Introducing Burundi
About Burundi
For all its wondrous landscapes (think undulating mountain ranges, dense rainforests and shimmering lakes), travellers are advised to steer clear of Burundi right now – the scenery might be beautiful, but the political situation is decidedly ugly.
Civil unrest, an abortive military coup and controversial elections have dominated the headlines in Burundi recently, which is a great shame given what this country has to offer.
The vibrant if tumultuous capital, Bujumbura, has a prime location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and just outside the city are some of the best inland beaches in Africa, plus a number of idyllic beachfront bars and resorts.
The city itself has some interesting examples of French architecture and has developed a reputation for its vibrant nightlife, but infrastructural development has been hindered by decades of sporadic conflict that culminated in 1994 and left more than 300,000 dead.
Further beyond the city limits, the four beautiful waterfalls at Chutes de la Karera are well worth a visit, as are a few of the largely unexplored and underdeveloped national parks. Parc National de la Rusiza is the most accessible, just 15km (9 miles) from Bujumbura, while Parc National de la Kibira is the largest rainforest in Burundi and is home to rare colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
An advantage of Burundi’s small size is that if you have your own vehicle or hire a driver, it’s generally easy to visit any of these highlights and return to Bujumbura within the same day; public transport, however, is limited outside the city.
Burundi has made tentative progress towards peace and stability since a power-sharing government was set up in 2001 and most rebel groups agreed to disarm, but in 2015 President Nkurunziza’s bid to change the constitution and stand for a third term sparked mass protests and a violent response from the state.
Hundreds of thousands of Burundians have fled into neighbouring Tanzania, fearing the collapse of the country’s fragile democracy and a return to civil war.
Language, Culture & History
History of Burundi
The Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups have occupied the area now known as Burundi for many centuries, but in the early 19th century the region became part of German East Africa and was ruled by the Germans until the end of WWI.
The Belgians took over after the war and continued what the Germans had started: namely a perverse programme of ethnic segregation. The minority Tutsi were given the highest positions in society, dominating the army, civil service and higher reaches of the economy, while the majority Hutu were largely discriminated against and excluded from positions of power. This segregation precipitated the 1994 genocide in neighboring Rwanda, which was also ruled by Germany and Belgium, and has led to chronic instability in Burundi. The antagonism has occasionally flared up into mass violence and the massacre of tens of thousands, especially in 1972 and 1988.
Multiparty elections for a National Assembly were held in 1993, which resulted in President Pierre Buyoya replaced by the Hutu banker Melchior Ndadaye, who was killed later that year in unsuccessful military coup. Things continued in that violent vein in 1994 when President Cyprien Ntaryamira, another Hutu, was killed with Rwandan president, Juvenal Habyarimana, when their plane was shot down over Kigali.
The incident is widely seen as the trigger for the Rwandan Genocide in which some one million Rwandans died. Burundi narrowly avoided the same fate, although tensions between Tutsis and Hutus sharply increased, and the civil war that followed claimed 300,000 lives.
Two years later, Buyoya took over once again in another coup. The guerrilla war between Hutu rebels and the Tutsi-dominated army intensified. However, mediation efforts by Tanzania and personal intervention by Nelson Mandela served to pacify things in 2000, with a final settlement in 2001. A transitional government, jointly led by Buyoya and FRODEBU leader Domitien Ndayizeye, held power until 2003, when Ndayizeye became the country’s sole leader.
In 2005, Pierre Nkurunziza was elected president, but his leaderships has failed to bring stability to the country – in fact Burundi witnessed extreme violence after the 2015 elections, which saw Nkurunziza win a controversial third term. Since then the country’s long-suffering citizens have endured hunger, disease and violence, pushing Burundi towards what the UN describes as a major crisis.
Did you know?
- Burundi remained one of Africa’s few kingdoms until four years after The last king was Ntare V.
