Bujumbura

Understand

Bujumbura was the capital of Burundi until 2019, when the capital was moved to the second largest city, Gitega.

Climate

Bujumbura features a tropical savanna climate (Aw), with distinct wet season from October to April and dry season from May to September. Average temperature is 23 °C (73 °F), constant among the year. Bujumbura is much hotter than other part of the country due to it low altitude: 800 m (2,600 ft). Bujumbura has 147 rainy days per year and records 786 mm (30.9 in) of rainfalls annually, less than other parts of the country. Wind blows from Lake Tanganyika during the day and stops in the evening.

Getting there

Visa rules and prices change frequently. As of July 2023 two visas are available on arrival at the Airport: a one-month, multiple entry visa costs US$90, and a 3-day (2-night) transit visa is US$40. Visas can be obtained from embassies prior to travel. If you arrive by land you can only get a 3-day transit visa for US$40. then you need to go to the immigration office in Bujumbura to get a visa extension 10 or 30 days for US$20-50. Visa on arrival is only payable in US dollars: euros are often not accepted, Burundian francs (FBu) are not accepted (even if there is ATM in airport). Credit cards are not accepted even if the “Visa” and “MasterCard” acceptance logos are clearly visibles on airport stickers. Customs accepts only recent banknotes.

By plane 1 Bujumbura International Airport (BJM IATA), RN5 (close to the city — 9.0 km (5.6 mi) north-west of Indépendance square), ☏ +257 223 707 (office), +257 223 797 (flight information). Recording around 5 flights per day, Bujumbura International Airport essentially connects to East African hub airports, via the following companies:

Ethiopian Airlines, from Addis Ababa (ADD IATA) — 1 flight per day — ET807 Kenya Airways, from Nairobi (NBO IATA) — 2 flights per day — KQ444 and KQ448 RwandAir, from Kigali (KGL IATA) — 2 flights per day — WB482 and WB483 Brussels Arilines, from Brussels (BRU IATA) — 1 flight per week, on Sunday — SN451 there are direct Air Tanzania flights to neighboring Tanzania Kigoma and Dar Es salaam but none to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Getting around

Taxis are cruising all over the city; you need to negotiate the price with them. Minibuses serving the north of the city arrive and depart at the front of the central market (Marché Central), while those heading south use the parking lot in the back of the market near the Interbank head office. The last mini-buses leave around 22:00 as of 2011. It is not advised to walk at night after that; if you need to go anywhere, take a taxi. To get a lift in any type of vehicle from the side of the road, hold out your hand with your palm facing upward. This works for taxis, buses, motorcycles, and all sorts of private and commercial vehicles. Mini-bus conductors will honk and use their fingers to show how many seats are available. If the bus is full, they will wave their hand with their palm facing downward. It is not uncommon for private vehicles to pick up foreigners requesting lifts during the daytime. They range from high-end SUVs driven by white-collar workers to flat bed pickup trucks where you must stand up. Payment is generally not expected for hitchhiking short distances, but working-class Burundians regularly give each other money for small favours, so there is no harm in offering.

See

1 Musée Vivant (Living Museum of Bujumbura), 11 Avenue du 13 Octobre (heading west, just before Lake Tanganyika — visitors must come via Ave du Large or Ave de la Plage, as Ave 13 October is closed), ☏ +257 22 22 60 82. 08:00–17:30. Small “zoo” and natural history museum. Exhibits include fishes from Lake Tanganyika, birds, seven species of snakes, two chimpanzees called “Kita” and “Joy”, a golden monkey, a leopard called “Jango”, three antelope, two slender-snouted crocodiles and six Nile crocodiles. There’s also a traditional Burundian village on the grounds. For about FBu 5,000 (2014) per person, a guide will show you around. The guide can even get some snakes out of the cage to let you hold them or feed them with guinea pigs. You can also feed chimpanzees with rice and Carnivores with guinea pigs or rabbits. Hold the hand of a chimpanzee, have a snake on harm and enter in cage of “Lacoste” Nile crocodile is also part of the attraction.Sometimes, local cultural events occur on the grounds, such as performances by the Burundian drummers. Entrance: FBu 5,000 adult, 2,000 child; Carnivore food: FBu 5,000 guinea pig, 25,000 rabbit. (updated Jun 2016) 2 Rusizi National Park, RN4, Chaussée d'Uvira (a few miles past Club du Lac, nearly at the DR Congo border). See hippos and crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the Rusizi River. The area is also where Gustave, the world's largest Nile crocodile, has been spotted. There are also some amazing birds to be seen. For about FBu 3,000 per person (plus tip), a guide and a guard will join you in the car and give you a tour of the park. You’ll stop at several points along the water to view hippos, crocodiles and birds. 3 Livingstone–Stanley Monument (La Pierre de Livingstone et Stanley), village of Mugere, about 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Bujumbura on RN3 (100 m south of the bridge crossing the Mugere River). It's not the spot where Stanley said “Dr Livingstone, I presume?”, but it has a gorgeous view of the lake. Livingstone and Stanley passed through the area and carved their names on a large rock. Free of charge. Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers. 4 Cathédrale Regina Mundi de Bujumbura, Boulevard Patrick Lumumba, Rohero. 5 Monument de l’Unité National, Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore (Kiriri, up Ave Belvédère, entrance by the top of Monument). FBu 10,000 for entrance + guide may request FBu 2,

