Rusizi National Park

Rusizi National Park is located 15 km north of Bujumbura in Burundi. It is home to Gustave, the infamous man-eating crocodile.

Understand
Gustave isn't the only resident of Rusizi – hippos, sitatunga and a plethora of waterbirds call the park home – but he is by far its most famous. Rumoured to have killed between 200 and 300 people, Gustave has obtained a near-mythical status in the region and is genuinely feared. (Local legend states that he often leaves his victims' corpses uneaten.) Though his exact length and weight are unknown, in 2002 it was reckoned that he could be "easily more than 20 ft" long and weigh more than 2000 lb. His fearsome demeanor is reinforced by one of his more notable characteristics: three bullet scars on his body.

You probably won't meet Gustave on your venture into Rusizi. Past attempts to capture him have failed. But his presence pervades the park. You know that he's out there, somewhere... perhaps watching... waiting...

Get in
It's a 20-minute drive from Bujumbura to the park. You can also arrange a boat tour of the park on the Rusizi River – this is easy to do from Bujumbura. A boat tour should cost around US$100 although you could doubtless negotiate that down.

Get around
You can drive the park. But the boat tour is more enjoyable (if more expensive).

Stay safe
He's waiting.

Go next

 * Back to Bujumbura