Hi,
I am currently living in Bujumbura, Burundi, and I am trying to travel a bit through East Africa cheaply... I was thinking about taking buses to different cities. Does anyone have advice on how I could get from Bujumbura to Nairobi, either by way of Tanzania or through Rwanda/Uganda? Any cities recommended in particular? Thanks!
Reply to this The route via Rwanda/Uganda might be the best one - mainly since you are travelling between capital cities. I am sure that buses travel between Bujumbura and Kigali, and know that the frequently go between Kigali and Kampala - however there have been on a few accidents along this latter route. From Kampala there are plenty of buses heading to Nairobi, but it is a long way.
If you go this way, you are able to possibly head to the gorilla in Rwanda or Uganda, but it is not cheap. There are plenty of genocide memorials in Rwanda if that is your thing - and the most graphic is at Murambi, which is near the Burundi border. My experience in Uganda is limited, but between the Kampala and the Kenyan border is Jinka and there are plenty of adventure type activities there. When in Kenya, you'll head straight past Lake Nakuru, which is worth a look if you wish a safari.
The other way via Tanzania will take you through the north of the country, and unless you intend to stop at the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater for some spectacular wildlife spotting, it probably isn't worth taking this route.
[Edited: 2012 Jan 20 20:45 - The Travel Camel:11053 ]
Reply to this Thanks!
I lived in Rwanda a few years ago, so I'm not super keen on spending a ton of time there, since I've seen most of the genocide memorials and the gorillas. I haven't been to Uganda or Kenya, though, and I haven't been to Tanzania. It's good to know about the different routes. Have you been to Ngorongoro Crater? I've heard good things about it from people here.
Reply to this Ngorongoro is wonderful, not only is there great wildlife but the scenery is the best of any park I've visited. You should also consider the Serengeti, I've been to the Mara on the other side of the border in Kenya, and the amount of wildlife at the correct time of year is astonishing.
Reply to this Agree with Travel Camel. Ive done both routes you mention. I would go Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya since it offers more opportunities. As you head through Uganda (buses are regular, running all the way from Burundi) you can check out Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi N.P, Queens N.P, Murchison Falls, Source Of The Nile, Go on Safari and do adrenaline activities in Jinja. From Jinja get the bus to Lake Nakuru (7hrs If I remember correctly) and go to Hells Gate N.P, go on a do it yourself Safari by bicycle!. Back in Rwanda, you could hop across the boarder into DRC and check out Nyirogongo Volcano which is the largest Lava Lake in the world - its spectacular. If you need help with DRC, drop me a message and I will tell you how!
Down in Tanz, as for Ngorongoro, its a bit of a zoo. Hundreds of 4x4 safari trucks in a very small space inside a creator. You get to see lots of animals with a nice backdrop in a small space of time, but the likes of Serengeti or Ruaha N.P are much better and offer a more authentic safari experience. The best part of the Serengeti is the far northern region along the Mara river. From your starting point If it was my choice, I would follow Lake Victoria around in a clockwise route from Burundi all the way around to Tanz. Enjoy!!!!
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