Bujumbura

Bujumbura is the former capital and largest city of Burundi. It is on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world after Lake Baikal.

Understand

Bujumbura was the capital of Burundi until 2019, when the capital was moved to the second largest city, Gitega.

Climate

Bujumbura
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       100     29 19       86     30 19       118     29 19       112     29 20       57     30 19       8.9     30 18       2.7     29 17       13     30 17       33     31 19       59     30 19       97     29 19       100     29 19 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Source: World Meteorological Organization/Institut Geographique du Burundi
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       3.9     84 67       3.4     85 67       4.6     85 67       4.4     85 67       2.2     86 66       0.4     86 64       0.1     85 63       0.5     86 63       1.3     88 65       2.3     86 66       3.8     84 66       3.9     84 66 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Bujumbura features a tropical savanna climate (Aw), with distinct wet season from October to April and dry season from May to September. Average temperature is 23 °C (73 °F), constant among the year. Bujumbura is much hotter than other part of the country due to it low altitude: 800 m (2,600 ft). Bujumbura has 147 rainy days per year and records 786 mm (30.9 in) of rainfalls annually, less than other parts of the country. Wind blows from Lake Tanganyika during the day and stops in the evening.

Bujumbura city, Burundi

The Bujumbura Cathedral

The stadium at the Bujumbura University

Carolus Magnus School

Get in

Visa rules and prices change frequently. As of July 2023 two visas are available on arrival at the Airport: a one-month, multiple entry visa costs US$90, and a 3-day (2-night) transit visa is US$40. Visas can be obtained from embassies prior to travel.

If you arrive by land you can only get a 3-day transit visa for US$40. then you need to go to the immigration office in Bujumbura to get a visa extension 10 or 30 days for US$20-50.

Visa on arrival is only payable in US dollars: euros are often not accepted, Burundian francs (FBu) are not accepted (even if there is ATM in airport). Credit cards are not accepted even if the “Visa” and “MasterCard” acceptance logos are clearly visibles on airport stickers. Customs accepts only recent banknotes.

By plane

• 1 Bujumbura International Airport (BJM  ^IATA), RN5 (close to the city — 9.0 km (5.6 mi) north-west of Indépendance square), ☏ +257 223 707 (office), +257 223 797 (flight information).  

Recording around 5 flights per day, Bujumbura International Airport essentially connects to East African hub airports, via the following compagnies:

• Ethiopian Airlines, from Addis Ababa (ADD ^IATA) — 1 flight per day — ET807
• Kenya Airways, from Nairobi (NBO ^IATA) — 2 flights per day — KQ444 and KQ448
• RwandAir, from Kigali (KGL ^IATA) — 2 flights per day — WB482 and WB483
• Brussels Arilines, from Brussels (BRU ^IATA) — 1 flight per week, on Sunday — SN451

there are direct Air Tanzania flights to neighboring Tanzania Kigoma and Dar Es salaam but none to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Get around

Taxis are cruising all over the city; you need to negotiate the price with them. Minibuses serving the north of the city arrive and depart at the front of the central market (Marché Central), while those heading south use the parking lot in the back of the market near the Interbank head office. The last mini-buses leave around 22:00 as of 2011. It is not advised to walk at night after that; if you need to go anywhere, take a taxi.

To get a lift in any type of vehicle from the side of the road, hold out your hand with your palm facing upward. This works for taxis, buses, motorcycles, and all sorts of private and commercial vehicles. Mini-bus conductors will honk and use their fingers to show how many seats are available. If the bus is full, they will wave their hand with their palm facing downward. It is not uncommon for private vehicles to pick up foreigners requesting lifts during the daytime. They range from high-end SUVs driven by white-collar workers to flat bed pickup trucks where you must stand up. Payment is generally not expected for hitchhiking short distances, but working-class Burundians regularly give each other money for small favours, so there is no harm in offering.

