Let’s be real… leaving my corporate engineering job for a year of travel was a nerve-wrecking leap into the unknown. But so far? No regrets. We kicked off our African adventure right in the Heart of Africa *Burundi* before starting our 4 day tour to visit the primates of Rwanda-Uganda. From the Royal Drummers of Gishora to the Intore warriors, rolling green hills to the mighty Karera Waterfall, it was a whirlwind start. We even traced the southernmost source of the Nile and visited the Batwa community, all thanks to Charles from Burundi Discovery Tours.
Here’s what Week One on the road looked like… unforgettable already.
Kicking off – the Heart of Africa, Burundi
Burundi, a country often overlooked by travelers, offered a rich tapestry of cultural and natural wonders. From the vibrant energy of the Royal Drummers to the serene beauty of its landscapes, Burundi was an unforgettable start to our journey. I’ve written up a Travel Guide to Burundi so give it a read if it’s somewhere you’d love to see for yourselves!
The Reason for Visiting Burundi: Royal Drummers
Prior to visiting, I didn’t know much about Burundi but I did know about the UNESCO protected Royal Drummers of Gishora. And for us, that was a compelling enough reason to visit this fascinating country. Their powerful rhythms and energetic performances are deeply rooted in Burundian culture, offering a glimpse into its rich heritage.
Witnessing a performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. My heart was palpitating along with the rhythm of the drums. The drummers exuded a contagious energy that reverberated through the audience. All the village came to watch and everyone in a shared moment of cultural appreciation.
These drummers are more than entertainers; they’re custodians of history, passing down traditions through generations. Their performances are a testament to the enduring spirit of the Burundian people. For me, it was a reminder of the beauty that lies in preserving cultural traditions amidst modernization.
Visiting the drummers was a highlight, setting the tone for our Burundi travel experiences. It exemplified the country’s vibrant culture and the deep pride its people take in their heritage.
Exploring Burundi’s Natural Wonders
This is why I love travelling. Prior to visiting, I didn’t know Burundi was covered in rolling hills of greenery and had some amazing natural wonders. As the main export of the country is tea and coffee, you can definitely see this in its landscape. Tea plantations and woods as far as the eye could see. The 5 waterfalls of Karera, was a breathtaking sight and almost unexpected. Let’s also not forget the many lakes and national parks within the country. Memorable enough for me as it was where I had see my very first kingfisher!
The source of the Nile, a significant historical and geographical site, was another highlight. Standing at the southernmost origin of one of the world’s longest rivers was mind blowing. I had visited the Nile years ago but never would I have thought I would be standing at one of its sources.
Immersing in the Cultural Side of Burundi
Our journey in Burundi wasn’t just about seeing sights but also about immersing ourselves in its cultural tapestry. The Batwa community, one of the country’s indigenous groups, welcomed us with open arms, song and dance. The Batwa have a rich cultural heritage, though they’ve faced challenges in modern society. Their resilience and determination were inspiring. We participated in their traditional dances. It was a humbling experience to be part of their world, even if only for a brief moment.
@thetravellingsloth WHAT A HONOR! This Intore warrior dance is usually reserved for men and warriors only SO you can IMAGINE MY SHOCK AND GRATITUDE that one of the locals asked me to join him. I am so grateful for these types of opportunities as it is something not everyone gets to witness or participate in. #intore #warriors #visitburundi #burunditiktok🇧🇮 #traveltiktok #thisisafrica #experiencesoverthings #backpackinglife #burundionthemap @Burundi On The Map @Visit_burundi.af ♬ original sound – MOTORSPORT FILES
We were also immersed with the dance from the Intore Warriors. It was impressive seeing how each of their movement communicated a story of what happened on the battle field. Our guide Charles also explained what each part of their traditional regalia signified. However, the biggest honor was when they invited me to participate in a small part of their performance – which is something women are not allowed to be a part of as it is reserved for men and warriors. So it was a deeply moving experience to share this with them.
With the guidance of Charles from Burundi Discovery Tours, we gained insights into the country’s past and its path forward.
Rwanda and Uganda’s Primate Tour
While we had left Burundi after 5 days, our journey didn’t end there. We continued onto Rwanda/Uganda with a focus on primate encounters. These countries, known for their rich biodiversity, offered incredible opportunities to witness Golden Monkeys and Gorillas in their natural habitats. Unfortunately, both primates are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Changes in the Itinerary
Travelling in Africa, you definitely need to be flexible with your itinerary. Our itinerary was no exception. Back in October 2024, we had organised to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo to see lowland gorillas. However, over the last many months, circumstances had changed and there was some safety concerns so we had to pivot.
