Frequently-Asked-Questions
| What to bring? | Mosquito repellent, medications, first-aid kit. |
| Travel documents? | Passport and visa required. |
| How to get there? | No direct flights from U.S.; connections through Brussels, London, Rome, Paris, Addis Abbas, Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali on the following carriers: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Burundi. |
| Customs? | No currency restrictions. |
| How to get around? | Buses, vans (cars) and trucks to Kigali, Democratic Republic of Congo and Dar-es-Salaam |
| Driver's license? | International Driving Permit. |
| Language? | Kirundi, French, Swahili |
| Food and drink? | Lunch and dinner are main meals. Sauces (fish, chicken, beef, etc.) with beans, vegetables, potatoes, banana, rice and fufu. Water, juices, beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks. |
| Tipping? | Required but no set up percentage. Customer uses his/her own judgment |
| Weather? | Mild temperatures during the day, cooler evenings. |
| Clothes? | Lightweight clothes. Sweater in the evening. |
| Electricity? | 220 volts. Plugs have 2 round prongs as in Europe. |
| Money? | BuFrs 1100=US$1; credit cards rarely accepted, but cash may be withdrawn with card at certain banks. Travellers' checks cashed at local banks. |
| Phone service? | International calls from the "Office National des Telecommunications" (0NATEL), hotels and phone centers. |
| Post Office and mail? | Office Nationale de la Poste. BuFrs 600/letter. |
| Business hours? | Offices: 7:30-12:00, 2:00-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday Banks: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (some banks open Saturday morning) Shopping hours: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday |
| Safety? | If you want to know the security situation prevailing in Burundi, contact your embassy in Bujumbura or the United Nations representations in Bujumbura. |
| Health care? | In an emergency: In Bujumbura: Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge (232048); Clinique Prince Louis Rwagasore (223881). Cash payment expected. In the provinces, contact regional health centers. |
| Immunizations? | Yellow fever required. Malaria is a serious problem. Cholera vaccination may be required in event of outbreak. |
Travel Agencies
| Ethiopian Airline Tel: 257 22-6820 | Air Burundi Tel: 257 22-3410; 22-3460; 22-4456 | Kenya Airways Tel: 257 22-3542 |
| Yuna Travel Agency Tel: 257 21-5835 | TRADIS Tel: 257 22-3649 | CATRAS Tel: 257 24-2450 |
| MANAF Tel: 257 24-2411 | NITRA Tel: 257 22-2321 | SAFARI Tel: 257 24-3734 |
| DYNAMIC Tel: 257 24-3744 | LIOTRA Tel: 257 24-3396 | KAZE Tel: 257 24-3274 |
| ISANGE Tel: 257 24-1985 | TRANSINTRA Tel: 257 22-6140 |
Car Rental
| Parc Auto Center Tel: 257 23-2345 | Intercontact Services Tel: 257 22-6666; Fax: 22-6603 E-mail:info@intercontactservices.com |
| Garage des Grands Lacs Tel: 257 22-5324 or 22-5054 | Office National du Tourisme Tel: 257 22-2023 ou 22-2202 |
Hotels
 | SOURCE DU NIL 5 stars, 118 rooms, 10 suites Bars, restaurant, Sunday buffet, Noon-3, Pool, sona, tennis, conference rooms, shopB.P. 2072 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-5222, Fax : 257 22-5205 |
 | NOVOTEL 5 stars 114 rooms, 10 suites Bars, restaurant, Sunday buffet, Noon-3 Pool, sona, tennis, conference rooms, shop B.P. 1015 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-2600, Fax: 257 22-2692 |
| LE DOYEN 48 rooms Restaurant and bar B.P. 2747 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 224378; 257 225285; Fax: 257 214986 | AMITIE 35 rooms Bar and restaurant, 30-32 Avenue de l’Amitié Tel: 257 226195, 227692; Fax: 219127 |