- Its two national parks, Kibira and Ruvubu, were founded in
- The first Europeans to visit the area were the British explorers John Hanning Speke and Richard F Burton in
Burundi Culture
Religion in Burundi
77% of the population are Christian, the majority of which are Roman Catholic; there are Anglican and Pentecostal minorities. 22% adhere to animist beliefs. There is also a small (1%) Muslim community.
Social Conventions in Burundi
Normal social courtesies apply. However, outside the cities people may not be used to visitors, and care and tact must be used in respect of local customs. Inhabitants of major towns generally have a more modern way of life. Dress should be reasonably conservative.
Language in Burundi
The official languages are French and Kirundi, a Bantu language. Swahili and English are also spoken.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
A hot equatorial climate is found near Lake Tanganyika and in the Ruzizi River plain. It is often windy on the lake. The rest of the country is mild and pleasant. Burundi has two rainy seasons – the major one from February to May, with a minor rainy season between September and November, and two dry seasons: the long dry season from June to August and the shorter dry season between December and January.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofs for the rainy season. Warm clothes are recommended for the evening.
Geography
Burundi is a land-locked country in the heart of Africa, a little south of the equator, on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and by Tanzania to the south and east. The interior is a broken plateau sloping east to Tanzania and the valley of the River Malagarasi. The southern tributary of the Nile system rises in the south of the country. The landscape is characterised by hills and valleys covered with eucalyptus trees, banana groves, cultivated fields and pasture. In the east the fertile area gives way to savannah grassland, and tea and coffee are now grown on mountainsides.
Business Opportunities
Lightweight suits are necessary. April to October and December to January are the best times to visit.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1400-1730.
Economy
Subsistence agriculture employs 90% of the workforce and accounts for approximately half of the total economic output. Cassava and sweet potatoes are the main subsistence crops, while coffee (the country’s leading export), tea and cotton are the main cash crops. Hides and skins also produce valuable income.
The country’s small mining industry produces gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum. Deposits of vanadium, uranium and nickel (perhaps 5% of known global reserves) have also been located and are due to be exploited in the near future. Oil deposits are believed to be present, although the quantities are unknown. Manufacturing is confined to small textile concerns.
Burundi has economic cooperation agreements with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries and is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and of the International Coffee Organization. Burundi is also a member of the African Union (AU) and the World Tourism Organization.
As one of the poorest countries in the world, with an annual per capita income of just US$100, Burundi remains heavily dependent on foreign aid, principally from France, Germany, Belgium (these three are also its major sources of imports), the EU and the World Bank.
Burundi’s major export markets are the countries of the CFA Franc zone, which take approximately one-third of the total.
GDP
US$1.5 billion (2010).
Main exports
Coffee, tea, sugar, cotton and hides.
Main imports
Capital goods, petroleum products and foodstuffs.
Main trading partners
Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Thailand, USA, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, France, Rwanda and Zambia.
Keeping in Touch in Burundi
Mobile Phone
Coverage mainly in the west of the country.
Internet
Available in some areas. There are a few Internet cafés in Bujumbura.
Media
Burundi’s media are self-censored and also receive occasional government censorship. Nevertheless, a range of political views are sometimes aired. There is a high turnover rate for newspapers. The sale of newspapers is quite low due to small print runs and low levels of literacy. The main source of information for many Burundians is therefore the radio. The only radio station with national coverage is government-owned, as is Burundi’s only TV station.
Post Office hours
The main office in Bujumbura is open Mon-Fri 0730-1200 and 1400-1730, Sat 08301200.
Plan your trip
Burundi’s Journey
The national airline is Air Burundi (www.flyairburundi.com). If travelling from the UK, options include flights with Kenya Airways (www.kenya–airways.com) via Nairobi or Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com) via Addis Ababa. Travellers coming from the USA usually need to make at least two stopovers.
Airport Guides
Bujumbura International Airport
Code 13JM
Location
The airport is 11km (7 miles) north of the city. Telephone Address
Flight times
From London -13 hours (including stopover); New York – 23 hours (including stopovers).
Departure tax
US$20.
