Is it acceptable to eat with my hands in Burundi?

Yes, eating with your hands is common, especially when sharing communal dishes like ugali or plantains, but always use your right hand as the left is considered unclean.

Are there any unique gestures or body language norms I should be aware of?

Avoid pointing directly at people or objects with your finger; instead, use an open hand or gesture subtly with your chin or lips.

What’s the best way to greet someone in Burundi to show respect?

Greet elders and strangers with a slight bow or nod while saying 'Amahoro' (peace) or 'Mwaramutse' (good morning), and always shake hands gently with your right hand.

Are there any local foods I should try that aren’t widely known outside Burundi?

Try 'isombe' (cassava leaves with eggplant and spinach) or 'umutsima' (a stiff porridge made from cassava or corn), which are staples in Burundian cuisine.

What’s the etiquette around taking photos of people or places in Burundi?

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas, and avoid taking photos of government buildings or military personnel.

How can I support local communities while traveling in Burundi?

Buy handicrafts directly from artisans at local markets, such as woven baskets or pottery, and consider staying in locally-owned guesthouses or eco-lodges.

Are there any seasonal events or festivals I should plan my trip around?

Plan to visit during the annual 'Umuganura' festival in August, celebrating the harvest with traditional dances, music, and communal feasts.

What’s the best way to navigate public transportation in Burundi?

Use shared minibuses (known as 'taxi-bus') for short distances, but negotiate fares in advance, and be prepared for crowded conditions and frequent stops.

Are there any local customs around gift-giving I should know?

If invited to a home, bring a small gift like fruit, sugar, or tea, and present it with both hands as a sign of respect.

What’s the best way to dress to blend in and show respect in Burundi?

Wear modest, conservative clothing, especially in rural areas—avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing outfits to respect local norms.

Are there any unique laws or traditions I should be aware of as a traveler?

Avoid discussing politics or the country’s history openly, as these topics can be sensitive, and always stand still during the national anthem if it’s played.

Most nationalities need a visa. E-visa is available online. Visa on arrival for some African passport holders.

What currency is used?

Burundian Franc (BIF). US dollars are accepted in some hotels and tourist sites.

Is English widely spoken?

French and Kirundi are official. English is limited, mainly in Bujumbura.

What is the food like?

Staples include beans, cassava, plantains, and sweet potatoes. Grilled fish from Lake Tanganyika is a specialty.

Can I use my credit card?

Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Cash is king.

Is tap water safe to drink?

No. Drink bottled or boiled water.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Yellow fever is mandatory. Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A & B are recommended.

What is the internet like?

Internet is slow and unreliable. Mobile data (3G/4G) is available in cities.

ATMs exist in Bujumbura but may not accept foreign cards. Bring enough cash.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Solo travel is possible but requires caution. Hiring a local guide is recommended.

Light clothing, rain jacket, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a universal power adapter.

Can I visit Lake Tanganyika?

Yes, it's a highlight. Beaches near Bujumbura are popular, but avoid swimming in isolated areas.

Burundi

countryAfrica

Burundi is a COUNTRY in Africa.

Nestled in the heart of Africa, Burundi is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills,' this small but stunning country boasts lush landscapes, serene lakes, and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world's second-deepest lake, where you can relax on sandy beaches or dive into crystal-clear waters. Discover the vibrant capital, Bujumbura, with its lively markets, colonial architecture, and bustling nightlife. Immerse yourself in the country's traditions by visiting local villages and experiencing the rhythmic beats of Burundian drumming, a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure. With its warm hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and unique wildlife, Burundi offers an unforgettable adventure for intrepid travelers.

