Country information for Burundi

Burundi is a country in East Africa and offers its visitors a mix of adventure, culture, and nature. With the Kibira National Park, Lake Tanganyika, and the ruins of Gitega, the country has a lot to offer. The culture of Burundi is equally fascinating and can be experienced through music, dances, and artworks. It is also a country known for its coffee plantations and impressive landscapes, providing a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable vacation.

If you are planning a trip to Burundi, it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about entry requirements, visa requirements, and health regulations. It is also recommended to take out travel insurance to be prepared for any eventualities. During your stay, it is important to respect local customs and practices to avoid misunderstandings.

Burundi is a beautiful country with a rich culture and stunning landscape. With the right planning and preparation, you can experience an unforgettable vacation in this unique travel destination.

Burundi is a small country in East Africa, shaped by the colonial past of France and Germany. The current political situation in Burundi is characterized by instability and conflicts.

The history of Burundi dates back to the 16th century, when the Kingdom of Burundi was founded. The kingdom was known for its rich culture and craftsmanship, especially in pottery. In the 19th century, the kingdom came under the influence of German colonial rulers, who exercised control over the territory until World War I. After World War I, Burundi became part of the Belgian protectorate of Ruanda-Urundi.

In 1962, Burundi gained its independence and became a republic. However, the political situation in Burundi was marked by instability and ethnic conflicts. In 1993, Burundi's first democratically elected president, Melchior Ndadaye, was killed in a coup. This led to a civil war that lasted until 2005 and claimed an estimated 300,000 lives.

Today, Burundi is a presidential republic with a political system characterized by tensions and conflicts. In recent years, the government has increased political repression against its opposition, leading to international concern.

Burundi's population is mainly composed of the two ethnic groups Hutu and Tutsi, as well as a smaller Twa minority. The official language is Kirundi, but French is also widely spoken. In addition to its rich culture, the country is also known for its traditional music and dances.

The geography of Burundi is characterized by mountains and lakes, including Lake Tanganyika, which is the second oldest and second deepest lake in the world. Agriculture is an important sector in Burundi, especially coffee cultivation.

The currency in Burundi is the Burundi Franc (BIF). One Burundi Franc equals 100 Centimes. Banknotes are available in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 Burundi Francs, while coins in the values of 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Francs are in circulation.

It is recommended to bring cash in US Dollars or Euros and exchange it into the local currency in Burundi. ATMs are rare in Burundi, so it is advisable to have enough cash with you. Credit cards are also accepted to a limited extent.

There are several banks in Burundi, including the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB) and the Banque Commerciale du Burundi (BCB). Most banks are open from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday.

It is important to note that there may be frequent exchange rate fluctuations in Burundi. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check the current exchange rates.

It is also advisable not to carry large amounts of cash and to ensure that money, credit cards, and other valuables are kept securely.

In general, exchanging money in Burundi is uncomplicated and problem-free as long as you stick to official exchange offices and banks.

When preparing for a vacation in Burundi, it is important to pack the appropriate clothing. The climate in Burundi is tropical and humid, so it is recommended to bring light, breathable clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen. Especially in the summer months from December to February, the temperatures can be very high, so it is advisable to wear light and airy clothing to protect yourself from the sun.

Since Burundi is a conservative country, it is important to adapt your clothing choices. Women should keep their shoulders and knees covered and avoid tight or see-through clothing. Men should not wear sleeveless shirts or shorts. It is also advisable to bring slightly more formal clothing for visiting religious sites and official occasions.

If you plan to go hiking or trekking during your stay in Burundi, it is recommended to wear sturdy and comfortable footwear. Long pants and tops that cover your arms and legs are also advisable to protect yourself from insect bites and other dangers.

During the rainy season from March to May, heavy rainfall is common in Burundi, so it is advisable to bring rain gear or at least an umbrella. In higher elevations, it can also get very cool, so you should pack warmer clothing such as sweaters or jackets.

In summary, for a trip to Burundi, it is best to bring light, airy clothing made of natural fibers that protect your body from the sun. It is also important to adapt to the conservative dress code of the country and bring suitable clothing and shoes for activities such as trekking or hiking.

