Burundi Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local food, culture, safety tips, and transportation options in Burundi.


Introduction to Burundi

Burundi is a tiny country located in East Africa, bounded by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite its small size, Burundi has a lot to offer visitors, including scenic views, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. The country is home to numerous national parks, nature reserves, and cultural sites, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and history buffs.

List of Places to Visit in Burundi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gitega National Museum: This historical museum is located in Gitega, the country’s former colonial capital. The museum showcases Burundi’s history, culture, and traditions through exhibits of ancient artifacts, crafts, and ethnographic collections.

Rugazi Palace Museum: This ancient palace, located in the Rugazi commune, was built during the reign of King Mwezi Gisabo. The palace is now a museum showcasing Burundi’s royal history, culture, art, and traditions.

Natural Attractions of Burundi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kibira National Park: Located in central Burundi, the Kibira National Park covers an area of 400km² of untouched forest. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including primates, birds, and antelopes.

Source of the Nile: The Nile River, which flows through several African countries, starts in Burundi. The source of the Nile is considered one of the top attractions in the country, with visitors flocking to the site to see where the world’s longest river begins.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burundi

Mount Heha: Standing at an elevation of 2,670 meters, Mount Heha is the highest peak in Burundi. The mountain offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located at the mouth of the Rusizi River and the lake Tanganyika. The reserve offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and bird watching.

Best Things to Do in Burundi: Activities and Tours

Explore Nature: Burundi is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature-lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking in different parks and reserves, and experience the Rwandan culture while visiting cultural sites.

Visit the Source of the Nile: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Burundi is the Source of the Nile. It’s a unique natural wonder worth visiting and exploring while in Burundi.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burundi

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Gitega National Museum
Day 2 Hike in Kibira National Park
Day 3 Explore Source of the Nile
Day 4 Visit Rugazi Palace Museum
Day 5 Hike Mount Heha
Day 6 Tour Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve
Day 7 Relax and enjoy Burundi’s culture in Bujumbura

Food and Drink Scene of Burundi

Must-Try Dishes

Brochettes: This is the national dish of Burundi, which is a skewered meat dish typically made from beef or goat meat. The meat is marinated in a variety of spices and grilled to perfection.

Beans and Plantains: This dish consists of boiled beans and mashed plantains, seasoned with spices and chili peppers.

Local Beverages

Urwagwa: Urwagwa is a traditional Banana Beer that is brewed by the people of Burundi. It’s a popular local beverage and has been part of their cultural heritage for many years.

Lemonade: Burundi is home to a wide range of fruits, including lemons. Burundi’s lemonade is made using fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, and ice, a perfect thirst-quencher during hot weather.

Where to Stay in Burundi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika: This luxury hotel is located in Bujumbura, offering stunning views of Lake Tanganyika. The hotel features modern amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa.

Guesthouse Vesna: This guesthouse is located in the heart of Bujumbura and provides travelers with affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort and convenience.

What to Buy in Burundi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Basketry Products: Burundi is renowned for its traditional basket weaving. Visitors can purchase souvenir baskets, mats, and other woven crafts from local markets.

Coffee: Burundi is famous for its coffee, which is grown in the hilly regions of the country. Visitors can purchase high-quality coffee beans from local coffee farms.

Local Culture and Customs of Burundi

The people of Burundi are hospitable and welcoming. Religion plays a significant role in Burundian culture, with Christianity and Islam being the dominant religions. The Burundian people place a high value on family, and traditional gender roles are often observed, with men being the primary earners, and women involved in childcare and domestic duties.

Best Time to Visit Burundi

The best time to visit Burundi is during the dry season, which falls between June and September. The rainy season, which runs from October to May, can make hiking and other outdoor activities challenging.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burundi

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and villages.
  • Bring mosquito repellent and sunblock.
  • Take your time to learn a few words in Kirundi, the local language, and get to interact with the people.

Don’t:

  • Do not take pictures without permission, especially of women, as it’s considered impolite.
  • Do not bring any illegal drugs or substances into the country.
  • Do not forget to tip your tour guide or driver.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burundi

Burundi has a high poverty rate, which makes it vulnerable to crime. Visitors should take extra care when walking in the streets and stay away from deserted areas, especially at night. Travelers should also avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, which can be violent.

Health in Burundi

Visitors are advised to get vaccinations for typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus before traveling to Burundi. Malaria is a significant health concern in Burundi, and visitors are advised to take anti-malarial medication.

Getting to Burundi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Burundi

The Bujumbura International Airport is the primary airport serving Burundi. The airport is located in Bujumbura and offers direct flights to neighboring countries and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Burundi

Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Burundi. There are several bus stations in the country, including the Bujumbura Bus Station, which serves long-distance destinations.

Other Options

Boats are also used as transportation across Lake Tanganyika, making it a scenic and unique way to travel to different towns and destinations.

How to Get Around in Burundi

Taxis, buses, and local transport such as motorcycles are the most common ways to get around Burundi. Visitors are advised to negotiate the fare before getting into a taxi or taking a motorcycle.

Where to Go Next from Burundi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rwanda: Rwanda is a neighboring country with impressive wildlife and history. Visitors can see the famous gorillas and learn about the history of genocide that occurred in the country in the 1990s.

Tanzania: Tanzania is a neighboring country with vast wildlife reserves, beaches, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Zanzibar archipelago.

Conclusion

Burundi is a hidden gem in Africa, with numerous attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural sites. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Burundi, experience its unique culture and taste its local dishes. With proper planning and precautions, Burundi offers a safe and memorable experience for travelers.

Map of Burundi Map of Burundi Visa policy of Burundi Visa policy of Burundi The road between Burundi Gitega and Bujumbura The road between Burundi Gitega and Bujumbura Bus and Taxi station in Gitega Bus and Taxi station in Gitega Gitega Church Gitega Church The road to Bujumbura The road to Bujumbura School in Gitega, Burundi School in Gitega, Burundi Pineapple market in Burundi Pineapple market in Burundi Rice farm in Burundi Rice farm in Burundi Village road in Burundi Village road in Burundi