Cultural Tourism
Sacred Drum of Gishora
Gishora is one of the most famous percussion sites in Burundi. Gishora is perched on top of a hill 7 km from the urban center of Gitega. To relive the cultural tradition of Burundi, one can visit the Gishora percussion sanctuary. The site recreates an architectural complex of a royal palace, rarely found elsewhere in the country. One can attend performances by percussionists there
The Intore Warriors, Kirundo
The warriors of the Umwami (King) of ancient Burundi did not always have the same name; those of the first army installed in the country to defend the king against internal rebellions or external attacks were called ‘Intore’. Others were called ‘Ibirima’, ‘Amasuka’, ‘Abadasigana’, etc. according to the symbolic representation of the warriors’ valour or audacity. The ‘Intore’ dancers preserved this military parade formerly performed by the royal warriors, returning from the battlefield, to express their bravery before a delighted population who awaited them, in the presence of the King. Dressed in leopard skins, wearing a sort of long sisal wig on his head, a necklace of bells on his ankles, a collar (made of ivory), holding a spear in his right hand and an object that served as a shield in his left hand, the dancer performed graceful movements to the rhythm of the sound of the antelope horn, whistles and drums, in a deafening din specific to warlike terror. The movement of the dance constantly changes according to the content of the poem proclaimed by the chief who organizes the show. Today, this performance is performed during official ceremonies of the nation, as for other groups of dancers. It should be noted, however, that three male dances (Tambours, Agasimbo and Intore), which have retained an official mark based on ancient royalty, are today presented as shows during official events. This historic dance is one of the attractions of the lakes in the north of the country, near the capital of Kirundo.
Acrobatic dancers Agasimbo, Makamba
The ‘Agasimbo’ dance is unique to this region of southern Burundi. Like most male dances in Burundi, the ‘Agasimbo’ dance is performed with great skill to demonstrate the talent, flexibility, beauty and physical strength of the dancers. It is an entertainment show undertaken simply for the pleasure and joy of living of the inhabitants of this region of Buragane, but also to amuse people in the evenings, especially during good harvest times in this fertile region of the country.
Tourist and cultural village of Rubumba
The successor of a king was enthroned according to a well-known ritual. After the death of the king, while the ritual staff “Biru” took care of the body, all the crown staff and princes, went to Mwihangarizo, where mourning was observed for three months until the enthronement of the new monarch. The place was the starting point of the investiture procession. The atmosphere was very festive, enhanced by the spectacular playing of Gishora drums, praise poetry and the exhibition of different dances. It was a very important day during which all the kings participated in certain pre-established rites, including the planting of sacred and venerated trees and groves, a living symbol of the permanence and durability of the Burundian monarchy and its sacred character. The sacred groves of Ntare Rugamba, Mwezi Gisabo, Mutaga Mbikije, Mwambutsa Bangiricenge and the last of the kings of Burundi Ntare Ndizeye are still remarkable sites to see at the top of Mount Rubumba.
Community tourism
Burundi is one of the few African countries whose ancestral way of life has stood the test of time and remained as authentic as it was in the 19th century when the first settlers discovered the country. The last traditional huts in the Mugamba region are a testament to the uniqueness of Burundian local communities. By visiting this part of the country, a tourist can easily see how well organized and authentic community life was under the Burundian monarchy. Community-based tourism is today one of Burundi’s unique assets. Combined with the hospitality and friendliness of the Burundian people, their distinctive cultural heritage and the diversity of traditional dances and music, the country has much to offer the tourist.