The Basics
Country: Burundi
Where is it?: Burundi is east of Democratic Republic of the Congo
Why do people go here?: Generally not a good place for travelers now
What are the main entry points?: Gatumba, Unda, Buganola, Rubombo, and Cibitoke
Currency used: Burundi franc
Country Code for Phones: 257
Religion: Roman Catholic 65%, Protestant and Anglican 5%, Muslim 10%, indigenous religious beliefs 20%
Population: 8.3 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, Africans, Europeans, Asians
Government: Republic
Languages: Kirundi, French
Travel Information
Major Cities: Bujumbura, Gitega, Muyinga, Ngozi, Ruyigi, Kayanza, Bururi, Rutana, Muramvya, Makamba
Attractions: Chutes de la Kagera, Kibabi Hot Springs, Lake Tanganyika, Rusizi National Park, Ruvubu National Park,Makamba Nature Reserve, Karera Falls, Rusizi National Park, Bururi Natural Reserve, Saga Beach, Rwihinda Lake Natural Reserve
Tourism Office locations and links: B.P. 902 Bujumbura 257 Bujumbura, Burundi, Burundi Tourism Office
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Rusizi National Park
Health Issues: Malaria, Dengue, Visceral leishmaniasis, Filariasis, severe hemorrhagic fevers, Cholera, dysenteries;typhoid fever; hepatitis A and E; and diarrheal diseases, including giardiasis, are widespread.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: The best time to visit Burundi is in January, May and September.
Common Phrases: Bwakeye / Mwaramutse – hello, good morning!; Mwiriwe – good afternoon/evening; Ijoro ryiza -good night; Turabonaye / Nakagaruka – see you later; N’agasaga – see you, good by; Urakomeye? – how are you?; Kira! – Bless you!; Kaze! – welcome!
Specific Events/Holidays: Day of Unity every February 5, Labor Day every May 1, Independence Day every July 1, Eid-ul-Adha – Feast of the Sacrifice every November, Christmas Day every December 25.
Getting Around: Majority of roads in Burundi are sealed. The main public transportation is the minibuses. Destinations are shown in the front of the window and they immediately leave when full.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport for travelers taking flights to Burundi is the Bujumbura International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Burundi travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