Best time to visit Burundi

The best time to visit Burundi is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to January, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Mostly clear
Temperature: 27°
Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 13 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 25-30°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Short rains; some roads become difficult.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

BJM

Bujumbura International Airport

International

10 km away

KGL

Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)

International

200 km away

EBB

Entebbe International Airport (Uganda)

International

500 km away

Getting around

"Getting around Burundi is an adventure in itself! Taxis are widely available in cities like Bujumbura and are a convenient way to travel. For longer distances, buses and minibuses (known as 'matatus') are common but can be crowded. Renting a car is an option for those who prefer flexibility, though roads outside major cities may be rough. Motorcycle taxis, called 'boda-bodas,' are popular for short trips but require caution. Walking is a great way to explore smaller towns and rural areas, offering a chance to soak in the local atmosphere."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

5 Mbps

Mobile data

Fair

WiFi

Limited to hotels and cafes in Bujumbura

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $2

Calling code

+257

Stay safe

Overall

5/10

Political instability and crime are concerns. Avoid non-essential travel to some areas.

Night safety

3/10

Political instability and crime are concerns. Avoid non-essential travel to some areas.

Transport

4/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Exercise caution, avoid political gatherings, and stay informed about local conditions."

Police

117

Ambulance

112

Fire

118

Entry and health

Visa requirements

"Most travelers require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance from a Burundian embassy."

Health information

"Travelers should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccines and consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria is prevalent, so antimalarial medication and mosquito repellent are essential. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses."

Culture

Local customs

"Burundians are known for their warm hospitality and respect for traditions. Greetings are important, so always greet people with a handshake and a smile. When visiting someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, to show respect for local customs. Burundian drumming is a significant cultural practice, and attending a performance is a must. Remember to ask for permission before taking photos of people or their property."

Kirundi (official)French (official)SwahiliKirundiFrenchEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Burundian Franc (BIF) · FBu

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$3-5 | a local meal costs around $3-5

Hotels

$20-50 | budget hotels range $20-50/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Burundi is one of the cheapest countries in Africa for travelers.

