Home
Burundi in Brief
Burundi in Depth
Business Information
Travel and Tourism
Burundi map
Burundi News
Burundi Links
|
|
I. Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
For visas and information on the
required documents to visit the country, please contact the
diplomatic Embassy of the Republic of Burundi in Washington DC.
Website:
http://www.burundiembassydc-usa.org
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cash may be withdrawn with card at certain banks.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, shop B.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 important 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.
|
All year long, the lake Tanganika remains attractive for all kind
of fantastic fans: skiing water, sailing, fishing and many other activities
which usually imply strolls along the lake. And beside the private
swimming pools in some hotels or at the "Entente Sprotive Restaurant'"
there are many beautiful places along the lake which 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.
|
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, ski diving 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.
|
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
|
|