See

• 1 Musée Vivant (Living Museum of Bujumbura), 11 Avenue du 13 Octobre (heading west, just before Lake Tanganyika — visitors must come via Ave du Large or Ave de la Plage, as Ave 13 October is closed), ☏ +257 22 22 60 82. 08:00–17:30. Small “zoo” and natural history museum. Exhibits include fishes from Lake Tanganyika, birds, seven species of snakes, two chimpanzees called “Kita” and “Joy”, a golden monkey, a leopard called “Jango”, three antelope, two slender-snouted crocodiles and six Nile crocodiles. There’s also a traditional Burundian village on the grounds. For about FBu 5,000 (2014) per person, a guide will show you around. The guide can even get some snakes out of the cage to let you hold them or feed them with guinea pigs. You can also feed chimpanzees with rice and Carnivores with guinea pigs or rabbits. Hold the hand of a chimpanzee, have a snake on harm and enter in cage of “Lacoste” Nile crocodile is also part of the attraction.
  Sometimes, local cultural events occur on the grounds, such as performances by the Burundian drummers. Entrance: FBu 5,000 adult, 2,000 child; Carnivore food: FBu 5,000 guinea pig, 25,000 rabbit. (updated Jun 2016)
• 2 Rusizi National Park, RN4, Chaussée d'Uvira (a few miles past Club du Lac, nearly at the DR Congo border). See hippos and crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the Rusizi River. The area is also where Gustave, the world's largest Nile crocodile, has been spotted. There are also some amazing birds to be seen. For about FBu 3,000 per person (plus tip), a guide and a guard will join you in the car and give you a tour of the park. You’ll stop at several points along the water to view hippos, crocodiles and birds.  
• 3 Livingstone–Stanley Monument (La Pierre de Livingstone et Stanley), village of Mugere, about 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Bujumbura on RN3 (100 m south of the bridge crossing the Mugere River). It's not the spot where Stanley said “Dr Livingstone, I presume?”, but it has a gorgeous view of the lake. Livingstone and Stanley passed through the area and carved their names on a large rock. Free of charge.  
• Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers.
• 4 Cathédrale Regina Mundi de Bujumbura, Boulevard Patrick Lumumba, Rohero.  
• 5 Monument de l’Unité National, Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore (Kiriri, up Ave Belvédère, entrance by the top of Monument). FBu 10,000 for entrance + guide may request FBu 2,000 tips “to drink”.. (updated Aug 2016)
• 6 Mausolée du Prince Louis Rwagasore (Prince Louis Rwagasore Mausoleum), Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore (Kiriri, up Ave Belvédère, entrance by stairs on Ave Rurenda). Mausoleum in memory of Burundi's national and independence hero. The place where Burundian Independence Day is celebrated annually on 1 July. Free of charge. (updated Aug 2016)
• 7 Bugarama, RN1 (road to Gitega & Ngozi, where RN1 meet RN2). A nice viewpoint on Bujumbura, 32 km (20 mi) east of the city. The road RN1 drive you around 1,200 m (3,900 ft) higher than Bujumbura, at 2,200 m (7,200 ft). Eat some brochettes “je m’en fout” (means “I don’t care”). (updated Aug 2016)

Do

Beach

• Karera Beach, Uvira Roadway (on Lake Tanganyika about 20 min from the city). Nice beach resort. 
• Saga Plage, Uvira Roadway (on Lake Tanganyika about 20 min of town), ☏ +257 79 38 67 24. Beach with restaurant, entertainment complex and hotel. Nice place to pass some time. 
• Bora Bora Plage is next to Saga.

Nature

• Association Burundaise pour la protection des Oiseaux (ABO), ☏ +257 22 24 94 70. A local conservation group that conducts birdwatching tours of Rusizi Park and other areas. Some of their guides speak English. 

