Discover Burundi, a land of colorful diversity, characterized by the stunning range of mountains that have earned the tittle “The Switzerland of Africa”. Burundi’s unique tourism experiences include game viewing, nature walks and primates watching, beach holidays, sampling fish pulled from the fresh Lake Tanganyika, etc
1. Republic of Burundi
History of Burundi
3. Geography of Burundi
4. Government of Burundi
5. Economy of Burundi
6. Culture in Burundi
7. Visas and Entry Requirements Burundi
8. Transport in Burundi
9. Religion in Burundi
10. Education in Burundi
11. Sports in Burundi
12. Foreign Embassies in Burundi
13. Museums in Burundi
QUICK FACTS
Name: The Republic of Burundi (Republika y’uburundi)
Cities; Bujumbura (Capital City) and Gitega (2nd city)
Area: 27830sq km
Borders: Tanzania, Rwanda & DRC
Climate: Tropical Highland
Language: Kirundi (Official) French (Official) and Kiswahili
Burundi People & Culture
Burundi’s traditions constitute a very rich culture embedded in their royal past and as portrayed in its art, dance, music and handicrafts.
The national conservation areas including
- Kibira National Park, Ruvubu and Lake Tanganyika, all offer unique natural habitats for wildlife.
- The Rwihinda Lake Natural Reserve – a sanctuary for migratory and acquatic birds.
- Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s deepest lake – one of the richest aqueous environments in the world, supporting at least 250 varieties of fish.
Burundi offers exquisite holiday makers for all kinds of travelers, be they adrenaline pumping adventure seekers, avid golfers, bird watchers, there is an activity or attraction to suit varied tastes, age, culture and budget.
Things to See
There are several things to see in Burundi. Here are the top tourist Attractions to see Burundi;
- Lake Tanganyika – the second largest lake in Africa after Lake Victoria. It is Africa’s deepest lake and the second deepest lake after Lake Baikal in Siberia. The park offers opportunities for water skiing, sailing, fishing, golf and horse riding.
- The Kirundu Bird Lakes – the reserve protects a series of lakes that hold a remarkable birdlife which include herons, crested cranes, wild ducks and fish eagles.
- Ruvubu National Park – the largest of Burundi’s national parks, one of the last remaining tracts of ancient great tropical rainforests. The park is home to chimpanzees, baboons and colobus monkeys. It is also rich in birdlife while its rolling savanna is roamed by antelopes, gazelles, and great herds of buffaloes.
- Karera Falls – Located in the southeast of Burundi, the falls are set deep within the shady forests. They cascade dramatically over three levels and are an ideal venue for walks and picnics.
- Thermal Springs – the most famous are Muhweza and Muyange
- Gitega – It is the second largest city in Burundi, most renowned for its Royal Drummers, the Gishora Drums and its national museum with a display of the regalia of former Burundian kings.
- The Gishora Drums – located on a hill just 7kms from gitega, established by King Ntare for performance at Coronations, Funerals etc.
- Kibira National Park – a continuation of Nyungwe Forest National Park of Rwanda, home to 644 rare plant species and a number of primates including chimpanzees. There are 98 mammal species that ibclude the civet cats, forest hogs, duikers etc. There are 200 bird species recorded in the park including the Great Blue Turaco, Grey Parrots, Bar-Tailed Trogons etc.
- Bujumbura City – hot, sultry and buzzing capital, located on the shiores of Lake Tanganyika. Explore the relaxed nightlife that traditionally centres on the many restaurants, clubs that cluster the lake shore. Vusit the local museum, Burundi National Museum and Geological Museum, the Hiltop Belvedere Mausoleum of Independence hero, Prince Louis Rwagasore.
- Rusizi Reserve – Loacetd in a distance of 15 minutes from Bujumbura, a delta of hippos. It is home to crocodiles, over 350 bird species that include endemic and migratory birds.
- The Livingstone – Stanley Monument – located 10km south of Bujumbura. It is located in the small town of Mugere. This large rock marks the spot where the British Explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone and journalist, explorer Henry Morton Stanley spent two nights in November 1871 on their exploration journey in Africa.
