Burundi Travel Guide 🇧🇮
Complete travel guide to Burundi — Bujumbura, Lake Tanganyika, tea plantations, rolling hills & authentic East African culture
🌤 Live Weather — Bujumbura
Weather updates automatically on page load.
📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Gitega
🌍 Regions Lake Tanganyika · Central Plateau · Highlands
💱 Currency Burundian Franc (BIF)
🗣 Language Kirundi, French, English
⏱ Time Zone GMT +2
🔌 Plug Type Type C · E — 220V
Burundi is known as the “Heart of Africa” for its landscapes and traditions.
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa on arrival
Passport valid 6+ months
Return ticket
- Visa available on arrival for most travelers
- E-visa options may apply
- Travel insurance recommended
Always verify entry rules before departure.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌤 Jun–Aug Dry & pleasant
🌤 Dec–Jan Short dry season
🌧 Feb–May Long rainy season
🌧 Sep–Nov Short rains
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — $30–45 / ₹2,500–₹3,800
- 🏨 Mid-range — $60–90 / ₹5,000–₹7,500
- 🛶 Guided tours — $120+ / ₹10,000+
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Bujumbura
Lake Tanganyika
Gitega
Rusizi National Park
Kibira National Park
Tea Plantations
🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Shared taxis & minibuses
- Motorbike taxis in cities
- Private cars for long distances
- Limited public transport infrastructure
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Providers — Econet · Lumitel
- Good coverage in cities
- Weak in rural & park areas
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash is essential
- Cards rarely accepted
- ATMs limited outside cities
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Ugali
- Beans & rice
- Grilled fish from Lake Tanganyika
- Plantain-based dishes
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- Check current travel advisories
- Avoid political gatherings
- Use trusted local transport
Travel conditions can change — stay informed.
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrive in Bujumbura
- Day 2 — Lake Tanganyika & beaches
- Day 3 — Gitega cultural sites
- Day 4 — Kibira National Park
- Day 5 — Tea plantations & return
❓ FAQs
Is Burundi safe for tourists?
Safety varies. Stick to major cities, avoid demonstrations, and follow local advice.
Is English spoken in Burundi?
Limited. Kirundi and French are more commonly spoken.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Cash is required almost everywhere.
What is Burundi known for?
Lake Tanganyika, tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional culture.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
👮 Police 117
🚑 Ambulance 112
🔥 Fire 118
🩺 Tourist Help Local Authorities
🎟 Tours & Activities in Burundi