Culture

• Check local flyers for information on Burundian drummer performances, or just be on the look out for a wedding reception taking place somewhere. With help from locals, you can also arrange to visit a drum troupe, get a lesson, and then see a private performance.
• Many activities are organized by the Centre Culturel Francais (CCF), Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore, +257 222351 (City Centre). Extensive monthly film, theatre and music programmes available from their offices. CCF also offers courses in French and Kiswahili (individual and group).
• Ciné Caméo (19 Avenue des Paysans), in the Asiatic quarter screens all the latest blockbusters for about FBu 2000. The only cinema in the country, and a place to enjoy some air conditioning on hot dry season nights.

Sports

Several swimming pools available for who wants to cool down from the hot days.

• Federation Football (soccer) games at the Stade in Rohero are at 14:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays.
• Université de Burundi ("Collège") has a large swimming pool with high-dive and a spectacular view of Bujumbura and Lake Tanganyika.
• Entente Sportive, Avenue du Stade. Daily 07:00 – 19:00. Old spacious colonial entourage. There are separate pool for children and even 3 m and 5 m high-dives. Length of the pool is 33 metres.
• Hotel Club Lac du Tanganyika, Chaussee D'Uvira (take route in the direction of the Border with the DRC - Gatumba), +257 250220/221, fax +257 250219, . Daily open until 20:00. FBu 4000 during the week and FBu 10,000 during the weekend. Hotel pool, but in the weekends meeting point for the ex-patriate community of Bujumbura. Breakfast and lunch served at the poolside. Beach nearby.

Viewpoints

• War Memorial at the top end of Ave Belvedere - for great sunset views. The Belvedere and Chez Vaya restaurants are nearby and offer equally good views - although during weekdays they only open at 18:30 - after sunset.

Buy

Withdraw money

Diamond Trust Bank, Ecobank, Kenya commercial Bank and some others have ATMs in Bujumbura that accept international Master cards and Visa cards, Interbank charge ~5000 FBu for each transaction. At Gar du Nord bus station there is only one ATM around which sometimes is out of service, so come prepared.

Groceries

Most of the things that one needs can be found in one of the stalls in the Central Market. Stiff bargaining is needed to get it for the right price.

Small supermarkets are found across the city. Google supermarket, Gift Supermarket. They normally stock luxury Imported items at a luxury price.

The Greek-owned 'Boucherie Nouvelle' on Avenue du Congo is worth a visit. Always busy, but then it offers a wide variety of meat, cheese and charcuterie. Opposite the butcher you find vendors with exclusive and rare vegetables and in the rainy season wild mushrooms of all types. Be prepared for hassle and 'persuasive' sales techniques.

Souvenirs

• The best place to buy souvenirs is the small curio market on Avenue de Stade.
• Another small curio market is found on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagazore, opposite Library St. Paul.

Eat

The people in Bujumbura love their food and enjoy eating out with friends or family. A beef or fish brochette, chips or fried plantain and a fresh salad is available in all restaurants. But take your time. All food is freshly prepared and the cooks take time. Waiting an hour before the food arrives is certainly not abnormal.

Restaurants are scattered all over town, but the best are in Rohero and Kiriri.

Some restaurants that are worth a visit are:

Centre

• 1 Botanika, 11 Blvd de l'Uprona, ☏ +257 22 22 67 92, +257 22 22 87 73. Small, European-style, funky dining. Expensive. Great outdoor eating area, inner patio, good for brunch on weekends, has wireless. Popular with business, government and expats, often full. Bring your own bottle. Main dish FBu 16,000-18,000, starter FBu 12,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• Le Bouteille d'Or (near the city centre, ask a taxi driver or a local). Basic beer garden that serves a local speciality, beef "michopo", deliciously seasoned steamed beef served with little dough cubes. 
• Le Cayor, Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore (opposite Centre Culturel Français). Busy for lunch. General Burundian dishes, but also Cameroonian food. 
• Le Plaisir, Avenue de l'Amitié (beside Radio Isanganiro). Popular restaurant serving Burundian dishes. Busy for lunch, especially if you want a table upstairs. Menu items are not always available, so it is best to ask the server what is available. The Sangala fish topped with onions is excellent, and the stewed beef (lunch only) is very reasonably priced. 
• 2 Oasis, 14 Blvd de l'Uprona, Rohero I, BP35 (next to Havana), ☏ +257 22 22 31 16, +257 75 75 31 16 (mobile), oasisbuja@gmail.com. M–F 12:00–14:30 18:30–22:00, Sa 13:00–15:30 18:30–22:00, Su closed. Greek restaurant and pizza on the main drag in town. Excellent Greek mezze. 15 Greek specialities & 17 types of pizzas. Meat FBu 16,000–20,000, meze FBu 16,000, pizza FBu 11,000–21,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• Pont Muha (continue Bld de la Liberte till you reach the river Muha). Best Burundian brochettes in the city. If you are hungry have the brochette Hôtelière. 
• 3 Tropicana, Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore (head 200 m east from Palace De L'Indépendance, 250 m north-west form central market). Stylish restaurant and internet café. Very good burgers, omelettes, fruit juices and coffee. Main dishes around FBu 10,000, drinks FBu 3,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• La Baguette Magique, Boulevard Lumumba Patrice. Not a café or restaurant, just a very good bakery. Worth stopping at to stock up on cakes & croissants. 
• Chez Michel. Next to Hotel le Tanganika. Excellent Belgian Bistro with Belgian beers. 
• 4 Fleur de Sel, Blvd 1er Novembre, Peace Corner Bldg, ☏ +257 79 92 87 41, +257 75 52 13 53, info@fleurdesel-resto.com. 12:00–21:00. Good cuisine. Each week a new menu with 3 starters, 3 mains, 3 desserts. The owner is a gentle Belgian woman. They also offer breakfast. The owner opened this restaurant after closing the old Safran. One dish FBu 11,000, two FBu 12,500, three FBu 17,500, +FBu 2,000 on evening. (updated Jun 2016)

Rohero

• Fleur de Sel in city centre (Blvd 1er Novembre). (June 2016)
• BBQ, Avenue Muyinga. Interesting menu and cosy ambiance. 
• Chez Andre, Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore. Super fancy restaurant in a large, decked-out mansion. Service can be slow and disappointing. 
• Shanghai, Avenue Muyinga (coming from the central market, take the Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore and turn left just before the Alimentation Escale du Bien - it's about 600 m (2,000 ft) up the Avenue Muyinga, opposite a kindergarten). Very fast service (in and out in less than an hour), also open for lunch. 
• 5 Tandoor, 22 Avenue de la Culture (quartier INSS, between Blvd Uprona and Blvd 28 Novembre), ☏ +257 79 12 30 00, +257 75 77 70 00. Good Indian food. Quiet garden. Main dish: FBu 10,000–13,000 + rice FBu 4,500. (updated Jun 2016)

Kiriri

• 6 Le Belvédère, Avenue Belvédère (Kiriri, up Avenue Belvédère, near the Monument de l'Unité), ☏ +257 76 66 00 89, +257 79 92 20 89, +257 71 43 70 19, info@belvederebujumbura.com. daily lunch and 18:00–23:00. Dining with a superb view over the city. Also open for lunch. Beef is tender, and they have Asian specialities (Japan, Thai, Vietnam). Expensive. main dish for FBu 25,000–30,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• “Chez Vaya”, vayaburundi@yahoo.fr. +257 22 22 82 31, +257 79 92 11 91. Traditional Greek kitchen opened in 1989. Panoramic view. 
• 7 Kiriri Garden, Ave Belvédère (Kiriri, up Ave Belvédère, near the mausoleum of Prince Louis Rwagasore), ☏ +257 22 25 14 90. One of the most famous place according Burundians. (updated Jul 2016)

