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Eastern Africa

BurundiTravel guide

Explore Burundi visa rules

Burundi is a small, landlocked country in East Africa. Its capital is Gitega. Traditional dance, music and crafts are important parts of its culture, but political instability, poverty and serious security risks affect travel.

Why go

  1. Traditional drumming performances by the Drummers of Giheta.

  2. Lake Tanganyika, its beaches and fresh fish.

  3. Gitega's market and Museum of Traditions.

  4. Karea Falls and the Nyakazu Break lookout.

  5. Birdwatching on Lake Rwihinda.

Getting there

By air

  • Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) is the country's main airport.
  • Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi, RwandAir from Kigali and Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa.
  • Other listed connections include Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Uganda Airlines from Entebbe and Air Tanzania from Kigoma and Dar es Salaam.

By land

  • International buses mainly go to Bujumbura from Kigali in Rwanda and Kigoma in Tanzania. Companies include Volcano and Luba Express.
  • From eastern Tanzania, take a bus to Kabanga and then a shared taxi to the Burundian border.
  • Luba Express runs a daily bus from Kigoma through the Manyovu border crossing.

By sea

  • Ferries travel along Lake Tanganyika, but services are irregular.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Buses connect Bujumbura with other cities.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Watch for pedestrians in the road and drivers who ignore traffic rules. Traffic in Bujumbura can be confusing. Rural roads are often narrow and winding, although major roads are paved. Roads along Lake Tanganyika are dangerous. They are in poor condition and lack barriers at steep sections. Avoid driving after dark. Many roads close at night, and curfew rules may apply.

  • Boat

    Water transport is one of the main ways to travel. Lake Tanganyika ferries do not run regularly.

  • Rail and domestic flights

    There are no railways. Bujumbura has the only airport with scheduled flights, and all of these are international.

What to see and do

  • Gitega market and Museum of Traditions

    The town has a large central market. The museum displays old utensils and pictures, with guided explanations.

  • Karea Falls

    The falls near Rutana offer wide views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Nyakazu Break

    Also called the Break of the Germans, this lookout overlooks the Kumoso plain.

  • Nile Sources near Rutovu

    Visit the Nile Sources in the south-east. The surrounding area also has hot springs and traditional round homes inside wooden fences.

  • Lake Tanganyika shoreline

    Villages sit between the lake and steep mountains. Some sandy beaches have restaurants and places to stop for a drink.

  • Northern lakes near Kirundo

    These small lakes near the Rwanda border have peaceful, uneven shorelines.

Food and drink

  • Beef brochettes and grilled plantains

    The national dish pairs beef kebabs with grilled cooking bananas. It is available almost everywhere.

  • Lake Tanganyika fish

    Fresh lake fish is a notable local food. Sangala fish garnished with onions is another signature dish.

  • Rice, beans and curries

    Traditional rice and beans are common. The South Asian community also offers curried dishes.

  • Samosas and meat skewers

    These are common choices for a lighter meal.

  • Bananas and fresh fruit

    Fruit is often served as a sweet snack.

  • Mealie-meal porridge and stewed beef

    Both are listed among Burundi's signature dishes.

Money

Burundian franc (BIF), written as FBu

  • Banknotes come in 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 francs.
  • DTB Bank, Ecobank, CRDB and KCB have cash machines that accept Visa or Mastercard.
  • Ecobank's website lists its cash machine locations.

Typical costs

  • The listed price for a 72-centilitre bottle of Primus beer is 1–2 US dollars.
  • The listed price for Amstel beer is about 2 US dollars.
  • Listed nightly hotel prices in Bujumbura range from 9 US dollars at Camel Africa Hotel to 120 US dollars at Source du Nil.

Language

  • French
  • English
  • Swahili
  • Kirundi

Staying safe

  • There is significant insecurity across Burundi. Armed robbery, banditry and smaller crimes remain risks.
  • A warning dated 16 July 2026 says many countries advise against all travel to northern Bujumbura province. It cites rebels in Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Avoid travelling after dark. Many roads close at night.
  • Be aware of curfew rules. Many embassies also set curfews for their staff.

Local customs

Do

  • Treat older people and authority figures with great respect.
  • Respect the importance of family and shared community values.
  • Accept snacks and drinks offered when visiting a home. Refusing them is considered rude.

Don't

  • Do not behave in a way that makes an older person or authority figure feel challenged.
  • Do not make unwanted comments or criticisms about someone's family.

Staying healthy

  • Be careful with food sold at kiosks.
  • Avoid unboiled water.
  • Make sure you have been vaccinated.
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is widespread.

Where to stay

  • Accommodation in rural areas can be basic. Bujumbura has several hotels of an international standard.
  • Source du Nil in Bujumbura has a listed rate of 120 US dollars per night.
  • Hotel Botanika has a listed rate of 85 US dollars per night.
  • Clos de Limbas has a listed rate of 70 US dollars per night.

Outdoor adventures in Burundi

Burundi offers forest walks, chimpanzee watching, birdwatching and beaches on Lake Tanganyika. The dry seasons are June–August and December–January, though rain is irregular. Significant insecurity affects travel, with a specific warning for northern Bujumbura province and Kibira National Park.

  • Rusizi National Park

    WildlifeRusizi River deltanear Bujumbura

    Travel from Bujumbura along RN4, past Club du Lac. A guide and guard can join your car for a tour with stops beside the water. Association Burundaise pour la protection de la Nature also runs birdwatching tours; some guides speak English.