| BURUNDI PALACE 28 rooms Bar and restaurant Boulevard de l’Uprona Tel: 257 22-2920; Fax:257 21-9127 | HOTEL METROPOLE 24 rooms 8ème Avenue, Bwiza Tel: 257 22-1714 |
| ALBATROS 22 rooms Chaussée du peuple Murundi Tel: 257 22-9182; 257 22-9180 | KARIBU HOTEL 18 rooms Bar and restaurant 8ème Avenue, Bwiza Tel: 257 22-1714 |
| REMHOTEL 16 rooms Bar and restaurant 7, Boulevard MWEZI GISABO Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 21-5963; Fax: 257 21-8160 | Pacific GUEST HOUSE 10 rooms Bar and restaurant 8, Avenue des Palmiers BP 2604, Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-4500 |
| FLATOTEL 8 rooms Bar and restaurant Avenue du 18 Septembre Tel: 257 22-1274, Fax : 257 22-8045 | SAFARI GATE 8 rooms Bar and restaurant Avenue du large Tel: 257 21-4779; Fax: 257 21-4780 |
| LE ROSSIGNOL 5 rooms Bar and restaurant Avenue du 18 septembre Tel: 257 21-4145 | HOTEL TANGANYIKA 5 rooms Bar and restaurant 1, Avenue de la plage Tel: 257 22-4433 |
| NIKAMOR INTERNATIONAL 16 rooms Bar and restaurant Boulevard de l’Indépendance Tel: 257 223886; Fax :257 211604 | PYRAMIDE GUEST HOUSE 5 rooms Bar and restaurant 2eme Avenue Mumirwa Tel: 257 22-4889 |
| MOTEL SAINT MICHEL 8 rooms Bar and restaurant Avenue de l’Université Tel: 257 21-0509 | AGOSARO GUEST HOUSE 12 Rooms Bar and restaurant 46T Avenue Muyinga Tel: |
Restaurants
| Name | Addresses | Tel | Average price per menu |
| 1. Le Flambayant | Avenue Ngozi, No.5 | 257 22-4220 | 6.500 Fbu |
| 2. Oasis | Boulevard de l'UPRONA No. 12 | 257 22-3116 | 11.000 Fbu |
| 3. Chez André | Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore No. 84 | 257 22-2267 | 12.000 Fbu |
| 4. Chez Vaya | Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore | 257 22-8231 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 5. Entente Sportive | Avenue Nicola Mayugi | 257 22-5176 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 6. Le Kasuku | Avenue de l'Industrie No. 10 | 257 22-3731 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 7. Le Pichet | Boulevard de l'UPRONA | 257 21-8223 | 6.500 Fbu |
| 8. Le Barbecue | Avenue Muyinga | 257 24-1002 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 9. Dong Fang | Boulevard de l'UPRONA | 257 24-1529 | 6.000 Fbu |
| 10. AU Chalet d'Or | Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore | 257 22-7972 | 5.600 Fbu |
| 11. Cecle Nautique | Avenue de la Plage | 257 22-2086 | 4.300 Fbu |
| 12. Botanica | Boulevard de l'UPRONA No. 9 | 257 22-6792 | 3.000 Fbu |
| 13. Le Rendez-Vous | Boulevard de l'UPRONA | 257 22-4300 | 6.000 Fbu |
| 14. Le Consulat | Boulevard de la Liberté | 257 21-7340 | 3.500 Fbu |
| 15. Ku Nama | Avenue de la JRL, No. 14 | 257 21-0176 | 3.000 Fbu |
| 16. Romantika | Avenue d'Octobre N. 9 | 257 22-2478 | 4.000 Fbu |
| 17. Archipel | Boulevard de la Liberté | 257 21-0058 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 18. Havana | Boulevard de l'UPRONA | 257 21-8748 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 19. L'Escale | Aéroport International de Bujumbura | 257 22-3797 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 20. Au Petit Suisse | Boulevard de la Liberté | 257 | 5.000 Fbu |
| 21. Ethiopian Restaurant | Avenue de la Science | 257 24-1480 | 5.000 Fbu |
Useful contacts
I Hospitals and Clinics in Bujumbura
| Hopital Prince Regent Charles Avenue du Port Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-8435; Fax: 21-3965 | Clinique Prince Louis Rwagasore Avenue Pierre Ngendandumwe Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-3881; Fax: 22-5137 |
| Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge Boulevard du 28 Novembre BP 2210 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 23-2048 or 22-6063; Fax: 23-2267 | Hopital Militaire de Kamenge Boulevard du 28 Novembre BP 5117 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-2082; Fax: 23-2844 |