Travelers should be aware of the current security situation in Burundi before planning and carrying out their trip. In some areas of the country, there may be unrest and political instability. Travelers should always pay attention to the current travel warnings and advice from the Foreign Office and, if necessary, inform themselves about the security situation on site.

In addition, travelers should note that the road conditions in Burundi can be difficult and traffic can be chaotic. Especially in rural areas, it may happen that roads are not paved and there is no street lighting. It is recommended not to drive at night and otherwise to adjust well to the road conditions.

The use of public transport should be done with caution, as there may be an increase in thefts and robberies. It is advisable to only use official taxis and to order them by phone beforehand. In addition, travelers should make sure not to leave valuables visible in the car.

In general, travelers should always be vigilant and observe their surroundings attentively. It is recommended not to travel alone and always carry a copy of passports and important documents with them.

In Burundi, the national language is Kirundi, spoken by the majority of the population. French is also a widely spoken language used in official matters. English, on the other hand, is less common. If you want to communicate in Burundi, it is advisable to learn at least a few words of Kirundi or French to be able to communicate in simple everyday situations.

Especially in rural areas, knowledge of the national language is advantageous to converse with locals and learn more about their culture. In larger cities like Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, English is spoken more frequently, especially in hotels and tourist facilities.

If you want to use public transportation, be prepared for announcements in Kirundi or French. It may be helpful to research the routes and stops in advance or have a translator on hand. Overall, it can be beneficial to acquire some basic knowledge of the national language to navigate Burundi more easily and make the trip even more enjoyable.

Telecommunications in Burundi are largely covered by mobile operators, which provide sufficient network coverage in most parts of the country. There are several operators such as Econet Leo, ONAMOB, Smart Mobile, and Lumitel. Buying a local SIM card is easy and affordable. You only need a passport or an ID card to purchase a SIM card, which can then be inserted into an unlocked phone. With a local SIM card, tourists can make cheap calls, send SMS, and use mobile data.

Regarding internet usage, there are some Wi-Fi hotspots in hotels and restaurants in major cities in Burundi. Mobile internet is available via 3G and 4G, and there are various data packages offered by operators. Prices for mobile internet are generally affordable, but the quality of the connection may vary depending on the location. It is advisable to buy a data package before traveling to more rural areas to ensure you can stay online.

It is also important to note that in the past, the government has restricted the country's internet and mobile services during political crises. Tourists should be aware that there may be restrictions on telecommunications during their stay in Burundi.

Overall, it is possible to stay mobile and online in Burundi, but it is important to be aware that the quality of the connection and the availability of services may vary depending on the location and political situation. Buying a local SIM card and a data package is recommended to keep costs low and facilitate mobile communication.

The health system in Burundi is still in a process of development. There are only a few hospitals and health centers in the country, and they are often not equipped with the latest technology or enough medical staff. Most hospitals are located in larger cities such as Bujumbura and Gitega.

Medical care in Burundi is often insufficient for tourists. It is therefore recommended to take out comprehensive travel health insurance before traveling to Burundi. The insurance should also cover possible evacuation to a country with better medical care.

In some cases, it may be advisable to consult a doctor from a neighboring country. However, it is important to inform yourself in advance about the medical facilities in the country and, if necessary, seek recommendations from locals or other travelers.

For personal needs, it is advisable to take an sufficient amount of medications and to have them readily available during the trip. Care should be taken to ensure that the medications are available in sufficient quantity for the entire duration of the trip, as replenishing them in Burundi can be difficult.

In Burundi there are various holidays, some of which are national and some of which are religious. Most holidays are public holidays when most shops and public institutions are closed. Some of the most important holidays in Burundi are:

• New Year's Day: January 1
• Labor Day: May 1
• Independence Day: July 1
• Christmas: December 25

In addition to these national holidays, there are also religious holidays such as Easter and Pentecost, which are celebrated by the Christian population of Burundi. It is important to note that some holidays may vary depending on the region or religious affiliation.

Here is a table of the most important holidays in Burundi:

It is advisable to inform yourself about the holidays and their impact on the availability of shops, services, and public institutions before traveling to Burundi.