Burundi Travel Guide

Officially known as the Republic of Burundi, the country is located in the Great Lakes Region of East Africa and is landlocked. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and Congo to the west. Lake Tanganyika is to the southwest. The country's capital is Gitega, and its economic center is Bujumbura.

Burundi has a largely rural society, with only 14% of the population living in cities. The country has an average of 6,7 children per family, which gives an average of 315 people per km², making Burundi one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

The official languages ​​of the country are Rundi, French and English, with English being accepted as the official language in 2014. Burundi is even smaller than Turkey's largest city, Konya, in terms of area. As one of the smallest countries in Africa, Burundi is plagued by rapid population growth, inadequate agricultural production and environmental problems such as deforestation. In addition, only 2% of the population is 65 years of age or older, which results in low rates of healthcare utilization.

Burundi, the poorest country according to the World Hunger Index, is also rated as the unhappiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report.

Burundi Culture

Despite being the poorest country in the world, Burundi’s people are deeply attached to their traditions and culture. Although the Burundians are generally unhappy, they still cherish their cultural heritage. Dances and music, which are an important part of local religions in the country, are among the main elements that reflect the cultural identity of the Burundians.

The fast dance called Abatimbo and other traditional dances known as Abanyagasimbo are of great importance in the culture of the Burundian people. These dances are often featured in social events and allow the people to come together and socialize.

Music also plays an important role in Burundian culture. Songs vary depending on the number of people singing them and the groups they are in. Songs called imvyino are sung by families together, while kwishongora is sung only by men. Bilito describes songs sung only by women.

Burundi's distinctive musical instruments include the ikembe, indonongo, urukayamba, umuturi, inanga and inyagara. These instruments enrich the traditional music of the people and play an important role in different cultural ceremonies.

Oral culture is widespread in Burundi. Stories and tales are often passed down by word of mouth and passed on to the future. This tradition helps to keep the culture alive from generation to generation.

Burundi Economy

Burundi has been ranked as the poorest country in the world for the last 25 years according to the World Hunger Index. The country's economy is largely based on agriculture, with approximately 85% of the working population employed in the agricultural sector. However, Burundi's climate is unstable with annual rainfall and drought balances, and agricultural production can fluctuate greatly from time to time. This makes agriculture an activity that the population only engages in to meet their own needs. The country's main products include cassava, coffee, sweet potatoes, bananas and corn.

Another important economic activity in Burundi is animal husbandry. However, the livestock sector is not fully utilized. In most cases, there is a lack of adequate infrastructure and resources in this area.

However, Burundi is a country rich in underground minerals. Nickel, cobalt, uranium, Virgin, contains many valuable minerals such as platinum, vanadium, gold, tin, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, tungsten and lime. However, the country's landlocked nature makes it difficult to transport these minerals to international markets.

Low income levels in Burundi are another factor affecting the living conditions of the people. The average monthly income is only around $10. To cope with these difficulties, some people make a living by doing difficult jobs such as transporting goods between cities by bicycle, sometimes trying to meet their needs by doing this transportation barefoot.

When to Go to Burundi?

Despite its proximity to the equator, Burundi has a tropical climate with mild humidity. The country's high altitude causes temperatures to vary by region. The average temperature in the central regions is 20°C, while the average temperature around Lake Tanganyika in the southeast is around 23°C. In the mountainous regions, these values ​​drop to 16°C.

Burundi experiences two main rainfall periods per year: the long rain period from February to May, and the short rain period from September to November. The country's average annual rainfall is around 1.000 mm, but in some areas it can be as high as 1.600 mm. Irregular rainfall has occasionally led to disruptions in agriculture and problems such as famine.

The best time to travel to Burundi is between May and June, when the rains have stopped and the weather is drier. During this time, the country offers milder weather suitable for sightseeing.

How to Get to Burundi?

There are 8 different airports to reach Burundi. There are no direct flights from Turkey to Burundi. Those who want to travel to the country can usually reach Melchior Ndadaye-Bujumbura International Airport, which is connected to the city of Bujumbura, with single or double-transit flights. These flights are usually made via cities such as Kigali, Addis Ababa, Nairobi. The flight route requires traveling with connecting connections.