Lake Tanganyika

• 8 Cercle de la Paix de Bujumbura (Cercle Nautique), Avenue de la Plage (at the crossing with Avenue du 13 Octobre), ☏ +257 79 40 28 85, +257 79 40 14 89, +257 75 38 60 93. Maybe the more quiet place of Bujumbura. The food is nothing to impressed with, but the views (on a clear day) on Lake Tanganyika and the mountains of Congo (DRC) are unforgettable. meats FBu 12,000, fishes FBu 17,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• 9 Kiboko Grill, Ubuntu residence, 3 Avenue de la Plage, ☏ +257 22 24 40 64, +257 22 24 40 65, +257 22 24 40 66. Nice garden setting in deluxe hotel with rather overpriced food & swimming-pool. The garden also houses several turtles, peacocks, and has some resident Uganda Cranes. Menu features specials meats (“Jambonneau moutarde”, “Texas spare ribs”) and 14 pizzas. meats/fish: FBu 23,000, pizza: FBu 15,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• Eden, Ave de la Plage (along lake, past Ubuntu). Great lake views. Best pizzas in Bujumbura, owned and managed by well-known Belgian restaurateur who flies the mozzarella in from Italy. 
• 10 Restaurant Tanganyika, 1 Avenue de la Plage, BP 109, ☏ +257 22 22 44 33, info@tanganyikahotel.com. M-Sa 12:00–14:30 18:00–22:30. Set in a glorious 1930s Art Deco building and run by a professional Belgian chef Restaurant Tanganyika serves up some of the best food in the city. Mains from FBu 18,000-25,000, Gambas reaches up to FBu 45,000. (updated Jun 2016)
• Restaurant Hotel La Palmeraie. Nice hotel with garden/pool side restaurant serving excellent French and international cuisine. Nice wine list, but meals can be expensive (US$30-40). 

Kinindo

• La Cervoise du Gaulois, Rue Mutaho (Ave du Large direction Kinindo, cross Pont Muha, left after the green fence of Quartier OUA, first right, the Heineken sign on the left). Closed Mondays. Owned by a Quebecer-Burundian couple. Price range is between Havana Club and Botanika. Gourmet hamburgers, steak, ribs, etc. Beer on tap in frosted glasses. WiFi. Ask about film screenings and NHL ice hockey game nights. 

Drink

There are several bars on Avenue de l'Universite (between Bld de l'Independence and Blv Mao Tse Tung).

The best known places for a transnight dance are l'Archipel and Havana. L'Archipel can be found at Blv de la Liberté and Havana is on Blv de Uprona (around the corner of the Novotel).

• Coeur d'Afrique (Quartier Asiatique, near Ciné Caméo). Outdoor 'cabaret' features live singing on weekend nights, popular with the college-aged crowd. Probably not wise during the raining season as there is no roof. They usually run out of cold beer early in the evening, but many Burundians prefer their beer warm. Food is available from the calmer place across the street. 

Sleep

Bujumbura Accommodation can be broadly split into the northern beach resorts and the city centre. The city centre can be further split into places near the lake, the city centre proper and up in the hills behind the city centre.

Northern beach resorts

• 1 Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, RN4, Chaussee D'Uvira, BP 6573, ☏ +257 22 25 02 20, +257 22 25 02 21, +257 22 25 02 22, fax: +257 22 25 02 19, info@hotelclubdulac.com. on the lake at US$120 upwards. The Italian-owned hotel is popular on the weekends with the expat crowd so a fee of FBu 10,000 was introduced for the usage of the pool. Located outside of the city at the beach. It also has some sporting facilities such as tennis courts. 
• Karera Beach Hotel. on the lake. More of a weekend-getaway than a hotel, chalets on the beach (with kitchenette, TV, etc.) start at US$65 per night. Breakfast and other services not included. 

Downtown, lakeside

• Restaurant Tanganyika 1 Avenue de la Plage - has 4 spacious rooms overlooking the garden with art deco fixtures, free wifi and air conditioning. A small sandy beach is over the road. Good value at US$60 per night including breakfast. The road is a little noisy however.
• Safari Gate, Avenue du Large (at the lake), ☏ +257 22 21 47 80. Don't believe the prices quoted on their website, they are long out-of-date. The cheaper $60 rooms are pretty dingy and have no view - better to splash out on a $120 room. US$60-120. 

