Things To Do
in Burundi
Burundi is a small, landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region, framed by rolling hills and the shimmering waters of Lake Tanganyika. It blends green tea and coffee estates with improvised urban life, where markets, drumming, and warm hospitality define daily rhythms. Although it has faced political and safety challenges in the past, Burundi remains remarkably welcoming to travelers who seek authentic experiences off the beaten path.
Visitors are rewarded with vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and a pace of life that invites reflection and connection with locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Bujumbura and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, enjoying the tranquil waters and refreshing breeze. Capture the beautiful sunrise over the lake as locals begin their day.
Visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument and learn about the historic meeting between explorers Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone. Have lunch at a lakeside restaurant offering fresh fish dishes. Spend some time relaxing on the beach or swimming in the clear waters.
Enjoy a traditional Burundian dinner at a local restaurant featuring drumming and dance performances. Take a calm evening stroll through Bujumbura’s central market to experience local life. Wind down with a drink overlooking the lake under the stars.
Explore the National Museum of Gitega to understand Burundi’s rich cultural heritage and history. Walk through the city’s vibrant streets and visit local artisan shops selling crafts and textiles. Stop for coffee at a popular café and watch the city come alive.
Tour the Russian Market to shop for souvenirs including traditional fabrics, jewelry, and wood carvings. Have lunch at a café specializing in regional cuisine. Visit the Ruzizi Market to see bustling trade and interact with friendly vendors.
Attend a local music or dance performance to immerse yourself in Burundian culture. Try street food specialties like grilled meat skewers or fried plantains. Enjoy the cooler evening air while strolling along the lakeshore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🚕1-way taxi within city | $2-5 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $25-70 |
| 🛍️Local crafts purchase | $5-25 |
| ☕Coffee at a local cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning lake scenery and inviting lakeside towns
- Warm, welcoming people and a vibrant drumming culture
- Affordable travel with a variety of nature and cultural experiences
- Limited infrastructure outside major towns in some areas
- Language barriers for non-French speakers in rural regions
- Occasional safety advisories; dependability can vary by region
- "Mwaramutse" - Good morning
- "Mwiriwe" - Good afternoon/evening
- "Murakoze" - Thank you
- "Ndabashimiye" - I thank you
Places to Visit in Burundi
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour silhouettes of fishing boats with the expansive lake as a backdrop create serene, wide-angle stills.
A vantage point above the city offering sweeping views of the hills, lake, and the patchwork of farmland below.
Wetland habitats and birdlife make for compelling nature photography, especially during early morning light.
Colorful stalls, people trading, and daily life scenes provide dynamic street photography opportunities.
Food in Burundi
Burundi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pumpkin and bean stew, often served with rice or boiled cassava; a comforting staple found in homes and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
Cassava leaves simmered with peanut sauce and often eaten with rice or ugali; deeply flavorful and widely available in markets and homes.
A maize or cassava-based staple served with a variety of sauces or stews; common across households and local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant indoor and outdoor stalls offering fresh produce, grains, and ready-to-eat snacks; a great place to sample street foods like roasted plantains and grilled meats.
A busy local market known for fish, vegetables, and crafts; ideal for observing daily life and tasting simple dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm, handshake or gentle bow is common; use polite language when addressing elders. Address people with courtesy and maintain eye contact during conversations.
Dress conservatively in rural areas and places of worship; lightweight, respectful clothing is appropriate in most settings.
Burundians are hospitable; modest gifts or sharing a meal is common when visiting households.
Ask for permission before photographing people, particularly in markets or homes.
French and Kirundi are widely used; a few basic phrases in Kirundi or French go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Burundi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated in tourist-friendly venues. In restaurants, a modest 5–10% extra is common for good service; for street stalls and markets, small cash tips are appreciated but not expected.
Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and higher-end establishments; cash (Burundian Franc, BIF) is widely used in most markets and smaller eateries. ATMs are available in major towns, and cash is advisable for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August is typically dry and cooler, especially in the evenings. Excellent for outdoor activities, city strolls, and lake excursions, with limited rainfall.
February–May brings heavier rain, lush landscapes, and occasional travel delays. Pack a sturdy rain jacket and quick-dry clothing, and plan indoor activities during heavier showers.
September–November brings sporadic showers with still-mild daytime temperatures. Good for forest visits in the morning and city exploring later in the day.
Burundi at Night
Hiking in Burundi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible viewpoints near Bujumbura with forested sections and panoramic city views.
Forest trails offering birdwatching and nature walks through Burundi’s largest rainforest reserve.
Airports
How to reach Burundi by plane.
Main international gateway to Burundi; connects to regional hubs and offers access to the capital's amenities and nearby Lake Tanganyika destinations.
Growing hub near the capital region; serves domestic and regional flights and supports travel to inland destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Hutu and Tutsi communities, with a small Twa minority. Urban areas tend to be more diverse and cosmopolitan.
French and Kirundi are widely used; English is less common. Language use can vary between urban centers and rural villages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and national team events are widely followed.
Growing in popularity, with community leagues and school competitions.
Running and track events, particularly in schools and local clubs.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in markets and cafés (beans, lentils, corn-based dishes, Isombe without peanut sauce). Ask for sauces on the side and confirm no meat stock; many dishes can be adapted with vegetables and legumes.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Burundi.