Visit Burundi
A Guide
The basics:
• Visa Requirements: Entry requirements, visa application process, and tips for a smooth arrival. UK Embassy provides the most up to date details
• Money: 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.
“Burundi is one of the most beautiful, undiscovered countries in Africa.”
“The people are warm and welcoming, but the bureaucracy is frustrating.”
“It’s cash-only everywhere—don’t expect credit cards to work!”
Who to work with
Helpful Contacts:
• Trusted guides and fixers.
• 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.
Key Points
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. phones, laptops, chargers, accessories.
Healthcare products and medications.
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
• 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.
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 Votel -
• Garden Hotel -
• AirBnB -
• Burundi Palace -
Hotels
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.