City centre

Budget

• Ceprodilic, Avenue du Commerce no 17, ☏ +257 22255765. Wifi only downstairs in the common area and restaurant. FBu 30,000. (updated Oct 2024)
• Hotel Pacific, Avenue du Palmier no 6 (near Boulevard Patrice Lumumba). Budget rooms are simple but solid, with Wifi in the room, small table and chair, mosquito net, private bathroom, some rooms with ventilator, solid hotel restaurant, very central location, somewhat noisy neighbourhood with bars opposite. different room categories, rooms from FBu 35,000. (updated Oct 2024)
• Mess des Officiers, Boulevard du 28 Novembre (next to the large roundabout). It is in the military area, large green area, restaurant and br next to it. around US$10. (updated Oct 2024)
• Camel Africa Hotel, Bwiza 6 Ieme Avenue no 15, ☏ +257 69888489. Fan room, with own bathroom, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi. Owner speaks English. Great place for backpackers and overland travelers. FBu 35,000. (updated Aug 2023)

Mid-range and splurge

• Hotel Amahoro, Av Industrial. In the center of town. Wifi, nice little restaurant, and conference rooms. The cheapest rooms have cold showers. US$40-80. 
• Hotel Botanika tiny, delightful boutique hotel above Restaurant Botanika - one of the best restaurants in town. Located in city centre, in the vicinity of a lot of bars and nightclubs, so very noisy on weekends. Good food and service and Wi-Fi. Around US$90 per night.
• Dorado Hotel, Avenue de L'industrie, ☏ +257 22 25 95 07. Basic hotel with air conditioned rooms and wireless internet. The food from the restaurant is excellent. US$80. 
• Guesthouse Ave du Cafe, Ave du Cafe (near maison de la presse), ☏ +257 22222056, guesthousebujumbura@yahoo.fr. Simple NGO-style guesthouse in a house with 4 rooms. You share living space and dining table with other guests (mainly Belgian NGO workers on mission to Burundi). Rates includes breakfast, lunch, laundry and wireless. Other numbers are 78880176 or 75800801. US$45. 
• Water front hotel (approx US$100). The former international Novotel brand and has been privatised after being state-owned for several years. The former first hotel in town, is in desperate need of renovation and has seen a lot better times.
• Hotel de L'Amitie (rooms for US$25 - 50 including breakfast) is on the Avenue de l'Amitie by Blvd l'Uprona. Cheaper rooms come with cold showers. Local restaurant serves awesome fish and chips for 10,000 FBu. There is Wi-Fi in the lobby.
• 2 Roca Golf Hotel, 30 Boulevard de la Tanzanie, PO.6506, Rohero I, ☏ +257 22 27 71 00, info@rocagolfhotel.bi. Nice hotel with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning in rooms, access to golf course included in price. US$200-300. 

Up in the hills

• Vaya Hotel, ☏ +257 22228231, vayaburundi@yahoo.fr. Vaya Hotel  The restaurant is old, shabby and overpriced, but the 4 rooms are good value. It's at the top of the hill near University, far from the centre of town, so it's quieter and cooler. Around US$90 per night.

