Burundi

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Bujumbura

Population

6,220,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Indigenous beliefs, Islam

Languages

Rundi, French

Calling Code

+257

Nationality

Burundi

Local name

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Introduction

Lake Tanganyika

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Rwanda's southern neighbour, Burundi, is a dangerous place. The British government advises against all but essential travel, as does the United States. Since civil war in 1993, peace has been non-existent, as rebel forces have clashed with the government. Travellers, don't go there.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Burundi is divided into 17 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

These provinces can be grouped into several natural regions.

• The Rift Valley, or Imbo is a narrow plain on the western border of DemoThe Congo.
• The Central Highlands consist of steep hills with marshy valleys and cover roughly two thirds of the country.
• The Kumoso is a strip of plain at an altitude of about 1300 metres in Burundi's east, extending into Tanzana.

Cities

• Bujumbura is the largest city and capital
• Bururi
• Cibitoke
• Gitega
• Muyinga
• Ngozi

Sights and Activities

Safari

Well, if this is not an off the beaten track safari experience, none is. Burundi is small and although part of the wildlife has suffered severly because of the civil war(s), there is enough kept left to explore, including some fantastic national parks. One of the most accessible national parks of the country and maybe the only one that has some decent visitor facilities is the Rusizi National Park or Parc National de la Rusizi if you feel like talking French. The park mainly consists of wetland and you will definately see hippos, sitatungas (aquatic antelopes) and many species of birds.

Beaches

Again, an off the beaten beach experience in the hart of Africa. Yes, you read it right! Burundi has its own beaches along the shores of Lake Tanganyika There is are pure white stretches of sand and the water is nice and safe to. One of the best and most crowded is located close to the capital Bujumbura and is called Coconut Beach or Saga Beach, named after the Saga resort which comes as a surprise in this country.

Plantations

The economy of Burundi leans on the export of coffee and thea a lot. Visiting one of these plantations is possible and provides some sort of insight in the everyday life of the local people and economy. You can easily arrange this from Bujumbura and distances to these plantations are small, so it's easy on a day trip.

Stanley and Livingstone Monument

The Stanley and Livingstone Monument is nothing more than a large rock which marks the spot where the words 'Dr Livingstone, I presume?' where spoken by Stanley. This encounter between Livingstone and Stanley is supposed to been taken place on the 25th of November 1871. Several other locations claim the same like Ujiji in Tanzania which is probably more likely. Anyway, if this is your thing you might as well go for it and say the same words. No one will hear you as the place is deserted!

Other sights and activities

• Gitega Waterfalls
• Burundi Museum of Life
• National Museum
• Colonial buildings - all in Bujumbura

Events and Festivals

Weather

Burundi has a tropical climate with warm weather and high humidity. There are however some differences in the country, which mainly have to do with altitude. While the capital Bujumbura has temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius for most of the year during the day, dropping to around 20 or slightly lower at night, places towards the west are around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius cooler. The wet season lasts from late October to April, with more rain in the higher parts of the country. June to September is relatively dry, with just a few showers during the late afternoon.

Getting there

Plane

Aéroport international de Bujumbura (BJM) is where the international flights arrive and depart. It is located near the capital Bujumbura and international destinations include Brussels with Brussels Airlines, Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Kigali with Rwandair Express. More choices aren't available and Air Burundi stopped operations in 2007. It's better and often cheaper to fly to nearby Rwanda or other countries like Tanzania.

By Car

Technically, you are able to cross borders with Burundi to and from Rwanda and Tanzania, but due to the safety situation in the country, it's not advised to travel to most places in the country, even at daytime.

By Bus

Several bus companies offer transfers between Bujumbura and Kigali in Rwanda. There are also buses on a bad road between Bujumbura and Cyangugu (Lake Kivu).
To and from Tanzania, there are also a number of options to cross borders, but safety conditions are rather poor during these days.

By Boat

There used to be boat connections between Bujumbura and Zambia, but ask around if these are still available.

Getting Around

By Car

Most roads are sealed, but travelling to remote places or rural areas might be unsafe due to ambushes. Also, not many rental cars are available, but you might contact your local hotel. If you can rent a car, be sure to have your national driver's licence ready and remember that traffic drives on the right hand side of the road in Burundi.

By Bus

Travelling throughout the country is best done by minibuses which leave when full. Most cities and towns are served from Bujumbura, but be sure to start early if you need to switch minibuses as many roads are unsafe or even close when it is dark. Shared trucks are an adventurous way, but they are crowded and therefore uncomfortable.

By Boat

Several opportunities exist for travelling along Lake Tanganyika south from the capital Bujumbura. Otherwise, locals may bring you further to another village for a small fee.

Red Tape

All nationals need a visa and a valid passport is required. Only nationals from countries where there is no Burundian embassy can get an entry stamp, without a visa, at the airport upon arrival. These entry stamps are not a substitute for a visa though! These have to be obtained from the immigration service within 24 hours of arrival. Visas cost from US$30 to US$60, depending on the anticipated length of stay. Travelers who have failed to obtain a visa will not be permitted to leave the country! Evidence of yellow fever immunization must be presented. Also, visitors are required to show proof of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis.

Money

See also Money matters

Burundi Franc (BIF) = 100 centimes.
Notes in denominations of BIF5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10.
Coins in denominations of BIF10, 5 and 1.

Work

Study

Language

The official languages are French and Kirundi.

Swahili and English are also spoken in the country.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post