude and connection with the wild.
2. Dzanga Bai – The Elephant Clearing
This natural forest clearing is one of the most remarkable wildlife observation sites in the world.
At any time, dozens of forest elephants emerge from the trees to drink mineral-rich water.
The sight of these smaller, shy elephants mingling with bongos, buffaloes, and birds is simply breathtaking.
Elevated viewing platforms make for excellent photography and peaceful observation without disturbing the animals.
3. Ba’Aka Cultural Immersion
Spending time with the Ba’Aka pygmies is a profound cultural encounter.
Join them on net hunting expeditions, forest foraging, or traditional music sessions.
The Ba’Aka’s ecological knowledge and harmonious relationship with the forest offer a rare and respectful perspective on indigenous life.
4. Monkey & Wildlife Walks
The forest is teeming with life — duikers darting across trails, colorful birds flitting through the canopy, and monkeys like:
De Brazza’s monkey
Red colobus
Crowned guenon
5. River Safaris on the Sangha River
Take a dugout canoe or motorboat down the Sangha River.
Glide through misty backwaters at dawn or sunset.
Look for hippos, crocodiles, and kingfishers — or just enjoy the serene jungle ambiance.
Practical Travel Tips for Dzanga-Sangha
Getting There
Access typically begins from Bayanga, the gateway village to the park.
Overland from Cameroon (via Yokadouma) is the most common route; 4×4 vehicles and experienced local drivers are essential.
Flights are limited — this is truly an off-the-beaten-path destination.
Best Time to Visit
The park has an equatorial climate with consistent rainfall, but travel is possible year-round.
Drier months (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug) offer better road conditions and wildlife visibility at the bais.
Accommodation
what a view
Lodging is rustic but charming, with eco-lodges near the park like:
This trip started back home in Belgium at the Cameroon Embassy in Brussels.
The moment I stepped into the Cameroon Embassy in Brussels, I knew something was not right. The air felt thick—lot’s of people…A way too friendly guy just needed 200€ and he should arrange everything. I handed over my documents, ready to pay the standard fee for my tourist visa. The official, a man with slicked-back hair and a fake-friendly smirk, leaned in, voice low. “It’s going to cost more than you expected,” he said, scribbling an absurd number onto a scrap of paper.My pulse spiked, but I didn’t flinch. I stared him down, my silence cutting sharper than words. He waited, expecting me to fold, to obey.Not a chance.I took my papers and walked out, but I didn’t just leave—I made sure the right people heard about his scheme. I reported everything, every detail, every trick. A week later, I returned, shoulders squared, ready for whatever came next.He was there. But this time? No games, no smirk. Just a stiff nod as he slid my passport across the desk. My visa was stamped, legitimate, no extra fees, no nonsense.I had won. As I stepped outside, breathing in the crisp Brussels air, I knew one thing—he wouldn’t try that again.
Time to start my adventure, my trip though Cameroon. My guide and fixer came to pick me up at the Airport ….the start of two unforgettable weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of Cameroon — often called “Africa in miniature” due to its geographical and cultural diversity. With the support of a private guide and driver, I ventured through everything from lush rainforests and serene beaches to rugged mountains and vibrant cities. What I discovered was a country pulsing with life, a rich mosaic of cultures, history, and landscapes that tell the story of Africa in all its grandeur.
Here are some of the places i have visited:
Yaoundé
My journey began in Yaoundé, a city built across seven hills. Though often overshadowed by Douala, Yaoundé’s leafy boulevards, museums, and colonial-era architecture offer a peaceful introduction to Cameroonian life.
Douala
Douala, with its bustling streets and dynamic energy, is Cameroon’s economic heartbeat.
Kribi – Tropical Paradise by the Sea
Ekom Waterfalls, : A natural spectacle.
Pygmy villages offer cultural insights into Cameroon’s indigenous peoples.
Bafoussam – The capital of the West Region, known for its vibrant markets, rich traditions…
Bandjoun Palace – A historical and cultural gem showcasing the traditions of the Bamileke people, with intricate architecture and royal artifacts.
Foumban Royal Palace & Museum – A deep dive into the Bamoun kingdom’s history, featuring ancient relics, art, and royal treasures.
Bandjoun Market – A bustling marketplace where you can experience local crafts, traditional foods, and the vibrant energy of the region.
