Things to Do in Bujumbura in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Bujumbura
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season means clear lake views - visibility across Lake Tanganyika reaches 15 km (9.3 miles) on most days, perfect for photography and sunset watching at Saga Beach
- Cool evening temperatures of 17°C (63°F) make evening activities comfortable - locals gather at Bujumbura Central Market area after 6pm when daytime heat subsides
- August marks peak fishing season on Lake Tanganyika - fresh ndakala (sardine-like fish) is abundant and cheap, and fishing boat tours operate in calmer morning waters
- Hotel rates are 20-30% lower than December peak season, and international flights from Nairobi/Addis are typically $200-400 cheaper than holiday periods
Considerations
- Afternoon humidity reaches 85% making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - most locals rest indoors between 12pm-3pm
- Harmattan dust from the Sahel region can create hazy conditions 3-4 days per week, affecting mountain views toward Zaire and air quality
- Some lake activities like swimming become less pleasant due to strong afternoon winds that kick up between 2pm-5pm daily
Best Activities in August
Lake Tanganyika Morning Boat Tours
August mornings offer the calmest lake conditions of the year. Waters are typically glass-smooth until 11am, perfect for spotting hippos near Rusizi River delta and visiting fishing villages. The dry season means clear views across the lake to Congo mountains 50 km (31 miles) away. Local fishermen are most active at dawn, providing authentic cultural experiences.
Kibira National Park Day Hikes
August's dry weather makes forest trails accessible and less muddy. Temperatures in the montane forest stay cool at 18-22°C (64-72°F) even during midday. This is prime season for chimpanzee tracking - dry conditions mean less dense vegetation and clearer animal sounds. The park is 45 km (28 miles) from Bujumbura with good road access in dry season.
Bujumbura Cultural Walking Tours
August's cooler evenings (post-5pm) are perfect for exploring Bujumbura's neighborhoods. The dry season means dusty but walkable streets, and locals are more active outdoors during comfortable evening temperatures. Independence Avenue and surrounding areas come alive with street vendors, traditional music, and evening markets that tourists rarely experience.
Traditional Drumming Experience Workshops
August coincides with preparation season for various cultural celebrations later in the year. Drum groups practice intensively, and tourists can join authentic workshops rather than tourist shows. The dry weather means outdoor practice sessions at cultural centers like Maison de la Culture. These 2-3 hour workshops teach traditional Burundian rhythms and include dance elements.
Source of the Nile Discovery Tours
August's low water levels make the southernmost source of the Nile more accessible by vehicle. The 65 km (40 mile) journey from Bujumbura to Rutovu is easiest during dry season with better road conditions. The site itself is more impressive when water levels are lower, showing the actual spring source more clearly. Combine with visits to nearby tea plantations at higher elevations where temperatures are pleasantly cool.
Rusizi River Delta Wildlife Watching
August's dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources. The delta, 12 km (7.5 miles) north of Bujumbura, offers excellent bird watching with over 200 species. Hippos are easier to spot as they stay closer to deeper water channels. Early morning (6am-9am) provides the best wildlife activity before temperatures rise and animals seek shade.
August Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
July 1st celebrations often extend into early August with cultural performances, traditional dancing, and local food festivals throughout the first week. Street celebrations focus around Independence Avenue and central Bujumbura with authentic local participation rather than tourist-focused events.