Burundi Travel Guide – Best Things to Do in Burundi

Burundi is a small, landlocked country in East Africa that’s still in its early stages as a travel destination. But it has a few things to offer for those searching for a journey off the beaten track. With its beautiful landscapes and rich history, a trip to Burundi can be very rewarding. This guide will cover the best things to do in Burundi, where to stay, and everything you need to know for the perfect trip.

Burundi

Burundi is one of Africa’s smallest countries, bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west. It has a mix of diverse landscapes and natural beauty, including rolling hills, tea plantations, and the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

While it might not be the first destination on your list, a visit here offers a raw and unfiltered experience of Africa, without the large tourist crowds.

Best Things to Do in Burundi

1. Bujumbura

Bujumbura is the capital and largest city of Burundi. Located along the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Bujumbura is a busy city with a mix of French colonial architecture and more modern buildings.

You can explore the city center, where you will find landmarks like the Independence Monument and several churches. On the outskirts there’s also the Unity Monument, Public Gardens, and the University of Burundi.

There’s also a central market selling traditional local goods and tons of restaurants and cafes.

2. Gitega – Day Trip

For a deeper dive into Burundian culture, the best option is to take a day trip to Gitega. Although it’s not the capital, Gitega is the country’s cultural hub and its second-largest city. It’s about a two-hour drive from Bujumbura, along winding hillside roads with beautiful views of the rolling hillsides, banana and maize plantations, small villages, and occasionally the city.

Teza Tea Plantation

Teza Tea Plantation is one of Burundi’s most productive tea estates, covering around 600 hectares. Established in 1960, two years before the country gained independence, the plantation is a large employer in the region, and a source of pride for locals.

According to a local guide, even the British Queen reportedly drank only Burundian tea, though this might be a charming exaggeration.

The plantation has around 3,000 workers, and on a good day, one worker can collect up to 150kg of tea leaves!

Once picked, the tea is then dried on wooden racks and logs, a process which causes it to lose about 20% of its weight. The plantation produces around 50,000 tons of tea annually, and the shrubs are replanted every four years to maintain their quality.

National Museum of Gitega

The National Museum of Gitega houses a collection of pre-colonial artifacts, including tools, weapons, clothing, and traditional artwork. They provide an insight into what life was like for the people of Burundi in pre-modern times. There are also prehistoric objects like pottery and minerals that date back over 2,000 years.

The museum guide will show you around adding extra information to the tour. He was a knowledgeable and entertaining guide and joked about banana leaves being referred to as the “Burundi umbrella” or how the royal carrying chair was known as a “Burundi Range Rover”.

Gishora Drum Sanctuary

The Gishora Drum Sanctuary is the highlight of a trip to Gitega. This historical site celebrates the royal drum tradition, which is deeply woven into the fabric of Burundian culture.

When you arrive, you’ll visit traditional buildings, including the king’s house, a royal kitchen, and a witch doctor’s hut. The sanctuary also has a fascinating story about how a Burundian king once fled here, hiding in large wicker baskets, and was saved from a mob trying to kill him. He rewarded the local people with two cows, and some of the sanctuary’s famous drums were made from the hides.

After the tour around comes the incredible drum performance. The villagers don’t just play the drums but also perform acrobatic dances, jumping to impressive heights with their feet reaching above their heads. After the show, you’re encouraged to purchase souvenirs like mini drums to support the local community.

3. Rusizi National Park

Located just a short drive from Bujumbura, Rusizi National Park is Burundi’s best destination for nature lovers.

The park is home to various wildlife species, but it’s particularly famous for its large population of hippos. There’s also a lot of crocodiles and an array of bird species. They offer boat rides along the Rusizi River, where you’ll get a chance to see some of the park’s animals up close.

4. Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is the largest and deepest lake in Africa, and only the second largest and second deepest lake in the entire world. While it’s possible to swim in the lake, we wouldn’t personally recommend it due to the area’s large hippo and crocodile populations.