Traditional Bamileke Chiefdoms – Explore the rich heritage of the Bamileke people through their impressive chiefdoms and cultural ceremonies.
Cameroon’s Cultural Mosaic
Cameroon is home to over 250 ethnic groups, and this diversity is visible in its languages, attire, music, and festivals. From the Fang and Beti in the south, to the Fulani in the north, each group contributes to a living, breathing cultural landscape.
You’ll hear French and English, the official languages, alongside a patchwork of local dialects. This dual colonial heritage (French and British) is evident in daily life — from signage and cuisine to educational systems.
Conclusion
Cameroon is a country that defies simplistic definitions. It is at once modern and traditional, Francophone and Anglophone, coastal and mountainous. Its welcoming people, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures left a deep impression on me.
For travelers seeking a truly diverse African experience — one that offers beach relaxation, rainforest trekking, cultural depth, and big-game safaris — Cameroon delivers all this and more.
Burundi is one of the smallest countries on the African continent, yet it packs a lot of beautiful scenery into a little area. The nation is organized into 16 provinces that occupy an area of just more than 27837 square kilometers.Burundi’s primary natural features are hippos and birds, green hills and mountains, and Lake Tanganyika the second-oldest freshwater lake in the world, the second-largest by volume, and the second-deepest after Lake Baikal. The country may lack wildlife richness compared with its neighboring Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania but its voice de vivre, beautiful beaches, and green hills make it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and cultural tour experience.
While it is not a prime destination for African wildlife safaris, here’s a list of the best places to visit in Burundi!
Things to do in Burundi
When considering a journey to Burundi realize it is one of the smallest countries you’ll ever come across. Nevertheless, the densely populated communities in Africa are home to around 10 million natives. Since the country is compact, virtually all of it is reachable by its trails.
Tourists can explore the vast selection of geographical details in Burundi including riverbeds, cliffs, and highlands from a distance. Although the leading natural attractions are undervalued, Burundi has the power to grow into a tourist hot spot. Let’s take a peek at some of the finest places to call on in Burundi.
With my tourguide Fabrice
Tour Bujumbura
Known as Buja, it is a bustling city with good food, drink, and nightlife. Bujumbura is the economic and former political capital of Burundi one of the landlocked countries in East Africa. The city is located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, and its population is estimated to be around 800,000 people. It is the largest city in the country and the economic and cultural hub of the country.
The city is the main port for the country and the main trading center for local produce. It also serves as a regional hub for the transportation of goods and services. It is home to the University of Burundi, the largest university in the country. The city also hosts a number of cultural and sporting events, such as the Bujumbura International Cultural Festival, the Bujumbura Marathon, and the Bujumbura International Film Festival.
Relax at the beach of Lake Tanganyika
How about relaxing at the beach of Lake Tanganyika while enjoying a fresh Mukeke? Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the world’s longest freshwater lake, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most well-known attractions. DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia also border the lake, but it’s usually one of the most popular places to visit when in Bujumbura. Some great hotels and resorts are also found here.
Relaxing at the Beach of Lake Tanganyika
The lake has various beach spots where guests may spend the day exploring the restaurants and cafes and soaking up the sun along the shore. But don’t be startled if you come across a hippopotamus sleeping near you in the scorching Burundian sun! These beautiful animals, who are typically non-aggressive, leave the lakes from time to time to relax on the beach.
Karera waterfalls
The Karera Waterfalls, also known as the Chutes de la Karera, is a grouping of four waterfalls in Burundi’s Rutana district. The location is frequently included in Burundi trip packages. The most stunning of the four waterfalls is the one you arrive at first. It is where you may leave your vehicle. Upstream from here comes Nyakai II, the smallest of the four falls and a great site for an impromptu shower.
This stream connects to Mwaro Falls before forming Karera Falls, the area’s namesake, and largest waterfall. They are around 70 meters tall and are one of Burundi’s most magnificent natural beauties.
Gitega Royal Drummers- Songa Mount Hiking – Ancient houses (Architecture)
Burundi Architecture Tour
Since you and your family are taking a journey to Burundi, you can’t leave without visiting the city of Gitega. It’s a tranquil place with particular charm and exquisite appeal. Batimbo are the classical dancers who perform to the echoes of tambourines. The performers have toured Washington, Montreal, Munich, Berlin, and Tokyo just to name a few, as an instrumental part of acclaimed international festivals.
