BURUNDI AS A DESTINATION – Explore Burundi with Love Uganda Safaris
Overview
Located at the center of East and central Africa, Burundi is one of the hidden African safaris tour destinations. Her size and her location usually gets overshadowed by the bigger destinations such as Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Unlike other African safari trips, a safari to Burundi is a blessing to every traveler especially the ones undertaking combined African safari holidays. This African safari tour give you a chance to explore the rolling hills neighboring Bujumbura city. Love Uganda safaris specializes in organizing tour trips and safari vacations not only in Uganda but also in countries like Burundi. We design reliable and affordable African safari packages that turn your African safari vacation into an everlasting memory. This is made possible with the help of our professional safari tour guides who specialize in making safari holidays as best as possible. If you are planning any vacations in Africa, ensure to add Burundi on your list. Burundi does not have as many national parks as those found on Uganda tour safari packages, however, her beauty is all combined in her few destinations. All Burundi safari vacation packages are way beyond just a safari trip, they are a life time memory; characterized by safari travel to historical sites, community tours that can never be found on any other African tour packages. Burundi tour packages can still be combined with other African safari vacation packages such as Uganda safaris, Burundi African tours, Kenya African travel packages and Tanzania African safari vacation packages.
Are you planning an African safari vacation, Let Love Uganda safaris give turn your moments into memories by giving you a chance to explore Burundi – one of the top destinations on African tours and safaris.
Brief History and location
Located at in Central – East Africa south of the equator, Burundi (officially known as The Republic of Burundi) is the smallest country in the East African Community (EAC). Burundi cover total area of approximately 25,700 square kilometers and has no direct access to major water bodies such as ocean or sea (it is one of the landlocked countries in Africa). Burundi is one of the countries in Africa that depends on agriculture and 90% of her total land is regarded as agriculture land.
Tracing her origin as early as the 16th century, Burundi is one of the few countries in Africa whose boundaries were not defined by the colonial masters. Burundi was once under the custody and control of Belgium before it gained her independence on 1st July 1962. The country has experienced tremendous development since then and it is now one of the fast growing economies in the world characterized with peace and stability.
Burundi’s Area Code; +257
Burundi’s Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF). As at 4th November 2022, 1 USD = 2,053.225 1 BIF
Countries Bordering Burundi
Like earlier stated, Burundi is a landlocked countries that is she has no direct access to major water bodies such as ocean or sea. She is surrounded by other countries that is; the Democratic Republic of Congo (in the west together with Lake Tanganyika in the south west), Tanzania (in the east and south) and Burundi (in the North).
Weather and Climate of Burundi
Due to her location in the southern parts below the equator, Burundi experiences mild to warm climatic conditions that vary according to altitude. , however, Burundi experiences little seasonal variation in temperature. Much of the country is occupied by a plateau, at an altitude of around 1,500/1,800 meters which is 5,000/6,000 feet. The lower regions in the western parts of the country are at an altitude of about 800 meters which is 2,600 feet. Burundi also has a mountainous belt.
The dry season, characterized by cool breezes from the south-east blow, there is little rain, and the sun often shines during the months of June to August. By mid-August, the temperature begins to rise. The highest values of the year are recorded in September and October. At the same time, however, the rains begin, which occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms, and gradually lower the temperature, which returns to the values of the rest of the year, around 22/25 °C (72/77 °F) during the day on the plateau, and around 27/28 °C (81/82 °F) in the western lowlands.
For more information about the weather and climate of Burundi, Follow the link below https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/burundi.
Burundi’s capital city – Gitega
Formerly known as Kitega, Gitega is the current political capital of Burundi. It is the historical place where the Kings of Burundi had their headquarters based. However, the Germans, during the colonial days moved the capital from Gitega to Bujumbura. Many political leaders vowed to transfer the capital back to Gitega until when their dream came true through His Excellency Pierre Nkurunzinza did it. On 16 January 2019, Burundi’s parliament voted for the transfer of Burundi’s capital from Bujumbura to Gitega.
Gitega is now a reliable tourist destination with several attractions such as the National Museum of Gitega and the Livingston-Stanley Monument. Do not miss adding Gitega city tour on your list when planning an African safari tour to Burundi.
