After years of internal strife, Burundi is embracing its newfound peace and emerging as a tourism destination to watch. And with good reason - this small East African country is blessed with beautiful lakeside beaches, lush national parks and superb birdlife. Bujumbura is the country’s vibrant capital, featuring Art Deco architecture, fine French-influenced cuisine and pulsating nightlife. While you are there, pop into the Musée Vivant, which features a traditional village and a small collection of local reptiles, fish and birds. To see larger game, head to Rusizi National Park - home to primates, hippos, buck and crocodiles - while sprawling Rurubu National Park is known for its excellent bird-watching. Some of Africa’s best inland beaches can be found along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.