Timezone

Africa/Bujumbura +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

11,175,378

Area

27,830 km²

Government

Republic

ISO code

BI, BDI

Type

country

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: برنڈی, Republikk Burundi, Burůndi, Tlācatlahtohcāyōtl in Burundi, ᏋᎷᏂᏗ, Orílẹ́ède Bùùrúndì, Repùblica Burundi, ბურუნდიშ რესპუბლიკა, Burundo, Bùrúndì, Republiek van Burundi, República de Burundi, Koninkrijk Burundi, Irepuburika y’Uburundi, کۆماری بوروندی, Uburundi, บุรุนดี, Rippubliek Boeroendi, Burundí, Բուրունդի, Բուրունդի Հանրապետություն, 布隆迪共和國, Burundi Köztársaság, Republíki ya Burundi, ବୁରୁନ୍ଦି, República de Burundí, สาธารณรัฐบุรุนดี, הרפובליקה של בורונדי, Repubblica del Burundi, רעפובליק פון בורונדי, બુરુંડી, Königreich Burundi, Бурундин, బురుండి, Republika y'u Burundi, An Bhurúin, 蒲隆地, Bouroundi, Ndenndaandi Burunndi, Repubilika ya Burundi, Republiken Burundi, Буру́нді, Republica de Burundi, Republika ti Burundi, බුරුන්ඩි, Burundi nutome, Ködörösêse tî Burundïi, بورون‌دی جومهوریتی, Бурунди Республика, புருண்டி குடியரசு, ބުރުންޑީ, Tetã Vurundi, iRiphabliki weBurundi, बुरुंडीचे प्रजासत्ताक, Буру́нди, Burundì, Бурунди Республикасы, Буру́ндзі, बुरूण्डी, برونډي, Buruindi;Burundi, Burúndi, Königriek Burundi, Бурунди Республикаһы, Republika ng Burundi, Mburundi, बुरुण्डी, Buruni, Burundu Republika, Republiik faan Burundi, جمهورية بوروندي, Republika han Burundi, Burundi Republika, Burunddii, Konungsríkið Búrúndí, Repabliki ya Burundi, Respublica Burundia, جمہوریہ برونڈی, i-Burundi, Burundee, ବୁରୁଣ୍ଡି, Republiek Burundi, ਬੁਰੂੰਡੀ ਦਾ ਗਣਰਾਜ, Republic of Burundi, ဘူရွန်ဒီနိုင်ငံ, بوروندي, ബറുണ്ടി, بوروندی, བྷུ་རུན་ཌི, የቡሪንዲ ሪፕብሊከ, Буру́нди Респу́бликасы, ប៊ូរុនឌី, ບູລັນດີ, Burunni, Burundin tasavalta, Koninkryk van Burundi, ブルンジ共和国, ბურუნდის რესპუბლიკა, Burundi Respublikası, Republic o Burundi, Burunndi, Burundija, गणतन्त्र बुरूण्डी, Regne de Burundi, Republica Burundi, বুরুন্ডি, 부룬디, Gàawu Buruundi, Burundi Vabariik, Repubblika tal-Burundi, बुरुंडी, Республикæ Бурунди, בורונדי, ประเทศบุรุนดี, Δημοκρατία του Μπουρούντι, Burundi Kiōng-hô-kok, بروندی, Burundiko Errepublika, Μπουρούντι, Бурундзі, Burundžio Respublika, Burundaidh, Burundi Cumhuriyeti, بۇرۇندى, Бурунді, Repúbrica de Burundi, Republikken Burundi, Pelaniti, Burundî, Ripubrikin Burundi, Republique du Burundi, République du Burundi, iBurundi, 布隆迪, Regno del Burundi, Búrúndí, Burundin Tazavaldu, Borondi, ბურუნდი, புருண்டி, Urundi, Republica del Burundi, Republik Burundi, Респу́бліка Буру́нді, Буру́нди Йөмһүриәте, Burundi dásseváldi, Burandi, 蒲隆地共和国, Ripoblik a Burundi, Burundi ka Fasojamana, Republica di Burundi, Boerûndy, ᏍᎦᏚᎩ ᎾᎿ ᏋᎷᏂᏗ, Repübliga Burundi, Reĝlando Burundo, Bûrûndy, Respubliko Burundo, جمهوری بوروندی, Бурундин Орн, Bwrwndi, ብሩንዲ, República do Burúndi, बुरुन्डी गणराज्य, 부룬디 공화국, Jamhuri ya Burundi, প্রজাতন্ত্রি বুরুন্ডি, Pobblaght Vurundee, Republika Burůndi, Tjóðveldið Burundi, ブルンジ, Republika Burundi, Рэспубліка Бурундзі, ਬੁਰੂੰਡੀ, Burundi Respublikasy, Burundïi, بورون‌دی, burundis, Bûrûndî, ബുറുണ്ടി, Rundiyän, Gweriniaeth Bwrwndi, Burundd, Burundis, བུ་རུན་ཌི།, بوروندى, Burundi Respublikasi, Purundi, Република Бурунди, Burundi republiko, बुरुण्डी गणराज्य, बुरुन्डी, Burundi Ripuwlika, প্রজাতন্ত্রী বুরুন্ডি, Burundská republika, ቡሩንዲ, Reino de Burundi, Бүгд Найрамдах Бурунди Улс, Бурунди республики, Poblachd Bhurundaidh, Brundi, Бурунди, 布隆迪 / 蒲隆地, བྷུ་རུན་དི།, Рэспу́бліка Буру́ндзі, بورَنڈِ, Republika y'Uburundi, an Bhurúin, ಬುರುಂಡಿ, Республика Бурунди, Cộng hòa Burundi, Burundin Tazovaldkund, Borondy, Bùlóngdí, Рэспу́бліка Буру́нді, Orile-ede Olominira ile Burundi, Бурунди Республиката, Boeroendi, റിപബ്ലിക് ഓഫ് ബറുണ്ടി, برونڈی, Буру́нди Җөмһүрияте, ဘူရွန်ဒီ သမ္မတနိုင်ငံ, Buruundii, Burundi Khiung-fò-koet, Buruundi, بۇرۇندى جۇمھۇرىيىتى, Jamhuriyar Burundi, Úrúndí, Burundijas Republika, Burundio, Burundia, อุรุนดี, ಬುರುಂಡಿ ಗಣರಾಜ್ಯ, Républik Burundi, Vurundi, Burundi

Off the Beaten PathNatureWildlifeCulturalAdventure