Districts of Burundi
Also known as “The Heart of Africa”, Burundi is divided into 18 administrative provinces each of which is unique in its own way. They were named in accordance with their major towns / cities. The provinces include;
- Bubanza province
- Bujumbura Mairie province (City of Bujumbura)
- Bujumbura Rural province
- Bururi province
- Cankuzo province
- Cibitoke province
- Gitega province
- Karuzi province
- Kayanza province
- Kirundo province
- Makamba province
- Muramvya province
- Muyinga province
- Mwaro province
- Ngozi province
- Rutana province
- Ruyigi province
The People of Burundi
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How is the behaviours of the people of Burundi?
Unlike other East African countries that have multiple tribes and ethnic groups, Burundi has three ethnic groups. Three are the major one that is The Tutsi – traditional pastoralists, the Hutu – traditional cultivators and the Twa – traditional hunters. Their culture is majorly influenced by their traditions and neighboring countries. These ethnic groups are believed to have lived in the areas of Rwanda and Burundi for over five thousand years and their origins, movements and migration trends are still a debatable issue among modern historians.
The major highlights in the lifestyle of Burundians are dancing, singing, legendary stories and poetry.
The people of Burundi are hospitable in nature and several testimonies have been heard from many travelers who took time and traveled to Burundi.
Like Rwandese, the people of Burundi are hospitable from the way they serve their local food, brewed local beer, do traditional dances to entertain visitors, to mention but a few. It is also customary to serve people food and drink when they visit a home in Burundi. Refusing to partake of offered food or drink is considered a grave insult. Hosts typically sip from drinks and taste the food first before passing them to the guests to show that they are safe for consumption and have not been poisoned. Visitors are often presented with food as gifts to take with them at the conclusion of their visits. Do not miss visiting these communities while on your safari to Burundi. It is always a moment turned into memory.
Like any other people in Africa, Burundians celebrate holiday’s especially Christian holidays and Independence Day. The noise gets higher on New Year’s Eve.
The major foods eaten by the people of Burundi include; Ugali—maize or cassava flour, porridge, Curry, Maharagwe—bean soup, Ibiharage—fried beans, Beans and bananas,
Bean soup, Matura and mahu—type of sausage and Boko boko hares. International foods are served in both local and international restaurants as well. Do not get stranded while on your safari to Burundi.
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What is the main race in Burundi
Burundi is a home to the Hamites (Tutsi), Bantu (Hutu), Pygmies (Twa), Asians, Europeans, other African tribes such as the Congolese and Rwandese, to mention but a few. However, the most dominant ones are the Hutu who make up to 85% of the entire Burundi population.
Is Burundi Rich or poor?
According to a report by World Bank, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/burundi/overview, 80% of Burundi’s population depend on agriculture for a living. It is therefore categorized as a Low income Economy. However, the country has steadily thrived the recent Covid-19 pandemic and its adverse effects as well.
Burundi is rich in natural resources such as fertile soils which support agriculture, gold, nickel, copper, cobalt, tantalum ore, tin ore, tungsten ore and rare earth’s metallic elements used to make high tech devices such as smartphones and computer hard disks.
Burundi is also rich in terms of nature conservation with quite a number of forests and other conservation areas.
Is it safe to travel to or live in Burundi?
Burundi is one of the safe destinations in Africa, comprising of good security and emergency response measures. However, being responsible is key to every traveler. There have been criminal cases reported in different parts of the country especially urban areas. These include; highway robbing, pick-pocketing, House break-ins, car hijacking, theft, murder, to mention but a few. This implies that as a traveler, you may not be immune to such. We therefore advise you to follow the guidelines, not to walk in the night alone, closing your car windows while driving alone and putting all the safety precautions from the relevant authorities into consideration.
For more information about safety and traveling to Burundi, Follow the Link below https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/burundi-travel-advisory.html.
Entering Burundi
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Burundi Flight information and Visa acquisition
If you are to travel to Burundi, you are required to possess valid documents for identification such as your passport and a visa. Visa’ to Burundi can applied for either online or at any Burundian embassies and High Commissions around the world. Travelers to Burundi are not required to possess Covid-19 vaccination certificates. There are no exceptions to Burundi’s travel requirements. If you are visiting Burundi, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is needed.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Follow the link below for more information on Burundi travel requirements https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/burundi/entry-requirements.