Travelling to Burundi by Rail
Driving to Burundi
Getting to Burundi by boat
Ferry operators
Cargo/passenger ferries ply Lake Tanganyika between Kigoma (Tanzania) and Mpulungu (Zambia), calling at various ports including Bujumbura, when political conditions permit. There are normally some ferries to Kalemi (Congo, Dem Rep) and to Kigoma (Tanzania). The MV Mwongozo ferry sails along Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura and Kigoma. There are three classes. Ferries can often be delayed depending on the cargo being loaded or unloaded.
Staying there
Hotels
Almost all the hotels in Burundi are situated in the capital, Bujumbura, although there are a few in Gitega, Kirundo, Muyinga and Ngozi. Elsewhere in the country there is virtually no accommodation for visitors.
Camping
Currently very dangerous. Generally frowned upon, particularly near towns. Permission should always be obtained from the local authorities.
While you’re there
Places to see & things to do
Admire the flora and fauna
For a small nation, Burundi has a diverse series of habitats, ranging from savannah to blooming fields and mountain forests that are home to myriad species of both plant and animal life. Just 15km (9miles) from the capital, Rusizi National Park provides a wetland habitat for hippos, while Ruvubu National Park also contains a sizable population of leopards.
Be beguiled by Gitega
Gaze across the beautiful vistas of Burundi’s central plains from the mountaintops of the Congo-Nile range in Gitega before exploring the second city’s exquisite charm, from the history of the ibwani (or Royal Court) and National Museum, to the natural beauty of the Chutes de la Kagera waterfalls.
Echo Stanley’s famed words
Around 10km (6miles) south of Bujumbura is a large stone that is said to mark the historic first meeting between Stanley and Livingstone in 1871. Having pushed through equatorial Africa from the coast to locate the lost missionary and explorer David Livingstone, Stanley is supposed to have been mortified when all he could muster was ‘Dr Livingstone, I presume?’
Experience drumming rituals
Located on a hilltop outside the town of Gitega, Gishora Drum Sanctuary was founded by King Mwezi Gisabo at the end of the 19th century to protect the ritual drums of the royal court. Today, a reconstructed palace houses the retinue drums used to announce important events, and two important unplayed drums named Ruciteme and Murimirwa.
Explore the capital
On Lake Tanganyika’s northern shore, Bujumbura is a bustling city of 200,000 people. Growing in size after German colonisation in the 19th century, the city centre still includes a number of colonial-era buildings, including the Postmaster’s House. Other attractions include an excellent market, the Islamic Cultural Centre, and the mused vivant, a reconstructed open-air village displaying Burundian culture.
Go birdwatching
Located around Kirundo, in the far north of Burundi, Cohoha, Rweru and Rwihinda lakes are known locally as the best places in the country to settle down to
some birdwatching. Rwihinda is even nicknamed ‘Birds Lake’ because of the sheer quantity of birds that settle there. Another popular birding spot is Kibira National Park.
Play the locals at urubugu
Compete with locals in the ancient game of urubugu (also known as mancala). Similar to draughts, the aim is to capture an opponent’s pieces or block any legal move. It is traditionally played with pebbles, seeds or seashells on a board of hollows scooped out of the ground, or with expensive and elaborately carved wooden boards.
Reach the source of the world’s longest river
As far as Burundians are concerned (Rwandans hail it to be a narrow stream in Nyunge Forest National Park), the southernmost source of the Nile bubbles out of the ground at Kasumo, just 115km (70 miles) southeast of the capital, where a stone pyramid marks the spot.
Take to the waters of Lake Tanganyika
Whether you want to relax on its sandy beaches, kick back in waterside cafes and restaurants, become seduced by its natural beauty or take the opportunity to take to the water, Lake Tanganyika is the place to be. Thought to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world, it laps against the shores of Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura.
Try your hand at traditional arts
A great way to get under the skin of Burundian culture is to explore its traditional arts and crafts at the Craftwares Village at Giheta. Leatherwork, ceramics, and woodcarvings are all for sale, while sculpture, wickerwork and painting can be practiced in the town’s Art School.