Burundi Nightlife

Nightlife in Burundi is generally centered around the capital city of Bujumbura. The venues around the University of Bujumbura offer enjoyable options for those looking for entertainment. If you want to try different beers, Fun Top Fun Burundi is a popular place to visit. For those looking for a more energetic atmosphere, Toxic Bar or Le Cristal Lounge Bar are places to dance and have fun until the first light of the morning. You can also spend a quiet evening at the hotel bars and enjoy beer, the local drink of Burundi.

Shopping in Burundi

When you travel to Burundi, the first product you should buy is coffee, the country's most well-known export. Burundi coffee is a product that accounts for 80% of the country's export revenues and is known for its rich aroma. This coffee, which has a balanced taste, also stands out with its soft drink and does not leave a bitter taste, making it ideal for gifting to loved ones.

Another popular product is tobacco. Burundi is one of the major countries in Africa for tobacco production and tobacco is one of the country's most exported products. If you are interested in tobacco, you can find fresh and quality products here.

Also, leather craftsmanship in Burundi is quite famous. Leather bags, shoes and other accessories are some of the quality souvenirs you can buy from the country. Both stylish and durable, these leather products will make wonderful keepsakes that reflect the craftsmanship in Burundi.

Festivals and Events

Some popular festivals and events in Burundi are:

Holidays and Important Days

Things To Consider

Here are some important points to note when traveling to Burundi:

• Cash Money: Remember to take enough cash with you as there are no ATMs in Burundi. Paying by card can be difficult.
• Respect for the Elderly: The people of the country show great respect to the elderly, so you should be polite and respectful to older people.
• Timeless Confusions: There can be social unrest in Burundi from time to time. It would be useful to follow the current situation in the country before your trip.
• Malaria Risk: There is a risk of malaria in Burundi throughout the year. It is recommended that you get vaccinated against malaria before traveling.
• Vaccination Certificate: A vaccination certificate is required from all passengers over the age of 1 who will enter the country. Check your vaccinations before you travel.
• Insect Bites: To protect yourself from insect bites, it is useful to take the necessary medications with you before your trip.
• Rainy Season: If you are going to Burundi during the rainy season, it is a good idea to bring an umbrella and raincoat with you as the rains can be unexpectedly heavy.
• Sun Protection: During the dry season, be sure to take sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Morning Run: In Burundi, morning jogging can sometimes be interpreted as action. Going for a run early in the morning can lead to unnecessary problems.
• Shopping and Bargaining: In local markets, tradesmen may sometimes give higher prices to people who are trying to appear rich. Make your purchases by bargaining.
• Taxi Bargain: Be sure to bargain before getting into the taxi, otherwise you may have to pay high fares.

These tips will help you have a safer and more comfortable travel experience in Burundi.

Transportation

Burundi is considered one of the poorest countries in the world due to its inadequate transportation infrastructure. The underdeveloped transportation system in the country is one of the important factors affecting this situation.

There are 8 airports in the country, but only Bujumbura International Airport has asphalt, while the other airports have dirt floors. This makes transportation by air limited.

Road infrastructure is also very poor. Burundi has a total of 12.322 kilometers of roads, but only 1.286 kilometers are paved. The remaining roads are classified as local roads and are generally poorly maintained.

Another important option for transportation is Lake Tanganyika, which has limited ferry services. This waterway is used to transport the country's exports.

Burundi has no rail connection. However, Burundi is included in a planned railway line between Tanzania and Rwanda, which could improve the country's transportation infrastructure in the coming years.

How to Get a Burundi Visa?

Travelers to Burundi are required to obtain a visa regardless of whether they hold a Diplomatic (Black), Service (Grey), Special (Green) or Ordinary (Maroon) passport.

There are 4 different types of visas that can be applied for depending on the trip to Burundi:

• Tourist Visa
• Business visas
• Family or Friend Visit Visa
• Transit visa

After determining the type of visa suitable for your travel purpose, submit your application. Ankara You will need to apply to the Embassy of the Republic of Burundi. The documents required for the application are:

• Passport (At least 2 blank pages, 6 months validity from the return date, not older than 10 years)
• 2 biometric photos (Taken within the last 6 months)
• Burundi Visa Application Form
• Photocopy of identify card
• Accommodation and flight information (Flight and hotel reservations proving the travel itinerary)
• Yellow fever vaccination card
• Signature circular for business visa application
• Receipt showing that you have paid the visa fee
• Invitation letter for family or friend visit visa
• Travel health insurance (Valid for the duration of travel)

Burundi visa is usually approved within 15 days. However, it is recommended that you apply at least 1 month before your travel to avoid any problems.