Trip to Bujumbura, Burundi
John and I took a trip with friends Kate, Nadja and Eddy to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi (one of the countries that borders Rwanda) and had a wonderful time. We hired a Land Cruiser for the trip and took the 6 hour drive down, starting nice and early.
After a 6 hour drive we made it
We were impressed with the beauty of Bujumbura. It sits on Lake Tanganyika which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and has stunning beaches. Although the country is currently not super stable we are sure it is an upcoming holiday destination.
On arrival we set out to find accommodation and found one resort that had a resident chimpanzee – Lulu (or Ruru if you are a local). Lulu chased Kate along the beach while she was checking out the views and then harassed everyone else, kissing my leg and scratching John’s scar. It was hilarious and at the same time pretty scary. We didn’t stay at this resort – not helped by Lulu, but especially because they had no running water! We found a great, cheap hotel to stay in near town and spent the next day on the beach and at a resort on the lake.
Lulu the chimp had a fascination with John's scar
We loved the beach
By the pool
Hiding from the rain
Kate, Nadja and Eddy taking cover from the rain
We were impressed with the food in Bujumbura and had some great fish and good breakfasts too. John and I even had time for a pedicure at the hotel!
We got pedicures
The next day we took a mini-safari in Rusizi Park to see hippos and crocodiles. We saw hippos, but, to my relief, no crocodiles! Gustave is one of the resident crocodiles, 6 metres long, who the rangers have been trying to catch for over a year. he has eaten more than 20 people in the last year! So far he has evaded them. I’m glad we didn’t run into him.
Safari in Rusizi park
John drove us all in the Land Cruiser and loved it
A great trip, with great friends, to a great place. It’s nice to see more of the East Africa region.
On another note we visited the kids, Esther and Joshua, at boarding school a few days ago. It was wonderful to see them and when they saw us they ran to us so fast and threw their arms around us. We are incredibly happy to report that they are doing well at school, are really happy and get three meals a day! We are going to miss those kids when we leave!
May 12th, 2010 at 1:45 am
You are so stinkin lucky to do such cool stuff…and i am so jealous you are going to Jerusalem for the THIRD time. can i hide in your bag!?? Your hubby is so lucky to go back there with you…So does that mean i get to come visit you soon!??
Have tons of fun!