Things to Do
There are several things to do in Burundi. Here are the best things to do in Burundi, including events, festivals, attractions, tours, free activities, and entertainment.
- Visits to Burundi’s pristine national parks,
- Walking and trekking tours
- See the mighty royal “Drums of Gishora” in full thundering action
- Sight Seeing
Places to Visit
There are lots of interesting places to visit with great things to see in Burundi. From the inland tropical beaches to unique wildlife in national parks and forest reserves, there are many attractions in Burundi.
Rusizi River National Park
Located just outside of Bujumbura is the fascinating Rusizi River National Park. The plains surrounding the river are flooded periodically, bringing hundreds of animals to the area for his vital life source.
Hippos are just one of the many animals to frequent the area and are one of the most sought after by tourists. The park, with its clear skies, is a true bird-watchers paradise. The migratory birds that visit the park include rare and beautiful species from both Asia and Europe such as sand pipers and plovers.
Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve
Another hotspot for an amazing variety of flora and fauna and another top attraction for tourists in Burundi. The reserve covers an area of over 8,000 hectares consisting of a mix of shrubland, forest and grassland. The lake is another place that birdwatchers will adore. The amount of rare and stunning birds that visit this lake is too many to mention. Agriculture and decreasing water levels are having an impact on the reserve despite preservation efforts. For now though the reserve remains a must-visit destination for travellers in Burundi.
Kigwena Natural Forest
The Kigwena Natural Forest is conveniently located on the National Route no.3 in the Rumonge commune of Burundi and covers an area of more than 3,000 hectares. The forest here is dense and it feels like an adventure just to step foot in. Inhabiting the forest are a number of baboons, monkeys and various species of butterflies and birds. A guided tour of the forest is available through the country’s Environmental and Conservation Institute.
Chutes de la Kerera
The Chutes near Rutana consist of four beautiful falls. The fall nearest to the car park is actually the prettiest but this should not stop you from walking around and seeing the others. Walking upstream is possible and a quick shower to cool off is possible in the smallest of the four waterfalls. The tallest waterfall and the areas namesake is the Kerera Fall which is especially fearsome in the height of the wet season. There are no public transport options to the falls so a visit needs to be arranged by a chartered vehicle, as part of a tour, or of course self-drive is an option.
Vyanda Natural Reserve
Another of Burundi’s natural reserves, the Vyanda reserve can be easily accessed by the town of Rumonge which is nearby. The reserve is not particularly well equipped for tourists but a visit is possible with some forward planning and contact. There are usually two prices for guided tours; the full price and a reduced fee if your guide fails to show you any of the chimps in residence here. It is also worth noting that the chimps are fully wild and not accustomed to close encounters with humans so don’t expect the sort of photo-oppurtunities that some of Africa’s other reserves offer.
Rumonge Natural Reserve
Founded in 1980 the Rumonge Natural Reserve is one of the most recently formed in Burundi. Like the other reserves in Burundi, Rumonge Reserve has a number of rare bird species that can be spotted here throughout the year as well as species of mammals and exotic plant life. Access to the park is possible with a guided tour.
Is it safe to travel to Burundi?
There are many risks involved – for example, travelling outside the former capital Bujumbura is a risky move, especially after dark. However, if you are an adventurer, you can really have a good time here as you will mainly meet friendly people – just be sure to get your malaria vaccine and drink plenty of water. Also, always keep your passport, other documents, and money in a safe place.
The overall risk is high. Burundi is not a safe travel destination for travellers. You should be aware that many governments advise their citizens not to travel to the country as this is considered very high risk. Always be attentive to your surroundings. Both minor and serious crimes are normal here. The political and security situation in Burundi is volatile and unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning.
If we look in general: Transport & taxis risk is medium; pickpockets risk, natural disasters risk, mugging risk, terrorism risk, scams risk, and finally, women travellers risk changes from medium to high.