    • Cost: About FBu3,000 per person, plus a tip, for the described guided car tour.
    • The park has crocodiles, including a crocodile described as a man-eater.

  • Kibira National Park forest walks

    HikeZaire–Nile divide

    Access the park through the tea plantations at Teza or Rwegura. Park guards lead visitors into the forest.

    • Many countries advise against all travel to northern Bujumbura province because of a rebel group in Kibira and possible armed incursions from DR Congo.
    • Access to the forest is described as very difficult.

  • Ruvubu National Park

    WildlifeRuvubu River

    Visit from the road between Muyinga and Cankuzo. Explore the park's paths and observation points; camp accommodation is described.

  • Rwihinda Lake birdwatching

    WildlifeNorthern lakes, near the Rwanda bordernear Kirundo

    Head to Rwihinda Lake near Kirundo and take a boat or barge to watch birds around the swamps and islands.

  • Bururi Forest Nature Reserve

    HikeBururinear Bururi

    Start at the INECN office in Bururi. The reserve is described as approximately 10 km from town. Walk its forest trails with a guide; self-guided trails are also mentioned.

    • Permit: Visit the INECN office in Bururi first to pay the entry fee and arrange a guide.
    • Cost: FBu5,000 entry; FBu5,000 for a guide.

  • Vyanda Forest chimpanzee watching

    WildlifeVyanda Forest Natural Reservenear Rumonge

    Visit the INECN office in Rumonge to organise the trip. Visits usually use your own transport, but local transport can be arranged.

    • Permit: Arrange entry and a guide through the INECN office in Rumonge.
    • Cost: Entry and guide: FBu10,000 if you see chimpanzees, FBu5,000 if you do not. Return transport from Rumonge: around FBu15,000.

  • Karera Falls

    More to doRutana areanear Rutana

    Head towards Rutana to visit the falls. A detailed access route and guide arrangements are not given.

  • Nyakazu Break viewpoint

    More to doRutana areanear Rutana

    Travel towards Rutana to see the Nyakazu Break. Detailed walking routes and transport arrangements are not given.

  • Mugara thermal waterfalls

    Hot springMugara Natural Forest Reserve

    Visit the thermal waterfalls in Mugara reserve. Detailed transport and booking arrangements are not given.

  • Roumonge Natural Forest Reserve

    Wildlife

    Visitor access and guide arrangements are not described.

  • Kigwena Natural Forest Reserve

    Wildlife

    Visitor access and guide arrangements are not described.

  • Lake Tanganyika beaches

    BeacheLake Tanganyika shore south of Bujumburanear Bujumbura

    Travel south from Bujumbura along the lake. Stop at the arranged sandy beaches between the lakeside villages and steep mountains.

    • Avoid travelling after dark; many roads close at night.

  • Nile Sources near Rutovu

    More to doSoutheastern Burundinear Rutovu

    Travel to the Nile Sources near Rutovu. Detailed access and walking arrangements are not given.

  • Hot springs on the Rutovu journey

    Hot springSoutheastern Burundi

    Hot springs are mentioned as part of a journey to the Nile Sources near Rutovu. Their names and exact access routes are not given.

  • Bugarama viewpoint

    More to doRN1 at the RN2 junctionnear Bujumbura

    Drive along RN1 towards Gitega and Ngozi to the RN2 junction, about 32 km east of Bujumbura.

    • Scenic drives around Bujumbura depend on security conditions.
    • Avoid travelling after dark.

Airports, metros and trains in Burundi

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BJMBujumbura Melchior Ndadaye International AirportBujumburaMain international airport

People and safety in Burundi

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian93%
  • Folk religions6%
  • Muslim2%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 2 years in prison.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #174 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

62% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 193 of 198 countries can visit Burundi easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required7
  • Visa on arrival186
  • eVisa1
  • Visa required4

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Asia50 of 50 countries
  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas35 of 35 countries
  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Africa48 of 53 countries

Questions

Is Burundi safe for a first visit?

There is significant insecurity, including armed robbery and banditry. Consult your embassy about local conditions and avoid travelling after dark.

When are the dry seasons?

The long dry season runs from June to August. The short dry season runs from December to January.

Which airport do I use?

Bujumbura International Airport is the main airport. It is the only airport with scheduled flights, all of which are international.

Can I travel between cities by bus?

Yes. Buses connect Bujumbura with other cities in Burundi.

What money is used, and can I withdraw cash?

The currency is the Burundian franc. DTB Bank, Ecobank, CRDB and KCB have cash machines that accept Visa or Mastercard.

Which languages will help me?

French and, increasingly, English can help travellers get around. Swahili or Kirundi is particularly useful in rural areas.

What local food should I try?

The national dish is beef kebabs with grilled plantains. Fresh fish from Lake Tanganyika is another notable choice.

What accommodation is available?

Bujumbura has hotels of an international standard and cheaper options. Rural accommodation can be basic.

Do I need to book a drumming performance ahead?

Yes. Advance booking is needed to watch the Drummers of Giheta in their traditional setting.

How should I behave when invited to someone's home?

Accept the snacks and drinks offered, as refusing them is considered rude. Show respect to older people and avoid criticising anyone's family.

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