| Polyclinique Centrale BP 378 Boulevard de l'UPRONA Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-5050; Fax: 22-9429 | Hopital Medical Service Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-2301; Fax: 22-3950 |
| Clinic St. Jean Sehungiza Blvd. de l'UPRONA Bujumbura, Burundi | Clinique Chinoise Avenue Ndamukiza, Kinindo Bumbura, Burundi |
| Laboratoire d'Analyses Medicales Avenue de l'Amitié BP 2291 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-2695 |
II Police Offices
| Police de Securite Publique Tel: 257 22-3777 | Police de l'Air des Frontières et des Etrangers Tel: 257 22-5427 |
| Police Judicaire des Parquets Tel: 257 22-8750 | Police Speciale de Roulage Tel: 257 22-5125 |
III Bookshops
| Librairie Saint Paul Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 257 22-2331; Fax: 22-8525 E-mail: libstpaulbuj2003@yahoo.fr | IMPARUDI Avenue du 18 septembre BP 3010 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-3125 |
| Imprimerie Moderne du Burundi (IMOBU) Avenue du 18 septembre Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-2214 or 22-4046; Fax: 22-5399 | New Flash Tel: 257 22-4189; Fax: 22-2218 |
| SOMECA Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore BP 210 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel:257 22-2530/32 | Burundi Stationery (BURSTA) BP 1908 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 23-1358 or 257 23-1796 |
| SASCO PRINT BP 18 Bujumbura, Burundi Tel: 257 22-5971 |
IV Pharmacies
| Pharmacie de la Mutuelle Avenue des Etats-Unies Tel: 257 22-7661 | Pharmacie du Lac Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 257 22-5723 |
| Pharmacie Inter-Lacustre Avenue Patrice Lumumba Tel: 257 21-4843 | Pharmacie de la Concorde AVenue du Zaire Tel: 257 21-4558 |
| Pharmacie de la Permanance Place de l'Indépendance Tel: 257 21-3081> | Pharmacie le Capitan Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 21-3906 |
| Pharmacie Neopharma Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 22-2626 | Pharmacie Socophar Avenue du commerce Tel: 257 22-6056 |
| Pharmacie Sidiphar Avenue de la Croix Rouge Tel: 257 22-3600 | Pharmacie Sulfils Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 257 21-4729 |
| Pharmacie Unipharma Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 257 22-9049 | Pharmacie "La Reference" Boulevard de l'Uprona Tel: 257 22-0035 |
| Pharmacie de la Galerie Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore Tel: 257 23-3082 |
II. Tourism
The "EDEN" in the heart of Africa
The geographical position of Burundi in the heart of Africa and its wonderful landscapes are making the country a real paradise which is sometimes called "The SWITZERLAND IN AFRICA." The soft and temperature climate in Burundi as well as the variety of its geographical structure are making the country the best place for holidays and relaxation.
But the relaxation would be more thrilling in Burundi, a country which is very well known for its legendary hospitality, if you can visit the whole of it . Then, you may discover that "Eden Garden," like the explorers of the last century in the very middle of the African continent.
It is necessary to know the kind of harmonious patchwork which is made by the climate as it varies from one region to another. So, the area of the peak Congo Nile, which is covered with the big Kibira forest has got a pleasant heigh climate, soft and temperature. A delicious tropical is found within the region of the Central plateau and the thousands of hills surrounding, as well as the depressions in the Eastern and North-Eastern part of Burundi.
