TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN BURUNDI

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  BuFrs 1100=US$1; credit cards rarely accepted, but cash may be withdrawn with card at certain banks.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

Hotel Source du Nil SOURCE DU NIL
5 stars,
118 rooms, 10 suites
Bars, restaurant, Sunday buffet, Noon-3,
Pool, sona, tennis, conference rooms, shop
B.P. 2072 Bujumbura, Burundi
Tel: 257 22-5222, Fax : 257 22-5205
Hotel Novotel 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.
The delights of Lake Tanganika picture
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.
Hyppopotomus
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.
Symbolic pyramid of Nile river source
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

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