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Lake Tanganyika
Enjoy the lakeside environment, beaches, boating and water-based activities along one of Africa's great lakes.
East Africa Travel Guide
Burundi Travel Guide
Discover Burundi's green hills, tropical forests, wildlife, Lake Tanganyika, cultural traditions and scenic landscapes. This guide brings together practical information to help travelers plan a journey through the heart of Africa.
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Information status: This guide uses information from Burundi's official tourism authorities and other recognized travel-information sources. Entry rules, health information, security conditions and other time-sensitive requirements should always be checked before travelling.
Quick Facts
Burundi at a Glance
Essential information for travelers discovering Burundi.
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Capital
Gitega
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Region
Great Lakes / East-Central Africa
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Currency
Burundian Franc (BIF)
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Languages
Kirundi, French and English
Discover Burundi
Why Visit Burundi?
Burundi combines lakeside scenery, forests, wildlife, cultural experiences and spectacular landscapes.
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Forests & Wildlife
Explore protected landscapes including Kibira, Ruvubu and Rusizi, with forests, wetlands, birds and wildlife.
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Culture & Tradition
Experience Burundi's traditional drumming, crafts, history and cultural heritage.
Plan Your Journey
Burundi Travel Information
Important topics to consider before and during your trip.
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Entry & Visa
Check passport, visa and entry requirements before travelling.
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When to Visit
Understand Burundi's dry and rainy seasons when planning your journey.
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Weather & Climate
Climate varies with altitude, from the Lake Tanganyika lowlands to the higher plateaus.
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National Parks & Wildlife
Explore Burundi's protected areas, forests, wetlands and wildlife.
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Major Destinations
Discover Bujumbura, Gitega, Lake Tanganyika and other destinations.
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Safari & Wildlife
Learn about wildlife experiences and guided excursions in protected areas.
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Accommodation
Hotels, guesthouses, furnished accommodation and lakeside properties.
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Transport & Getting Around
Understand roads, local transport and intercity travel options.
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Local & Intercity Transport
Explore practical ways to move between towns and destinations.
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Money & Costs
Currency, payments and practical budgeting information.
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Health & Safety
Review current health, security and emergency information before travelling.
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Culture & Etiquette
Learn about respectful interaction, local traditions and cultural experiences.
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Travel With Children
Consider transport, accommodation, activities and family travel planning.
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Connectivity & Internet
Plan communication, mobile connectivity and internet access.
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Responsible Tourism
Travel respectfully and help protect Burundi's natural and cultural heritage.
Wildlife & Nature
Explore Burundi's Natural World
Burundi's protected landscapes include rainforest, savannah, wetlands and lakeside environments supporting a variety of wildlife and bird species.
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Hippopotamus
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Primates
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Buffalo
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Birdlife
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Elephants
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Antelopes
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Crocodiles
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Reptiles
Nature & Wildlife
National Parks & Protected Areas
Burundi's official tourism information highlights several important protected areas.
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Kibira National Park
A large montane rainforest along the Congo-Nile range, known for primates, birds, forest scenery and hiking experiences.
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Ruvubu National Park
Burundi's largest protected ecosystem, with savannah landscapes and wildlife including buffalo, antelopes, monkeys and hippos.
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Rusizi National Park
A wetland and delta environment near Bujumbura known for hippos, birds and distinctive vegetation.
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Kigwena Forest Reserve
A forest reserve near Lake Tanganyika with scenic landscapes and the Mugara hot springs.
Places to Explore
Major Burundi Destinations
Cities, lakes, cultural sites and natural attractions to include in your travel planning.
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Bujumbura
Lakeside city and gateway to Lake Tanganyika, beaches, cultural sites and nearby nature.
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Gitega
Burundi's political capital and an important center for culture, history and heritage.
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Lake Tanganyika
A major Great Lakes destination offering beaches, boating, swimming and lakeside experiences.
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Gishora
Known for Burundi's traditional drumming heritage and cultural experiences.
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Teza
A scenic tea-growing area close to Kibira's forest landscapes.
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Karera Waterfalls
A spectacular waterfall area in southeastern Burundi surrounded by forest and natural scenery.
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Nyakazu
A dramatic landscape associated with the Nyakazu or German Fault and surrounding natural attractions.
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Source of the Nile
A historic attraction associated with the southernmost source of the Nile at Gasumo.
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Cultural & Historical Sites
Explore museums, monuments and places connected with Burundi's history and traditions.
Lake Experience
Lake Tanganyika
Burundi's Lake Tanganyika shoreline provides opportunities for swimming, boating, sailing and relaxing on the lakeside. The official Burundi tourism authority highlights the lake as one of the country's important leisure attractions.
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Lake Tanganyika
Lakeside travel & recreation
Culture
Burundi's Cultural Heritage
Culture is an important part of the country's tourism experience.
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Traditional Drumming
Burundi's drumming traditions are an important cultural attraction, including the renowned drummers of Gishora.
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Arts & Crafts
Discover traditional crafts, pottery, basketry and other forms of local cultural expression.
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History & Heritage
Museums, monuments and historical sites provide opportunities to learn about Burundi's past.
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Important Travel Information
Check Current Safety Advice Before Travelling
Security conditions can vary by area. Current foreign-travel advice includes restrictions concerning some parts of Burundi, including areas around the Kibira region and parts of the border area with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travelers should check current government travel advice, local authorities and their insurance conditions before visiting specific destinations.
OSARE does not replace official government travel advice.
Official Information
Accredited & Official Tourism Information
Burundi's official tourism authority provides information about national parks, attractions, accommodation, geography and tourism activities. Time-sensitive travel requirements should always be checked against the latest official information.
National Tourism Office of Burundi
Rohero 1, Avenue des Euphorbes numéro 2
Bujumbura, Burundi
Phone: +257 22 22 20 23
Email: info@tourisme.gov.bi
Official tourism source: tourisme.gov.bi
Burundi Guide Source Record
Primary tourism source: National Tourism Office of Burundi
Official tourism website: tourisme.gov.bi
Safety information: Travelers should consult current government travel advice before departure.
Last reviewed: September 2026