The capital Bujumbura
The foundation of Bujumbura is dated back in 1876. Initially, Bujumbura was onlly a port on the shore of the Lake Tanganika. But, it soon developed into an imporant business city which will finally become the Capital of Burundi. Bujumbura is throning on the shore of the lake Tanganika which is geographically the western border of the country.
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All along the year, the lake Tanganika remains attractive for all kind of fantastic fans: skiing water, sailing, fishing and many other activites which usually imply strolls along the lake. And beside the privated swimming pools in some hotels or at the "Entente Sprotive Restaurant'" there are many beacutiful palces along the lalke whcih are convenient for swimming, especially the public beach of KAJAGA, near the Hotel "Club du Lac Tanganika."
But for the guests who are not fond of water, sometimes because of different interesting lubs for relaxation, Bujumbura offers you: golfl, tennis, wolley-ball, horse riding, bowling and even a flying-club.
In addition to sports activities, Bujumbura may be considered as a select place for the gastronomy.
In fact, because of the big number of restaurants("Entente Sportive", "Monastère", Cercle Hellenique", "Cremaillère"...) Bujumbura has rather become a place of competition between the owners of restaurants. They are struggling to improve by all means the quality of their food in order to satisfy their guests.
Most of the hotels have international class restaurants.
Bujumbura has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment. The tourist can dine beside the lake Tanganyika perhaps savoring a delicious local fish called the “Sangala,” and then spend the evening in a night club, relaxing in a friendly atmosphere.
The lake Tanganika, full of fish, is the deepest in the world just after Lake Baikal in the former USSR.
Lake Tanganyika :
- Length: 800 km
- Width: 50km
- Superficies: 32,000 square
- Altitude: 771m
Beautiful Landscapes
From the top to the mountains which constitute the peak Congo Nile, you have a beautiful view of the central plains and Gitega which is the second town of Burundi. The city of Gitega ia a peacful place with peculiar beauty and exquisite charm.
The route Bujumbura-Gitega goes via Muramvya (50 km from Bujumbura) through wonderful green landscapes. At 12 kilometers from Gitega, the road reaches Giheta, an artistic center for different works in leather, ceramic, ivory, wood-carvings.... This is the opportunity to memorize the trip in the area by purchasing some artistic works at the centre.
Fauna and Flora
The geographical structure of Burundi and the micro-climates within the country involve a diversity of vegetation. Thus, from the savanna to the steppers, through ombrophilous mountain forest, Burundi is a delightful blooming country. The fauna is quite rich and comprises different type of animals: antilopes, hares, buffalos, cynocephalus.
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There are crocodiles and hippopotomus in Lake Tanganika where they can sometimes be seen form the shore.
Beauty, variety and scientific value of Lake Tanganika, Ruvubu and Kibira are worthy of great interest of ecologists.
Tourist Trips Conducted by Burundi Tours Travel Agency
Before explaining the different round trips through out the country conducted by Burundi Tours Travel Tours, it is useful to know that Burundi has preciously protected all the historical traces of the explorers of the last centry who stopped over its territory.
So, the very spot, where Livingtone shook hands with Stanely, is still alive because of the big stone which was previously put there by God as if he had foreseen that place for the event in the history of the African continent.
It is also true fro the "German Falls." Therefore, it is rather interesting to make journey in Burundi as it gives delight and instruction.
The Northern Round Trip
(Bujumbura - Bugarama - Teza - Kayanza - Ngozi - Kirundo - Gitega - Bujumbura)
Attractive Locations:
From Bujumbura to Bugarama, the road is going up a steep hillside before to reach the peach of Congo-Nile. If you happen to look behind at about 10 kilometers from Bujumbura you will have a very nice view of the Bujumbura Capital, with its Lake Tanganika reflecting the sky as a mirror and also the large plain of Imbo which is bordering with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
So, after, Bugarama, there are important tea plantations and the big factory of Teza which is at about 2,666 meters of height. Coffee is grown in Kayanza and Ngozi provinces. Kirundo is the next province after Ngozi.
