Burundi Travel Guide

Location: Landlocked country in Central Africa

Burundi National FlagNeighbours: Tanzania (East & South), Rwanda (North), Congo drc (West)Capital: Bujumbura (340,000 residents)Population: 7,802,100 residents

Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili
Religions: Roman Catholic, Islam, African traditional worship
Size: 25,650 sq km
GETTING THERE
All international flights to Burundi touch down at Bujumbura International Airport located 11km south of the capital, Bujumbura. The airport is serviced by several international airlines including the Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, and Brussels Airlines. Air Burundi no longer offers passenger services. A number of airport taxis to and from the city are available to lead you to your destination upon arrival.
Entry Requirements
Visa is required for any traveller visiting Burundi. Visas to the Burundi are obtainable from the country’s embassies. Countries without Burundi diplomatic missions can obtain the visa on arrival, provided you have furnished your passport particulars through your travel agency. US nationals part with US$80 for a Burundi visa while others pay a visa fee of US$40.
Banking / Money
Burundi’s currency is the Burundi Franc (BIF). Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000BIF. Coin money can be accessed in denominations 1, 5 and 10BIF. There are several commercial banks distributed in most business trading towns. The banks are open in the mornings only. ATM services are also available.
Budget Travel in Burundi
Your best bet is to have a contact in Burundi who can drive you around. You probably need a reliable travel operator to make arrangements on your behalf. Considering the volatility of the country, finding one may be a challenge. The buses only serve the main towns. Some knowledge of Swahili helps, as not many people speak French, let alone English.
Where to Stay
Booking hotel rooms online is today the most convenient and cost-effective way to get accommodation. Visit our Cheap Hotels in Burundi page for quick guide to hotel access and information in Burundi.
Best Time to Visit
Burundi experiences a warm equatorial type of climate with two distinct dry seasons (June to August; and December to January) in between two wet seasons (Late February to May; and September to Early November).
Places of Interest

• A visit to Bujumbura will enable you come closer to Musee Vivant an open-air Burundi village.
• Visit the source of the Nile at Rutovu. Travellers on Burundi holidays popularly go swimming enjoying the hot springs here.
• Rwihinda Lake Natural Reserve
• Ruvubu National Park boasts plenty of wildlife and birds for the adventurous travelers. It is prominent for Burundi Safaris. Similarly is Kibira National Park renowned for its amazing birds.
• Visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument 10km from Bujumbura. It marks the spot where the two explorers spent two nights as guest of Chief Mukamba in 1871
• Trip to Gitega and tour its charming market place and Museum of Traditions. Book in advance to watch the “Drummers of Giheta” show
• Burundi holiday travelers are so commonly seen taking photos of the breathtaking Karea Falls in Rutana. You may also not miss the Thermal Waterfall in Mugara
• Lake Tanganyika boasts an inviting atmosphere for a beach vacation in Burundi. Try it.