Burundi Travel Information

Burundi is a small country located in East Africa, known for its lush landscapes and rich culture. Whether you're interested in hiking, history, or wildlife, Burundi has something to offer. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Burundi:

1. Hike in the Rwenzori Mountains

The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer beautiful hiking trails with stunning views.

2. Visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument

This monument is located in the town of Kigoma and marks the spot where David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley first met in 1871.

3. Explore the Kibira National Park

This national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, elephants, and lions. It also offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic views.

4. Visit the Rusizi National Park

This national park is located in the southwestern part of the country, and it offers the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including the shoebill stork.

5. Visit the Kigwena Natural Reserve

This natural reserve is located in the northwest of the country, and it offers the opportunity to see a variety of primates, including the endangered golden monkey.

6. Visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument

This monument is located in the town of Kigoma and marks the spot where David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley first met in 1871.

7. Visit the National Museum of Burundi

Located in the capital city of Bujumbura, the National Museum of Burundi offers a glimpse into the country's history and culture.

8. Visit the Kirundo Province

Located in the northeastern part of the country, Kirundo province offers the opportunity to see traditional houses and terraced fields.

9. Visit the Rusizi Delta

Located in the southwestern part of the country, Rusizi delta is a great place for birdwatching and canoeing.

10. Visit the Source of the Nile

The source of the Nile is located in Jinja, Uganda, just a short drive from the border of Burundi. It's a great place for rafting and kayaking.

Burundi is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, and it offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. It's a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Climate

Burundi has a tropical climate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The heavy rainy season occurs from February to May, and the light rainy season occurs from September to November. The dry seasons occur from June to August and December to January. The temperatures in Burundi are relatively consistent throughout the year, with average high temperatures around 27-29°C (81-84°F) and average low temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F).

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Burundi depends on what you're interested in doing. If you're interested in hiking and outdoor activities, the dry seasons (June to August and December to January) are the best time to visit. The weather is dry and mild, and the trails are less muddy. If you're interested in seeing wildlife, the light rainy season is the best time to visit. The light rains bring out a variety of animals and birds, and the lush vegetation makes for great viewing. Keep in mind that during the heavy rainy season, many roads and trails can be impassable.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Burundi is not a major tourist destination, and as such, accommodation options can be limited, especially outside of the capital city of Bujumbura. However, there are still several options available for travelers looking to visit the country.

Hotels

Bujumbura offers a variety of hotels, including international chains such as Novotel, and local options. Outside of the capital, there are fewer options, but you can still find hotels in cities such as Gitega and Rumonge.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option in Burundi, particularly in the capital city. They offer a more personal and homely experience than hotels and are often more affordable.

Camping

Camping is a popular option for those who want to explore the country's natural beauty. There are several campsites available in national parks such as Kibira and Rusizi, as well as in other remote locations.

Homestays

Homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and way of life. They are a popular option in the rural areas of the country and often arranged through local tour operators.

Keep in mind that the accommodation options in Burundi may be limited, especially outside of Bujumbura, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and book accommodations in advance.

Burundi is a small country, and as such, transportation options are limited. However, there are still several ways to get around the country.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around Burundi, especially between major cities. There are several private bus companies that operate throughout the country, with routes to and from Bujumbura, Gitega, and other cities.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in the capital city of Bujumbura and other major cities. They are a convenient and relatively affordable way to get around, although prices can vary depending on the distance and time of day.

Rental Car

Renting a car is an option for those who want more flexibility and independence when traveling around Burundi. However, it is important to keep in mind that the road conditions can be poor, particularly in rural areas.

Motorbike

Motorbike rental is also available, it can be a good option for those who want to explore the countryside, but be aware of the poor road conditions and lack of fuel availability.

Flights

A few airlines operate flights within Burundi, and it is a good option for those who want to travel between cities quickly. However, the frequency and availability of flights can be limited.

It's worth noting that transportation options in Burundi may be limited, especially outside of major cities. It's a good idea to plan ahead and book transportation in advance, especially if you plan to travel to more remote areas of the country.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.