Exploring the Natural Beauty and Culture of Burundi
Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the charm of Burundi. Lapped by the clear waters of grand Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world, and blessed with lush mountainous jungles to the north and rolling green hills to the east, the only land below 3,000 feet (915m) in the country is a narrow strip of plain along the Ruzizi River.
A wealth of sights is on offer, from the thermal waterfalls in the Mugara Reserve and the southern source of the Nile at Rutovu to Kibira National Park, where chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and crested mangabeys dash through dense foliage. And even though coffee is the country’s largest export, it is the vast tea plantations of Teza and Rwegura that will capture the visitor’s imagination.
Burundi has had a turbulent history. A 12-year civil war between the Hutus and Tutsis, mirroring the violent genocide in neighbouring Rwanda, broke out in the early 1990s after tension between the dominant Tutsi minority and Hutu majority flared up, demoralising the people and weakening the country’s infrastructure. A ceasefire agreement and free and fair elections were conducted in 2005, resulting in watchful peace and a new democratic government.
Although undeveloped and in bad repair, the capital Bujumbura offers a friendly and cosmopolitan ambience. Charming art deco buildings from the colonial times line the streets as well as restaurants serving Belgian, Asian, and Burundi cuisine, and the local Primus beer. For colourful markets, leather, ceramics, ivory, and woodcarvings, visitors should follow the road to Gitega, Burundi’s second largest city, where the National Museum of Gitega can also be found.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French, English and Kirundi are the official languages and Swahili is widely spoken along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area.
- Passport/Visa:
All travellers require a visa but, for some nationalities, a visa will be issued upon arrival in Bujumbura, and will be valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. The visa will only be given if travellers carry with them an “Entry Authorisation” letter issued by the authorities of Burundi before departure. Return or onward tickets, all documents required for next destination, and sufficient proof of funds are recommended. It’s also recommend that passports be valid for six months after the intended period of travel.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Travellers should take US dollars dated post-2006, as most outlets and individuals will not accept or exchange older currency. Establishments will also exchange Euros. There is a shortage of foreign exchange currencies in Burundi; currency exchange can be conducted at a main bank in Bujumbura or Gitega. A few ATMs in Bujumbura accept foreign Visa cards but, outside of the city, travellers should carry all they need in cash. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some places, though rarely outside the capital.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two pin attachment plugs and round pin plugs with receptacle or male grounding pin are standard.
Overview
Burundi has so much to offer with regard to sights and activities, and the attitudes of the wonderful people who visitors are sure to meet. Blessed with a wide range of beautiful landscapes that offer amazing views and attractions, the destination is also home to a truly amazing culture and history, which add to its rich diversity.
Travellers can explore a traditional way of life in a tiny Busekera village, and learn about its farming community. In the legendary hills of this African country, they will encounter evidence of ancient kingdoms such as Kiganda, where they can explore a Burundian Heritage Site that has two traditional royal grounds. Distributed throughout the small destination, beautiful waterfalls such as Kagera Falls are also not to be missed. Visitors can head to the beaches of the famous Lake Tanganyika and enjoy an African sunset like no other.
Climate in Burundi
Burundi enjoys a warm equatorial climate. Temperatures vary with altitude and season. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures ranging between 66°F (19°C) and 88°F (31°C). Winters are only slightly cooler with temperatures ranging between 63°F (17°C) and 82°F (28°C). Rainfall is irregular, falling mainly in the northwest with rainstorms common at higher altitudes. The rainy season occurs from March to May and September to December. Dry seasons vary in length but are usually from June to August and January to March. The best time to travel to Burundi is in the cooler season, between June and August, to avoid the worst of the hot temperatures, but any time of the year will ensure good weather.
Health Notes when travelling to Burundi
Cases of cholera have been confirmed in Burundi. Travellers should take prescription medicine to prevent malaria before visiting, and talk to a doctor about which malaria medication they should use. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those who are coming from an infected area or visiting any area outside of the main cities. Travellers should be wary of kiosk foods and drink only bottled or boiled water. Burundi’s medical facilities are very basic, meaning travellers should ensure they have travel insurance covering evacuation by air ambulance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Burundi
Travellers should consult the nearest Burundi embassy regarding the security situation before visiting the destination. Travel to the rural border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo should be avoided as cross border fighting by armed guerrillas occurs sporadically. Foreigner offices advise against all travel to Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces because of continued armed attacks. Most travellers to Burundi tend to gravitate toward Bujumbura and therefore should be more concerned with threats such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, armed robbery, and petty crime. Locals should be consulted about the presence of crocodiles and hippopotamuses along the border of the lake. Travellers should also exercise caution after dark, avoid walking alone, and be aware of any curfew laws.
Customs in Burundi
Respect for elders is practiced with conviction in Burundi and travellers should adopt a similar philosophy when interacting with locals. It’s important for visitors to remain patient in Burundi, and never to lose their temper in a confrontational way. Foreigners should avoid asking locals questions about ethnicity (Hutus and Tutsis), regionalism, sexuality, religion or politics. There are severe penalties for drug offences; homosexual acts have been criminalised since 2009.
Duty Free in Burundi
Travellers are allowed to import 250 grams of tobacco products, and one litre of alcohol. The import of foreign currencies is limited to $10, 000.
Doing Business in Burundi
Lightweight suits should be worn to formal meetings in the business world, which are usually conducted in French. An interpreter should be organised beforehand. Handshakes are important in Burundi and formal meetings often include food and drink, which is considered rude to turn down. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 5.30pm. During the hotter months, a longer lunch break is taken.
Communication in Burundi
The international dialling code for Burundi is +257. There is mobile phone coverage and some hotels in Bujumbura offer free WiFi. There is internet coverage across the country but it leaves a lot to be desired.
Tipping in Burundi
A 10 percent tip at a restaurant is customary. Porters should also be tipped a few dollars.
Passport/Visa Note
All travellers require a visa but, for some nationalities, a visa will be issued upon arrival in Bujumbura, and will be valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. The visa will only be given if travellers carry with them an “Entry Authorisation” letter issued by the authorities of Burundi before departure. Return or onward tickets, all documents required for next destination, and sufficient proof of funds are recommended. It’s also recommend that passports be valid for six months after the intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a valid passport and visa.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians require a valid passport and visa.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a valid passport and visa.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians require a valid passport and visa.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport and visa.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and visa.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a valid passport and visa.
Tourist Offices
Burundi National Tourism Office, Bujumbura: +257 22 2023.
Burundi Embassies
- In the United States:
Burundi Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 342 2574.
- In Canada:
Burundi Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 9000.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Burundi, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 930 4958
- In South Africa:
Burundi Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 4881.
Foreign Embassies in Burundi
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Bujumbura: +257 22 20 7000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Burundi): +254 20 366 3000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy Liaison Office, Bujumbura: +257 22 246 478.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Burundi): +254 20 444 5034-9.
- Irish Embassy
Embassy of Ireland, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania (also responsible for Burundi): +255 22 2602 355.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Bujumbura: +257 22 24 82 21
Currency Converter
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