Kirundo is fantastic place because of its nice lakes COHOHA and RWERU and especially the lake RWIHINDA which is now called, as a surname, the "Birds Lake." In fact, there are many birds which are coming over there form different parts of the world just for a season as if they have simply pointed out for vacation purpose. The trip in the North leads also to Gitega, the second city in Burundi where drummers dancers use to entertain visitors. gitega is a center of different important cultural and scientific Institutes: the National Museum, and the School of Arts.
On the way back to Bujumbura, there is a break at Muranvya which is the former residence place for the kings taught in the history of Burundi.
The Southern Round Trip
(Bujumbura - Livingstone and Stanely Place - Resha Center - Bururi - Nile Source - Thermal Sources of Muhweza - Gihofi - Nyakazu - Gitega - Gihofi - Nyakazu - Gitega - Bujumbura).
Attractive Locations:
The southern round trip goes from Bujumbura by the road leading to Rumonge. At a few kilometers from Bujumbura, the tourist will stoop at the place where Livingston met with Stanely in 1871. This is not far from Bujumbura. At 60 kilometers further from Bujumbura, there is a lodging place whtih they call " Resha Center," the former Mauss castle. That lodging is managed by the "Source du Nil Hotel" in Bujumbura. There is a good restaurant and it is a nice place for swimming, skindiving or camping.
The trip continues to Bururi province after having crossed a big forest with monkeys. This is a good opportunity to visit the southern Nile Source at Rutovu where a symbolic pyramid had been built by the authorities.
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To visit this source, discovered in 1934 by the German explorer Burckhard Waldecker, one first has to travel to the commune of Rutovu, perched at the summit of Mount Kikizi, (2,145 meters). Starting out as a tiny trickle of water, the stream will change its name successively to Kasenyi, Kasumo, Kigira, Ruvyironza, Ruvubu, Kagera, Lake Victoria, Victoria Nile, Lake Kyoga, and Lake Albert, before finally becoming the mighty Nile, traveling for 6,700 km and almost tickling the feet of Egypt’s famous pyramids on its way to meet the Mediterranean. A symbolic pyramid has been build at Rutovu .
After Rutovu, a short visit is paid to Muhweza hot springs and the "German Falls," in the Mosso area.
The way back to Bujumbura stops at Gitega and Bugarama.
Gitega and vicinity
The principal sights are the National Museum and the craftwares village. The national Museum contains a rich collection of exhibits depicting the Burundi of yesterday and today; its customs and traditions. Located at the intersection of the Ngozi-Gitega and Muyinga-Gitega roads, the craftwares village attracts many visitors who come to see the craftsmen producing their wares.
Also in Gitega is the Gitega Art School where ceramics, paintings and sculptures are produced. Not far away, at Giheta, similar items are produced by a team of artists. Drummery performances, unique of their kind, are also put on in Gitega. Here too are to be found wickerwork and beads which are much sought-after. Giheta is an artistic center for different works in leather, ceramic ivory, wood-carvings.
Kirundo and the bird Lakes
200 kilometers from Bujumbura, in the North-East of Burundi, is a region of extensive depressions dotted with many lakes and abounding in bird life. It is an area of great scenic beauty where the visitor may discover, by canoe, such lakes as Cohoha, the bird Lake, renowed for its ornithological reserve; and other lakes like Kacamirinda and Kanzigiri.
Many and varied are the tourist attractions of the North-East, among them the Intore dancers and other groups of performers.
Forests and National Parks
- National park of Rusizi
- Forests of Congo-Nile Ridge (Kibira)
- Forests of Kigwena-Rumonge
- National park of Ruvubu
- Forest of Nyakazu and Mwishanga
- National Park of Kibira
Source: Burundi National Office for Tourism