@thetravellingsloth Travel doesn’t always go to plan…. and that’s okay. We were meant to cross into the DRC to see the rare lowland gorillas, but due to the current situation, it was no longer safe to continue as planned. So we pivoted. Instead, we trekked through the misty mountains of Rwanda to spend time with golden monkeys and then over to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the majestic mountain gorillas… it was honestly, it was magical. Travel isn’t always perfect. Sometimes you have to change routes, reset expectations, and let the journey surprise you. Save this for your future trip planning and tag someone you’d hike through the jungle with. ——————————————— 🦥 I’m Caroline! I left my engineering job to travel the world with my husband and document the beauty of wildlife and off-the-beaten-track adventures. Follow along for real stories, rare animals, and travel inspiration. . . . . . #rwandatiktok #wildlifephotography #wildlife #traveltiktok #thisisafrica #careertok #girlslovetravel #gapyear #visitrwanda #rwanda🇷🇼 ♬ original sound – thetravellingsloth
The decision to change our itinerary wasn’t taken lightly. Visas were already in order, the tour was set and gorillas permits purchased by the company. We had waited until a week before leaving to observe the situation on the ground. It was something we were looking forward to – visiting Bukavu and Kabegi Biezi National Park. But our safety was more important and the borders were shut for foreigners. Instead, the tour company suggested on a alternative itinerary focused on another tour available in Rwanda and Uganda, which promised equally rewarding experiences.
The world is unpredictable, and embracing the unknown is part of the adventure. We were committed to finding joy in the alternatives, knowing that new experiences awaited us. 😉
Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda was our first stop. It feels straight out of a nature documentary – and to be fair, if you’ve watched any gorilla docos, it was probably set here! Most people come here for the gorillas (and fair enough, it’s one of the best places in the world to see them), but with the permits priced almost double what they are in Uganda, we decided to take the road less travelled and go for the Golden Monkey trek instead. To be honest, before this, I didn’t even know they existed!
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Mountains. As their namesake, they have these striking golden fur. They’re also obsessed with bamboo/bamboo shoots so naturally, that’s where we went looking. The trek itself was quite relaxed compared to other mountain hikes. It took us around 45 minutes from the trailhead to reach the edge of the bamboo forest, through some farmland. And then, there they were… leaping from tree to tree!
There’s something magical about watching wildlife when they don’t care that you’re there. These monkeys were busy leaping from tree to tree, chomping on bamboo shoots, totally unbothered by us. We were allowed about an hour with them, which flew by in a blink. It’s always humbling to see animals thriving in their natural habitat, and moments like these remind me why conservation matters.
The golden monkeys might not be as famous as their gorilla cousins, but they absolutely deserve their own spotlight. I mean look at them, how adorable!!!
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda
Next, we border crossed to Uganda to continue our adventure. We would be gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The trek started off nice and easy … almost deceptively so. A gentle stroll. And then… reality hit. Once we had met up with the trackers, it was time to go off the path to get to where the gorilla family was located. Things escalated quickly. We were ducking under branches, sliding down muddy slopes, scrambling up again, all while trying to keep up because the gorillas don’t exactly wait around for you. They kept moving, which meant so did we. And the forest doesn’t believe in paths.
When we finally encountered a gorilla family, the moment was surreal. Face to face with a gorilla family, just living their best life – Munching leaves, giving zero attention to us. There’s something in their eyes that feels familiar, and being in their presence… I don’t know how to explain it. It was grounding.
Our hour with the gorillas flew by, but it left a mark. Bwindi reminded us that travel isn’t always about ticking boxes. Sometimes it’s about feeling small in the best way possible.
Navigating Travel Challenges
Traveling the world (especially through Africa) comes with its fair share of curveballs. While Week One was relatively smooth (aside from having to scrap our DRC plans), we quickly learned that flexibility is everything on a gap year.
When our visit to Bukavu fell through, we worked with our tour company to pivot fast. Instead of focusing on what we missed, we leaned into what was next. Owen had already seen the mountain gorillas in Rwanda years ago, but this time we opted for the Ugandan side. Adaptability isn’t just about rerouting—it’s a mindset shift. That mindset came in handy again when we ended up staying in the same hotel as an African head of state in Burundi. Cue: sudden changes and some fast thinking from Charles at Burundi Discovery Tours. TIA (This Is Africa), right?
Crossing Borders
Border crossings were another adventure of their own. The direct Burundi-Rwanda border was closed. This was something we knew ahead of time, so we planned around it. That detour ended up being useful since we got a sneak peek at the Rwanda/Uganda border crossing we’d be doing ourselves a few days later.
Planning ahead with visa requirements definitely helped! We applied for eVisas wherever possible and budgeted in advance. We kept things smooth by staying positive, informed, and flexible. And it worked.
Reflecting on Week One
Week One was a crash course in embracing the unexpected, staying open-minded, and appreciating the richness of cultural immersion. We quickly learned that travel is about so much more than ticking off sights. It’s about connecting with people and staying curious. Some of our best moments weren’t even on the itinerary, and that’s something we’ll carry with us as we continue (especially once we start overlanding Southern Africa… boy oh boy, get ready for chaos and stories).
Capturing Memories
As a visual person, photography helps me remember moments—but capturing respectfully is a big deal to me. I try to avoid photographing individuals (especially children) unless it’s welcomed. I’m definitely behind on documenting everything, but the photos and videos help jog our memories. We’re sharing what we can on social media, but often with a delay… for privacy, security, and, honestly, peace of mind.
Looking Ahead
With one week down, we’re more excited than ever for what’s to come. Each destination will bring new challenges and discoveries, and we’re ready for it. If Week One was any indication, we’re in for quite the ride. Thanks for being here 🙂 we hope you stick around for the next chapter of Gap Year Diaries.
The best stories are still ahead.
Leave a Reply