Robert
Response, prayers and please
Your go-to resource for exploring Burundi with ease. The basics:
• Visa Requirements: Entry requirements, visa application process, and tips for a smooth arrival.
• Currency & Exchange: Where to get the bank, where to get foreign currency, using mobile money, and ATM access.
• Safety & Security: Key safety tips, trusted contacts, and areas to be cautious in.
• Local Transportation: Best ways to get around (taxis, boda-bodas, car rentals, and walking options).
• Language & Communication: Common phrases in Kirundi and French, SIM card options, and internet access.
Alexa Young, CA
“Burundi is one of the most beautiful, undiscovered countries in Africa.”
Morgan James, NY
“The people are warm and welcoming, but the bureaucracy is frustrating.”
Lisa Driver, MI
“It’s cash-only everywhere—don’t expect credit cards to work!”
Who to work with
Helpful Contacts:
• Trusted guides and fixers.
• Reliable taxi drivers and car rental services.
• Hotels with good customer service.
• Local expat or business groups that provide good advice.
Less Helpful Contacts:
• Services that overcharge foreigners.
• Businesses with a reputation for delays or poor service.
• Local bureaucratic offices known for inefficiency.
Services
Provide a general description of the items below and introduce the services you offer. Click on the text box to edit the content.
Challenges
Difficult Logistics – Finding reliable transport and drivers.
Limited Availability of Goods – Some everyday and specialty items are hard to find.
Bureaucracy – Lengthy processes for visas, permits, and business registrations.
Cash-Only Economy – Limited card payment options; carrying cash is necessary.
Language Barrier – French and Kirundi are dominant, making communication tricky for English speakers.
Hard to Find Items
Electronics (high-quality phones, laptops, chargers, accessories).
Specialized medications and healthcare products.
Foreign food items (cheese, good coffee, specialty meats).
Reliable clothing (shoes, outdoor gear).
Construction materials (certain tools, paints, or high-quality plumbing supplies).
Bring & Take
What to Bring In:
• Small electronics and accessories.
• Vitamins and specialty medicines.
• Books and educational materials.
• High-quality snacks or treats.
• Spare car parts for vehicles commonly used in Burundi.
What to Take Out:
• Locally made crafts (baskets, fabrics, artwork).
• Coffee and tea from Burundi’s best farms.
• Traditional wooden and metal crafts.
• Unique Burundi souvenirs not available elsewhere.
Restaurants
Get to Know Us
• 🌟 Ubuntu Residence – Best overall dining experience.
• 🌟 Belvédère – Great steaks and a stunning view.
• 🌟 Bora Bora Beach – Lakeside dining with a relaxed vibe.
• 🌟 Le Café Gourmand – Excellent pastries and coffee.
• 🌟 Arena Club – Good mix of international and local dishes.
Get to Know Us
Top Hotels:
• 🌟 Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika – Best lakeside stay.
• 🌟 Kiriri Garden Hotel – Cozy and comfortable boutique hotel.
• 🌟 Hotel Dolce Vita – Good mix of business and leisure.
-Village, Garden, AirBnb
Hotels That Used to Be Good, But Aren’t Anymore:
• Notable declines due to management changes, service quality, or maintenance issues.
Hotels
Our Clients
What to do on the weekends!
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Outdoor Adventure
• 🌍 Lake Tanganyika – Relax, boat, and swim in one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
• ⛰ Kibira National Park – See primates and untouched rainforest.
• 🌊 Karera Waterfalls – Spectacular waterfalls with hiking trails.
• Cultural & Historical Sites:
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Culture & History
• 🏛 Gitega National Museum – Learn about Burundi’s history.
• 👑 Royal Drummers of Burundi – Traditional performance worth seeing.
• 🏞 Livingstone-Stanley Monument – Historic exploration site.
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Hidden Gems
• Small villages with unique experiences. Sunstone.
• Best spots for birdwatching and nature lovers. Bird Lake.