Nightlife & Shopping
Shopping in Burundi
Local crafts, particularly basketwork, make excellent buys.
Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1500; Sat 0830-1230.
Nightlife in Burundi
There are several nightclubs, restaurants and bars in Bujumbura.
Meals & Beverages
The choice of food in Burundi can appear limited at first, but the cuisine is in fact both varied and flavorsome. Most food is boiled, stewed or roasted over a wood fire. Staple ingredients include plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava, peas and maize.
Stewed beans are traditionally eaten at least once a day, while meat (mainly chicken and goat) is only rarely consumed. Close to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, fish is popular and prepared in similar ways to meat. Snacks include fruit such as bananas and pineapples, as well as cane sugar and peanuts.
Specialities
Ibiharage: Red kidney beans stewed simply with onion and chilli.
Boko boko harees: Chicken cooked with bulgur wheat, onion and turmeric. Ndizi: Sliced plantain fried in palm oil, making a delicious snack or side.
Ndagala: Small locally-caught fish eaten whole.
Mukeke: Another locally-caught fish, often steamed over an open fire and served with a tomato and onion sauce.
Spicy carrots: Side dish of carrots mixed with mustard seeds and chilli peppers. Bugali: Plain tasting carbohydrate staple served at almost every meal.
Brochette: Skewers of barbequed meat, often goat.
Renga renga: Potato-leaf and peanut stew.
Nyama: Meat stew with tomato.
Urwarwa: Homemade banana wine drunk during celebrations.
Impeke: Beer brewed from sorghum, and often drunk through straws.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
As a rule, no service charge is levied automatically, 10% is the recommended tip for good service.
Getting Around
Air
There are no scheduled internal flights.
Road
There are main roads east from Bujumbura to Muramvya (once the royal city of Burundi) and south to Gitega. Both journeys can be completed without too much strain during the dry season, but any road travel can be difficult in the rainy season.
Avoid travelling by road outside Bujumbura after dark.
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
Few roads are paved, and even these are not always in great condition.
Car Hire
Car hire is available from local companies.
Taxi
Tanus-tanus (truck taxis) are usually available but they are often crowded.
Documentation
You can drive on a valid national driving license for up to six months.
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| British | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required
Yes |
Visa Required Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
A passport valid for at least six months, and with at least one blank page, is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
All nationals listed in the chart above are required to obtain a visa to enter Burundi.
All travellers must carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country where there’s a risk of transmission.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
You must show evidence of your booked travel itinerary when applying for a visa. If travelling on business, you also need to provide a letter of invitation.
Types and Cost
Multiple-entry visa: £60.
Validity
One month.
Consulate (or consular section at embassy).
You can no longer obtain visas on arrival.
Working days
Allow 14 days for visa processing.
We regularly update and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in the USA
Telephone: (202) 342 2574.
Website: http://wvvw.burundiembassydc–usa.org/
Address: NW, Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC, 20007, Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0900-1700, Fri 0900-1400.
Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Belgium
Telephone: (02) 230 4535.
Website:
Address: , 46 square Marie-Louise, Brussels, 1000, Opening times:
Currently Unavailable
Currently Unavailable
Duty free & Currency
Currency information
Burundi Franc (BIF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of BIF5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of BIF10, 5 and 1.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are not generally accepted; there is limited use in some major hotels.
ATM
There are a few ATM cashpoints around Bujumbura, the capital. A few of them accept foreign Visa cards. However, if you are travelling outside of Bujumbura, it’s best to carry cash with you.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Commission rates are usually high.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri, mornings only.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is limited to BIF2000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimted, subject to declaration.
Currency exchange
All exchange transactions must be conducted through one of the main banks in Bujumbura or Gitega.
Burundi duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Burundi without incurring customs duty:
- 1,000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco.
- 1L of alcoholic
A deposit may be required for items such as cameras, video recorders and laptop computers. You should declare currency and cameras upon arrival.
