Flight to Bujumbura (BJM)

Flying to Bujumbura: tips and information for your trip

Bujumbura is the capital and the largest city of Burundi, a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region, nestled between Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Home to about 500,000 people and located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Bujumbura is responsible for most of the country’s chief exports, including coffee, cotton, and tin ore.

Despite its turbulent past, Burundi has all the elements of a young nation with ancient traditions. Burundians have an inextinguishable joie de vivre, and the culture of their ancestors remains very much alive in dance, art, music, and handicrafts.

What to do in Burundi?

1. The 80 m tall Karera Falls are undoubtedly one of Burundi’s most impressive natural landmarks. Split up into several cascades, and surrounded by a dense forest, these falls are both idyllic and breathtaking. They’re a much loved tourist destination among both locals and foreign guests.
   
   
2. The shores of Lake Tanganyika offer some of Burundi’s best urban beaches. Northwest of the capital city Bujumbura, you can find the popular Saga Beach, previously known as Coconut Beach. This spot is perfect for a swim or relaxing, and it’s at its best at the weekend.
   
   
3. The Rusizi National Park is easily accessible, just 15 km west of Bujumbura. You can take a pirogue ride or stroll along the river bank. This popular wetland environment provides a habitat for hippos, antelopes, and a wide variety of birds. Keep an eye out for the infamous Gustave, a notorious man-eating crocodile, rumoured to have killed as many as 300 people. Tour companies and some high-end hotels can organise a half or full-day safari. Hotel Club du Lac is probably the easiest option, charging you USD 100 for one person and USD 20 for each extra person.
   
   
4. Crossing six African countries and commonly regarded as the longest river in the world, the Nile River has its source in Kasumo, 115 km southeast of Bujumbura. This little spring is marked by a stone pyramid – a reference to the Egyptian pyramids and the country most heavily associated with the Nile River. The site is difficult to reach, unless you travel by your own means.

Practical info for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Bujumbura International Airport, Burundi’s only airport with a paved runway. The airport is located north-west of the capital and east of Rusizi National Park.
• Currency: The Burundian franc (BIF) is the currency of Burundi, but the US dollar is still accepted in mid and top-end hotels. Don’t rely too much on credit cards, as they aren’t widely accepted. There are a few ATMs in Bujumbura that accept foreign Visa cards and occasionally Mastercard. Take all the cash you might need with you when travelling around.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The country code for Burundi is +257. Wi-Fi coverage is poor and not easy to find. Try to avoid free Wi-Fi hotspots as much as possible and only connect to legitimate hotspots that are protected by a password.
• Electric sockets: The power sockets in Burundi are type C and E. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. US, Canadian, Indian, and British travellers should pack an adapter if they plan to use their electrical equipment in Burundi.
• Travel information: A valid passport is mandatory when travelling to Burundi and it must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. Citizens of all nationalities require a visa, except those from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. If you have an entry authorisation letter issued by the Burundian authorities before departure, you can obtain a one-month visa upon arrival.
• Vaccination: An international certificate of yellow fever and other vaccinations is required at the port of entry into Burundi. Malaria is present year-round in this country, so make sure you take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Zika is also a risk when travelling to Burundi. Contracting the Zika virus during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.

Dos and don'ts in Burundi

• When travelling in Burundi, it’s best to be careful and plan everything via a local travel agency. Many visitors find obtaining up-to-date local advice before setting off improves their trip to this small country.
• Foreign travellers will get around with French and English, but knowing a few words of Swahili or the related local language, Kirundi, won’t do you any harm. This can be particularly helpful in rural areas.
• Members of the LGBTI community should take care when travelling to Burundi.
• Keep copies of important documents, including your passport and visa separately. It’s recommended to stay in hotels with good security and to use, when possible, hotel safes for valuables and cash.
• Road infrastructure is poor and roads are in bad condition. They can be frequently blocked or damaged by landslides, especially after heavy rain. Avoid travelling on collective and public transport, as there is poor vehicle maintenance and a low driving standard. If you decide to travel outside of Bujumbura and drive yourself, it’s recommended to keep car doors locked while driving and to avoid travelling by road after dark.
• Document checks are common, but not always official. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, though you may be required to produce the originals.

Basic Kirundi vocabulary

• Hello: Bwakeye
• See you, goodbye: N’agasaga
• How are you? Urakomeye? (addressing one person), Murakoyeme? (more than one person)
• Thank you : Urakoze (addressing one person), Murakoze (more than one person)
• Yes: Ego
• No: Oya
• Attention: Mpore!
• Stop: Bangwe
• Help: Ntabara
• Bless you: Kira
• Welcome: Kaze
• Money: Mahera
• How much does it cost? Amahera angahe?
• I don't know: Sindabizi
• Water: Amazi
• Good: Neza
• Car: Imodoka
• Market: Isoko

When to visit Burundi?

Burundi has a hot equatorial climate with high temperatures all year long. The rainy season runs from February until May. April is the wettest month and best avoided if you don’t like the rain. There are also heavy rainfalls in November and December. Dry season runs from June to August and September is considered the warmest month. The coolest month is January. We recommend lightweight cotton and linen for hot summer days, waterproofs for the rainy season, and warm clothes for the evening.

What to eat?

Burundi’s national dish is beef brochettes and grilled plantain. However, the national cuisine can sometimes surprise you. Fresh fish from Lake Tanganyika and produce from the fertile volcanic soil are particularly notable. Dishes have both European and South Asian influences, with curried dishes being offered alongside the more traditional rice and beans. Be careful with non-purified water and try to drink bottled water as much as possible.