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Burundi is a very mountainous landlocked country in east-central Africa, former German and Belgium colony, with a long history of civil wars and ethnic violence.
Introduction
Burundi is a very mountainous landlocked country in east-central Africa, former German and Belgium colony, with a long history of civil wars and ethnic violence.
Burundi Location and size
Burundi is located is bordered by Rwanda in the north, Tanzania in the east and Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi covers an area of 27 830 square kilometers.
Burundi Climate
Burundi has a tropical climate with regionally variable temperatures. The central mountains are cooler, whereas the area around the Lake Tanganyika is warmer. Average temperatures range from 20° C in central Burundi to 25° C in Bujumbura. Rain is irregular and there can be long dry periods without rain. Best time to visit are the dry periods from June to August and from December to January.
Burundi Language
With official languages being Kirundi and French, Swahili is spoken around the Lake Tanganyika.
Time
Burundi operates 2 hours ahead of GMT throughout the year.
Money and Banks
Burundi uses Burundi Franc – BIF. Checks and credit cards are accepted in some rather scarcely.
Passports and visas
All visitors to Burundi must be in possession of passport valid at least six months after entry and return ticket. Visa are being issued and extended in Bujumbura’s immigration office. Conditions often change, make sure to consult the latest news with the embassy.
Burundi Infrastructure
Burundi has bad infrastructure, comparable to other African countries in similar economical situation. The road network condition is acceptable though some roads are impassable during rain periods. Roads out of main cities are often in a disastrous condition. The only air connection available at the moment to Bujumbura is from Nairobi. Big cities have a sufficient bus connection, rural areas are usually without any public transport connection.
Burundi Health
Medical care has to be often paid by cash; accepting payment via insurance company is rare. Your insurance company shall reimburse you upon return home, if the care was provided by licensed practitioner. Medical care in Burundi entirely unsufficient. There is a modern hospital in Bujumbura, but with limited assortment of medicaments. There is a high occurence of cholera, malaria, yellow fever, meningitis and hepatitis A.
Burundi Vaccination
Vaccination against cholera, meningitis and yellow fever is required.
Sun
The African sun can be very harsh. Sun blocks, hats and sunglasses are essential during the summer months.
Burundi Safety
As a rather unstable country, Burundi is not a frequently visited tourist destination. Similar safety preconditions like in most other African countries apply. Take advice from locals and from your hosts. Country is in an undeclared civil war with frequent unrests and fights.
Burundi Driving
An international drivers permit is required, though national drivers licenses might be accepted case by case. Car rental available on a limited basis.
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