Watch a drum show at Gishora Sanctuary
Drumming is a tradition. Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a well-known drum location in Burundi. It is one of the cultural sites to see when touring Burundi. This is a must-see on any Burundi trip itinerary. You can see a drum display virtually anywhere in Burundi, but Gishora stands out for a good reason: its history. Yes, the Burundi Drum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gishora is located 200 meters on the left side of the Gitega-Ngozi Road, 7 kilometers from Gitega town.
If you don’t get to see this heart-pounding performance, you’ve probably never actually gone to Burundi! Locals and visitors alike may now observe The Royal Drummers of Burundi and experience this UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Booking a guided tour allows you to witness their mesmerizing drumming show lasts an hour and you will learn the story behind the drum. You may take your hand at pounding some beats yourself!
Mugamba: Heha Mount Hiking- Traditional houses- Cattle in traditional Burundi
This country is made of plateau mainly. Mount Heha, set in the Bujumbura Rural province of Burundi, is the loftiest mountain in Burundi and the steepest point in the Burundi Highlands mountain territory. It stretches to the east of Lake Tanganyika approximately 30 km.
Burundi traditional house
The straw-roofed rugo or traditional Burundian thatched houses are enveloped by a fence built with bamboo hedges. This empowers the residents with shelter against the icy weather, specifically at night. These red and kaolin family residences are sprinkled across the region along with African Ankole Longhorn cattle breeds.
Burundi CattleBurundi Traditional Housing
That is the exploitation of local materials in the building. The houses found in this region are quite different from the Burundian traditional dwellings. With modernity, these houses have changed their format. This kind of dwelling resembles much of the constructions met in Ethiopia around Lake Wenchi.
The most interesting part of this dwelling zone is along with the national road no.7, after the urban center of Ijenda. The tourist will find it difficult to choose between taking views either near the road or on the large vista covering all the hills that endlessly stretch out. This route also leads to the source of the Nile, Karera waterfalls, and Nyakazu rift. A guided tour in Burundi usually includes a trip to this amazing region.
Bujumbura Architectural tour – Lake Tanganyika and Fishing opportunities
The journey to Burundi will lead you to Tanganyika’s silky waters. The lake features warm, salt-free water that changes from clear stillness to overflowing waves excellent for surfing. Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world and after Lake Baikal, it ranks as the second deepest.
The waters host more than 350 different species of fish and are well known for aquarium fish exports and excellent angling. Sportfishing is prevalent at the lake and the fisherman returns home with catches such as the goliath tigerfish and Nile perch.
Muramvya: Kibira National Park – Tea plantations- Treaty of Kiganda
Kibira National Park sits northwest of Burundi, and the whole area is only 400 square kilometers. The forest is home to the white colobus monkeys, and it possesses over 250 species of birds covering the turtle dove. This is where you will see amazing tea plantations and a visit to the Teza tea factory makes your day worthwhile on all levels.
Tea plantations- Burundi Tour
Kiganda Royal Grounds
Kiganda is where King Mwezi accepted the invitation to sign a treaty with the Germans in 1903 which marked the beginning of the colonial era. It is not only a historical place of colonization, but also a significant cultural site.
One of the sites is a beautiful park which is a historical sanctuary containing all details about the signing of the Treaty between Germans and King Mwezi Gisabo who was the traditional ruler during that colonial era. The other site is the royal inauguration grounds where the Kings Mutaga Mbikije, Mwezi Gisabo, and many other ancient political kings were inaugurated. Touring this site is an incredible chance for one to enjoy the Burundian ancient royal walk on elegant, well-kept royal grounds.
Burundi tea
As the second cash crop in Burundi, tea brings foreign currencies to the East African community. Burundi Tea Company is exceedingly important to the nation as it generates employment. They formed the first tea plantation in 1963 Burundi has five tea factories in five other territories.
Burundi Coffee Company – Gitega
Burundi’s volcanic soil produces an exceptional environment for growing coffee. Volcanic soil is plentiful in nutrients such as nitrogen. Burundian coffee passes through a special processing technique to make its sweet citrus taste.