Do

Beach Karera Beach, Uvira Roadway (on Lake Tanganyika about 20 min from the city). Nice beach resort. Saga Plage, Uvira Roadway (on Lake Tanganyika about 20 min of town), ☏ +257 79 38 67 24. Beach with restaurant, entertainment complex and hotel. Nice place to pass some time. Bora Bora Plage is next to Saga.

Nature Association Burundaise pour la protection de la Nature (ABN), ☏ +257 22 24 94 70. A local conservation group that conducts birdwatching tours of Rusizi Park and other areas. Some of their guides speak English.

Culture Check local flyers for information on Burundian drummer performances, or just be on the look out for a wedding reception taking place somewhere. With help from locals, you can also arrange to visit a drum troupe, get a lesson, and then see a private performance. Many activities are organized by the Centre Culturel Francais (CCF), Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore, +257 222351 (City Centre). Extensive monthly film, theatre and music programmes available from their offices. CCF also offers courses in French and Kiswahili (individual and group).

Sports Several swimming pools available for who wants to cool down from the hot days.

Federation Football (soccer) games at the Stade in Rohero are at 14:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays. Université de Burundi ("Collège") has a large swimming pool with high-dive and a spectacular view of Bujumbura and Lake Tanganyika. Entente Sportive, Avenue du Stade. Daily 07:00 – 19:00. Old spacious colonial entourage. There are separate pool for children and even 3 m and 5 m high-dives. Length of the pool is 33 metres. Hotel Club Lac du Tanganyika, Chaussee D'Uvira (take route in the direction of the Border with the DRC - Gatumba), +257 250220/221, fax +257 250219, [1]. Daily open until 20:00. FBu 4000 during the week and FBu 10,000 during the weekend. Hotel pool, but in the weekends meeting point for the ex-patriate community of Bujumbura. Breakfast and lunch served at the poolside. Beach nearby.

Viewpoints War Memorial at the top end of Ave Belvedere - for great sunset views. The Belvedere and Chez Vaya restaurants are nearby and offer equally good views - although during weekdays they only open at 18:30 - after sunset.

Buy

Withdraw money Diamond Trust Bank, Ecobank, Kenya commercial Bank and some others have ATMs in Bujumbura that accept international Master cards and Visa cards, Interbank charge ~5000 FBu for each transaction. At Gar du Nord bus station there is only one ATM around which sometimes is out of service, so come prepared.

Groceries Most of the things that one needs can be found in one of the stalls in the Central Market. Stiff bargaining is needed to get it for the right price. Small supermarkets are found across the city. Google supermarket, Gift Supermarket. They normally stock luxury Imported items at a luxury price. The Greek-owned 'Boucherie Nouvelle' on Avenue du Congo is worth a visit. Always busy, but then it offers a wide variety of meat, cheese and charcuterie. Opposite the butcher you find vendors with exclusive and rare vegetables and in the rainy season wild mushrooms of all types. Be prepared for hassle and 'persuasive' sales techniques.

Souvenirs The best place to buy souvenirs is the small curio market on Avenue de Stade. Another small curio market is found on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagazore, opposite Library St. Paul.

Eat

The people in Bujumbura love their food and enjoy eating out with friends or family. A beef or fish brochette, chips or fried plantain and a fresh salad is available in all restaurants. But take your time. All food is freshly prepared and the cooks take time. Waiting an hour before the food arrives is certainly not abnormal. Restaurants are scattered all over town, but the best are in Rohero and Kiriri. Some restaurants that are worth a visit are:

Centre 1 Botanika, 11 Blvd de l'Uprona, ☏ +257 22 22 67 92, +257 22 22 87 73. Small, European-style, funky dining. Expensive. Great outdoor eating area, inner patio, good for brunch on weekends, has wireless. Popular with business, government and expats, often full. Bring your own bottle. Main dish FBu 16,000-18,000, starter FBu 12,000. (updated Jun 2016) Le Bouteille d'Or (near the city centre, ask a taxi driver or a local). Basic beer garden that serves a local speciality, beef "michopo", deliciously seasoned steamed beef served with little dough cubes. Le Cayor, Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore (opposite Centre Culturel Français). Busy for lunch. General Burundian dishes, but also Cameroonian food. Le Plaisir, Avenue de l'Amitié (beside Radio Isanganiro). Popular restaurant serving Burundian dishes. Busy for lunch, especially if you want a table upstairs. Menu items are not always available, so it is best to ask the server what is available. The Sangala fish topped with onions is excellent, and the stewed beef (lunch only) is very reasonably priced. 2 Oasis, 14 Blvd de l'Uprona, Rohero I, BP35 (next to Havana), ☏ +257 22 22 31 16, +257 75 75 31 16 (mobile), [email protected]. M–F 12:00–14:30 18:30–22:00, Sa 13:00–15:30 18:30–22:00, Su closed. Greek restaurant and pizza on the main drag in town. Excellent Greek mezze. 15 Greek specialities & 17 types of pizzas. Meat FBu 16,000–20,000, meze FBu 16,000, pizza FBu 11,000–21,000. (updated Jun 2016) Pont Muha (continue Bld de la Liberte till you reach the river Muha). Best Burundian brochettes in the city. If you are hungry have the brochette Hôtelière. 3 Tropicana, Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore (head 200 m east from Palace De L'Indépendance, 250 m north-west form central market). Stylish restaurant and internet café. Very good burgers, omelettes, fruit juices and coffee. Main dishes around FBu 10,000, drinks FBu 3,000. (updated Jun 2016) La Baguette Magique, Boulevard Lumumba Patrice. Not a café or restaurant, just a very good bakery. Worth stopping at to stock up on cakes & croissants. Chez Michel. Next to Hotel le Tanganika. Excellent Belgian

Drink & nightlife

There are several bars on Avenue de l'Universite (between Bld de l'Independence and Blv Mao Tse Tung). The best known places for a transnight dance is l'Archipel which can be found on Blv de la Liberté.

Coeur d'Afrique (Quartier Asiatique, near Ciné Caméo). Outdoor 'cabaret' features live singing on weekend nights, popular with the college-aged crowd. Probably not wise during the raining season as there is no roof. They usually run out of cold beer early in the evening, but many Burundians prefer their beer warm. Food is available from the calmer place across the street.

Sleep

Bujumbura Accommodation can be broadly split into the northern beach resorts and the city centre. The city centre can be further split into places near the lake, the city centre proper and up in the hills behind the city centre.

Northern beach resorts 1 Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, RN4, Chaussee D'Uvira, BP 6573, ☏ +257 22 25 02 20, +257 22 25 02 21, +257 22 25 02 22, fax: +257 22 25 02 19, [email protected]. on the lake at US$120 upwards. The Italian-owned hotel is popular on the weekends with the expat crowd so a fee of FBu 10,000 was introduced for the usage of the pool. Located outside of the city at the beach. It also has some sporting facilities such as tennis courts. Karera Beach Hotel. on the lake. More of a weekend-getaway than a hotel, chalets on the beach (with kitchenette, TV, etc.) start at US$65 per night. Breakfast and other services not included.

Downtown, lakeside Restaurant Tanganyika 1 Avenue de la Plage - has 4 spacious rooms overlooking the garden with art deco fixtures, free wifi and air conditioning. A small sandy beach is over the road. Good value at US$60 per night including breakfast. The road is a little noisy however. Safari Gate, Avenue du Large (at the lake), ☏ +257 22 21 47 80. Don't believe the prices quoted on their website, they are long out-of-date. The cheaper $60 rooms are pretty dingy and have no view - better to splash out on a $120 room. US$60-120.

City centre

Budget Ceprodilic, Avenue du Commerce no 17, ☏ +257 22255765. Wifi only downstairs in the common area and restaurant. FBu 30,000. (updated Oct 2024) Hotel Pacific, Avenue du Palmier no 6 (near Boulevard Patrice Lumumba). Budget rooms are simple but solid, with Wifi in the room, small table and chair, mosquito net, private bathroom, some rooms with ventilator, solid hotel restaurant, very central location, somewhat noisy neighbourhood with bars opposite. different room categories, rooms from FBu 35,000. (updated Oct 2024) Mess des Officiers, Boulevard du 28 Novembre (next to the large roundabout). It is in the military area, large green area, restaurant and bar next to it. around US$10. (updated Oct 2024) Camel Africa Hotel, Bwiza 6 Ieme Avenue no 15, ☏ +257 69888489. Fan room, with own bathroom, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi. Owner speaks English. Great place for backpackers and overland travelers. FBu 35,000. (updated Aug 2023)

Mid-range and splurge Hotel Amahoro, Av Industrial. In the center of town. Wifi, nice little restaurant, and conference rooms. The cheapest rooms have cold showers. US$40-80. Hotel Botanika tiny, deligh

Go next

Kigoma, Tanzania: You can take a bus via the Manyovu border post. The distance is 227 km (141 mi). From Kigoma you can take a train or bus to Mwanza or Dar es Salaam. About 60 km south of Bujumbura are two lakeside resort hotels, Blue Bay [2] and Resha Royal Imperial Hotel [3] which make for nice day trips or as somewhere to stay overnight. Both have restaurants serving up excellent grilled fish. The volcano bus company has regular service to Kigali Rwanda. and the Luba express bus company has regular service to Kigoma Tanzania There is an Intercity bus station on Avenue de l'OUA near GTS.