• Village Hotel, ☏ +257 22244359, villagehotel_bujumbura@yahoo.com. From US$100 per night. In Rohero. Owned by Interbank Burundi. 28 rooms, all amenities including swimming pool and internet. 
• Hotel Alexestel, Avenue Makamba (Avenue Makamba, Rohero I), ☏ +257 22 253972, reception@alexestel.com. Check-out: 12:00. Room types: basic, single rooms - double rooms and deluxe room. Facilities: free wireless Internet connection, free swimming pool, a bar-restaurant. Laundry service, free breakfast, mosquito net, hot water in bathroom. US$40-60. 
• Hotel Alexestel, Nyakabiga, Avenue muyinga (Avenue Muyinga, close to new mosque, Nyakabiga), ☏ +257 22 253972, reception@alexestel.com. Check-out: 12:00. Room types: Single rooms/double rooms with or without air-con. Free wireless Internet connection, a restaurant. Laundry service, breakfast, mosquito net, hot water in bathroom. US$25-30. 
• 3 Best Outlook Hotel, Kiriri hill, Chaussée Prince Louis Rwagasore (on top of Avenue Belvedere, near Monument de l'Unité Nationale and Prince Louis Rwagasore Mausoleum), ☏ +257 22 27 77 58, +257 22 27 77 59, +257 75 34 34 34, +257 75 26 26 26, bestoutlookhotel.bi@gmail.com. Check-out: 11:00. Most rooms and restaurant with nice view on Bujumbura city and Lake Tanganyka, Congo visible on clean atmosphere on the opposite shore. Rooms in new building (40x and 50x) are hotter. Discount negotiable by phone with the manager. US$80 double room only, US$150 half-board negotiable to $110. (updated Jun 2016)

Stay safe

Bujumbura is a moderately safe city, but common sense should prevail. Walking around during the day should be fine, but at night time (from 18:00) the streets get very dark and you are best off getting a taxi except for very short walks. Day or night there are very few police around. The area near the port feels pretty dodgy day or night.

Connect

English/French language broadcasts are available from BBC World Service on 90.2 MHz and 105.6 MHz.

Internet access is best at an expat restaurant with WiFi, especially Café Aroma on Boul. de l'Uprona. For those without their own device, Surf Internet Café (back of Rusca Plaza, Avenue de l'Amitié) has generally fast Internet on good quality computers during the day. In the evening, your best bet in the city centre is Face@Face near the Waterfront Hotel. 3G wireless sticks are available from Econet as of mid-2011, with other carriers planning to offer them soon.

Embassies and consulates

• 1 Belgium, Boulevard de la Liberté, 9, ☏ +257 22 22-61-76.  
• China, Sur La Parcelle 675, A Vugizo, ☏ +257 22 224 307, fax: +257 22 224 082, chinaemb_burundi@mfa.gov.cn. Tu-We & Fr 08:00-11:00AM. (updated Feb 2024)
• 2 France, 60 Boulevard de l’Uprona (Inbetween Présidence and Orthodox church), ☏ +257 22 20 30 00, fax: +257 22 20 30 10. M-Th 08:00–12:12 14:00-17:30, F 8:00-14:15. (updated Jun 2016)
• Greece, P.Ο. Βοx 1660, Bujumbura, ☏ +257 22 42 42532. 
• United Kingdom. There is no UK embassy in Burundi, but there is a liaison office + 257 22 22-32-66. Burundi is covered from the British High Commission in Kigali, Rwanda. Consular assistance is provided by the Embassy of Belgium. 
• United States, Ave des Etats-Unis, ☏ +257 22 20-70-00, fax: +257 22 22-29-26. M 09:00-12:00, 14:00-15:00, W 14:99-15:00, F 09:00-10:30. 
• Nigeria, No. 44 Avenue Gihungwe Quartier Kabondo, ☏ +257 2225 7076, nigeria.bujumbura@foreignaffairs.gov.ng. M-F 09:30-16:30. (updated Aug 2024)

Go next

• Kigoma, Tanzania: You can take a bus via the Manyovu border post. The distance is 227 km (141 mi). From Kigoma you can take a train or bus to Mwanza or Dar es Salaam.
• About 60 km south of Bujumbura are two lakeside resort hotels, Blue Bay and Resha Royal Imperial Hotel which make for nice day trips or as somewhere to stay overnight. Both have restaurants serving up excellent grilled fish.
• The volcano bus company has regular service to Kigali Rwanda. and the Luba express bus company has regular service to Kigoma Tanzania There is an Intercity bus station on Avenue de l'OUA near GTS.