Burundi in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Burundi

24°C (75°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with cool mornings (15°C/59°F) and comfortable afternoons - ideal for trekking Kibira National Park's 40,000-hectare rainforest without the oppressive heat of other months
Dry season advantage means wildlife congregates around water sources at Ruvubu National Park, making hippo and crocodile spotting 70% more successful than rainy months
Coffee harvest season peaks in August - plantations across Kayanza and Ngozi provinces offer fresh roasting demonstrations and you can buy beans directly from farmers at 30-40% below Bujumbura prices
this destination reaches its clearest visibility (15-20m/49-66ft) due to reduced rainfall, making it prime time for snorkeling and fishing - water temperature holds steady at 24°C (75°F)

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 25-35% above June-July rates, and popular lakefront guesthouses in Bujumbura book solid 3-4 weeks ahead
Strong southeastern winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) across this destination can make boat trips choppy and cancel smaller watercraft excursions 2-3 days per week
Evening temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) which catches many travelers off-guard - you'll need warm layers for early morning game drives and highland areas above 1,800m (5,905ft)

Best Activities in August

Lake Tanganyika Beach and Water Sports

August offers the lake's calmest morning conditions (before 10am) and clearest water visibility. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing expeditions. The lake maintains a comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperature while afternoon winds create ideal conditions for local sailing. Local fishermen return with the day's catch around 7am - join them for fresh tilapia preparation sessions.

Booking Tip: Book boat excursions through established operators in Bujumbura's this destination area. Half-day trips typically cost $25-40 USD per person. Book 5-7 days ahead as morning slots (6am-10am) fill quickly. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Kibira National Park Rainforest Trekking

Cool August mornings (15°C/59°F) make this the ideal month for multi-hour hikes through Central Africa's largest montane rainforest. Chimpanzee activity peaks in early morning hours when temperatures are comfortable for both primates and hikers. The 40,000-hectare park offers 15+ trail options from 2-8 hours, with August's reduced rainfall meaning fewer muddy sections.

Booking Tip: Arrange guides through Kibira park headquarters in Teza - guided treks cost $15-25 USD per day including park fees. Book 7-10 days ahead for August visits. Multi-day camping treks require 2+ weeks advance booking. Essential to use certified guides for chimp tracking permits. Check current availability in booking section below.

Coffee Plantation Tours and Harvesting

August marks peak coffee harvest across Burundi's highland regions. Join farmers in Kayanza and Ngozi provinces for hands-on picking, processing, and roasting experiences. Morning temperatures (15-18°C/59-64°F) are perfect for walking plantation rows. You'll learn Burundi's unique washing station process and can purchase beans at farm-gate prices ($3-4 per kg vs $8-12 in Bujumbura markets).

Booking Tip: Contact cooperatives directly through Bujumbura's coffee association office or arrange through highland guesthouses. Full-day experiences cost $20-35 USD including transport from Bujumbura (2.5-hour drive each way). Book 10-14 days ahead during harvest season. Tours include traditional lunch with farming families. See current plantation tour options in booking section below.

Ruvubu National Park Wildlife Safari

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, making August optimal for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. Early morning game drives (6am start) take advantage of cool temperatures and active wildlife. The park's 508 square kilometers become more accessible as seasonal roads dry out from July rains.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators in Gitega or arrange at park headquarters in Ruyigi. Day safaris cost $40-60 USD per person including 4WD transport and guide. Multi-day camping safaris available for $80-120 per person per day. Book 2+ weeks ahead for August - only 3-4 operators have proper park permits. Check availability in booking section below.

Traditional Drumming and Cultural Performances

August's comfortable evening temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) make outdoor cultural performances enjoyable. Local communities across Gitega and Muramvya provinces host traditional Intore drumming sessions. The cool weather allows for energetic dancing and extended performances that would be uncomfortable in hotter months.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers in Gitega or contact community groups directly through guesthouses. Evening performances cost $10-20 USD per person including dinner. Some locations offer hands-on drumming lessons. Book 3-5 days ahead - Saturday evening shows are most popular. Current cultural tour options available in booking section below.

Source of the Nile Expeditions

August's reduced rainfall creates optimal conditions for reaching the Nile's southernmost source in Rutovu, Bururi province. River levels are manageable for hiking to the actual spring source, and cooler temperatures (20-22°C/68-72°F at 2,000m elevation) make the challenging terrain more comfortable. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions of this historic landmark.

Booking Tip: Organize through Bururi province guides or Bujumbura tour operators. Full-day expeditions cost $35-50 USD including 4WD transport (3+ hour drive from Bujumbura) and local guide. Moderate fitness required for final 1.5km hike to source. Book 7-10 days ahead - road conditions vary. See current Nile source tours in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August

Coffee Harvest Festival

Regional celebrations across Kayanza and Ngozi provinces featuring traditional music, coffee cupping competitions, and farm-to-cup demonstrations. Local cooperatives host community gatherings where visitors can participate in cherry picking and learn traditional processing methods.

Throughout August

Dry Season Fishing Competitions

Local fishing communities on this destination organize traditional competitions using wooden boats and handmade nets. Visitors can observe techniques passed down for generations and sample fresh-caught tilapia prepared in traditional banana leaves.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Fleece jacket or warm sweater - morning temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) and highland areas above 1,800m (5,905ft) feel even colder

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month, typically lasting 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at Burundi's 1,500-2,000m (4,921-6,562ft) elevation despite moderate temperatures

Sturdy hiking boots with good tread - essential for Kibira's muddy rainforest trails and rocky this destination shorelines

Quick-dry pants and long sleeves - protect against mosquitoes during 70% humidity evenings while allowing comfort during 24°C (75°F) afternoons

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - malaria-carrying mosquitoes remain active despite cooler temperatures

Headlamp or flashlight - power outages common in rural areas and early morning wildlife activities start before sunrise

Water purification tablets - tap water safety varies outside Bujumbura, and bottled water costs $1-2 USD in remote areas

Cash in USD and Burundian Francs - ATMs unreliable outside Bujumbura, and coffee farmers prefer cash transactions

Waterproof daypack - protects electronics and documents during unexpected showers and lake activities

Insider Knowledge

Book guesthouses by mid-July - August is peak season when European and East African visitors arrive for school holidays, driving accommodation prices up 25-35%

Start outdoor activities by 7am to avoid afternoon winds on this destination - local fishermen return by 8am for this reason and boat operators often suspend services after 2pm due to choppy conditions

Buy coffee directly from washing stations in Kayanza province during August harvest - you'll pay $3-4 per kg versus $8-12 in Bujumbura markets, and farmers appreciate cash sales during harvest season

Pack layers for elevation changes - Bujumbura at 800m (2,625ft) feels warm at 24°C (75°F) while Kibira National Park at 2,000m (6,562ft) requires jackets even during midday

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cool mornings get - many visitors pack only for warm weather and shiver through early morning game drives and highland excursions when temperatures hit 15°C (59°F)

Booking same-day boat trips on this destination - August winds pick up after 10am making afternoon trips choppy and uncomfortable, but tourists don't realize morning slots book out 3-5 days ahead

Expecting to buy quality coffee in Bujumbura - the best beans get exported, so tourists overpay for mediocre coffee in the capital instead of visiting highland cooperatives where harvest happens