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Burundi Embassies and Consulates
Burundi has over ten embassies and consulates of other nations located in her territory. There are also over 10 embassies and Diplomatic missions of Burundi located elsewhere in the world. As love Uganda Safaris, we advise all travelers to Burundi to always know some information about the embassy / Consulate / Diplomatic mission of their countries in Burundi and the reverse is true. This is one of key safety as security tips for every traveler.
For more information about Burundi embassies and Consulate / Diplomatic missions, Follow the link below https://www.embassy-worldwide.com/country/burundi/.
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Transport and Accommodation in Burundi
Depending on the travelers’ choice and affordability, Burundi offers a variety of accommodation facilities. Luxury travelers can stay in high end classy hotels and lodges located mainly in cities and national parks. Mid-rangers can also stay in mid-range hotels and lodges which can be found in any part of the country be it rural or urban. The lower class (Budget) travelers can also get good lodges wherever they wish. The common thing about these accommodation facilities is the hygiene, sanitation and hospitality of staff.
Transport within Burundi involves traveling on tarred roads which are reasonably good. Majority of them are tarmacked but the ones connecting to some destinations like national parks are not. This means that it will be somehow dusty or muddy during the dry and wet seasons respectively. It is good to use tourist vans and 4×4 land cruises for a better experience. You can as well opt for public means though we do not usually recommend them for tourists as they may delay you and you miss some activities on your safari trip.
Get in touch with love Uganda for a professional safari advice before you embark on your trip.
Attractions and activities in Burundi
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Burundi national parks
Burundi has three major national parks each offering unique tour experience to all travelers. The parks are; Rusizi national park, Ruvubu national park and Kibira national park.
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Rusizi national park
Location: the park is located about 15 kilometers north of Bujumbura city and lies next to Rusizi River from where its name originates
Size: The Park covers an area of approximately 0 square kilometers
Attractions: Hippopotamuses, antelopes, sitatungas and Gustave – a Nile crocodile which is one of deadly human killers and rumor has it that it these crocodiles have claimed 300 lives.
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Ruvubu national park
Location: Located in the North eastern parts of Burundi, Ruvubu national park lies 216 kilometers away from Bujumbura city.
Size: The Park covers an area of approximately 508 square kilometers. It is considered to be the largest national park in Burundi.
Attractions: Nile crocodile, duiker, waterbucks, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, Senegal bushbabby, about 400 species of bird, several tree species, etc.
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Kibira national park
Location: Located in north western parts of Burundi, Kibira national park covers 4 provinces. The park lies on top of the Congo-Nile divide and is characterized by mountain rain forests.
Size: the park covers about 400 square kilometers and is contiguous to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest national park.
Attractions: About 200 species of birds and 98 mammal species in addition to multiple tree and flower species.
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What is the best time to visit Burundi?
Burundi is an open destination for all travelers through the year, however, depending on the reason for traveling, some may like the dry months or the wet months. From Our experience, the month of June is the best time to travel to Burundi especially for wildlife safaris.
Top 5 facts about Burundi
- Unlike many sub-Saharan African countries, the borders of Burundi were not created by European powers
- Burundi has two capital cities that is Bujumbura and Gitega
- Burundi won its first Olympic gold medal in its debut appearance at the 1996 Olympic Games. Gold was won by Vénuste Niyongabo in the men’s 5,000m.
- Jogging in Burundi is prohibited.
- A majority of the population of Burundi lives in villages that are scattered throughout the highlands.
Travel tips to Burundi
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times while you are in Burundi
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts before and during your visit to Burundi
- Carry some pain killers and antimalarial drugs while travelling to Burundi to avoid mosquito bites.
CONCLUSION
Burundi is one of the least explored tourism destinations in Africa. Her size and less number of national parks could be some of the factors. However, it is a reliable destination and an easy-to-combine safari package. It can be easily blended with Rwanda safari packages as well as Uganda group tour safari packages. Love Uganda Safaris gives you a chance to venture into “The Heart of Africa” – Burundi in the best way possible.