But you can certainly take a walk along the coast, sunbathe, and watch the sun setting over the distant mountains of the Congo. The lakefront in Bujumbura is lined with bars and restaurants where you can relax with a cold drink and a view.

Where to Stay in Burundi

When visiting Burundi, Bujumbura offers the best range of accommodations. Whether you prefer luxury or budget-friendly options, you can find something that suits your needs.

Luxury: Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika is a top-rated luxury resort located right on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It offers beautiful rooms, a private beach, and excellent dining options.

Mid-Range: Roca Golf Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is known for its excellent service. It’s conveniently located near the city center.

Budget-Friendly: Urban Lodge provides clean and affordable modern rooms with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

Where to Eat in Burundi

The downtown area of Bujumbura has plenty of restaurants and cafes serving local and international food.

Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Burundi

Burundi’s diet is very meat heavy, so vegan and vegetarian options are limited. You can find a few places serving western food that do have a few choices.

The restaurant at Hotel Club du Lac and Waka Waka both have Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. There are a couple of cafes—Le Café Gourmand and Buja Café—with European style bakery options like croissants and Danish pastries, omelettes, and coffee.

Burundi Essential Travel Tips

Currency: Make sure you bring US dollars with you, as they are widely accepted and preferred for larger transactions.

Ensure any $100 bills are the newer type, with a bluish tint and a blue-colored line. Older cream or green notes are not accepted anywhere.

Visa: To avoid delays at the airport, fill out your migration form in advance at migration.gov.bi.

Health: It’s essential to take malaria tablets and use insect repellent as malaria is prevalent in Burundi.

How to Get to Burundi

The main point of entry to Burundi is Bujumbura International Airport. While there aren’t many direct flights from major global cities, you can connect through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Kigali. Make sure to check visa requirements and vaccination protocols before you fly.

Getting Around Burundi

Traveling around Burundi can be challenging due to the poor condition of many roads. In Bujumbura, taxis are the most common form of transportation, however, they can be expensive.

For longer journeys, you can hire a private driver from tour operators. We booked trips with Charles at Burundi Discovery Tours who was excellent. You can email him here: burundidiscoverytours@gmail.com.

We arranged our gorilla trekking in DRC with Charles, who managed to get it sorted with very little notice. They’re also able to arrange permits for Gorilla, chimp, and golden monkey trekking, as well as transport and cultural activities in Rwanda.

How to Apply for a Burundi Visa

To visit Burundi, most nationalities need a visa, which you can apply for in advance through the official website mentioned above.

You will need to submit your passport, a completed visa application form, a passport photo, and proof of accommodation. The visa fee is $90 for a 30-day visa, or if you’re just passing through, there’s a 3-day transit visa for $40.

How Long to Stay in Burundi

Rusizi National Park and the Gitega cultural tour both require a full day. So, if you want to do these and spend time in Bujumbura and at Lake Tanganyika then three full days is ample.

Burundi FAQs

Is Burundi Safe for Tourists?

Burundi has had a history of political instability, but it is generally safe for tourists as long as you stay informed and avoid high-risk areas. It’s a good idea to check the latest travel advice before you go.

Is Burundi Worth Visiting?

Burundi is not a traditional tourist destination, but it offers unique experiences, especially for those who enjoy visiting lesser-known places. Unless you’re aiming to see every country on earth then there are better options in East Africa. You can also combine it with visits to neighboring Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Is Burundi Expensive?

Surprisingly, Burundi is quite expensive, particularly considering the country’s overall level of development. A 7-mile taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around $25, similar to prices you might find in much wealthier cities like London.

Do They Speak English in Burundi?

English is not widely spoken around Burundi, where the official languages are Kirundi and French. In larger cities, you will likely find people who can speak basic English, especially staff in the hotels and tour companies, but learning a few French phrases wouldn’t hurt.

Burundi Travel Guide – Best Things to Do in Burundi

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