Planning for a safari to Burundi? We have compiled some important information that you need to know about travel in Burundi.
Transportation in Burundi:
The most common means of transport in Burundi are the minibuses but they are not considered safe, especially at night. It is preferable to travel around the country as a part of an established tour with a guide. You can also travel in cars or trucks around the country. But for the tourists on a safari package you will be offered a special hire vehicle (4×4) as stipulated by the tour agency as you tour around Burundi. Traffic drives on the right hand side and also if you use an International Driving Permit while in Burundi. Roads are generally good during the dry season but become difficult to use during the wet one.
What to bring
Mosquito repellent, medications, first-aid kit.
Travel documents?
Passport and visa required. You must hold a valid passport to enter Burundi. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months.
Assistance to get Burundian Visa
Visas are required for visits of longer than three days to Burundi and must be obtained in advance of travel. If travelling to Burundi for less than three days you can obtain a transit visa on arrival at a cost of US $40. Further advice on visas can be obtained from the Burundi Embassy
How to get there
No direct flights from U.S.; connections through Brussels, London, Rome, Paris, Addis Abbas, Nairobi, Entebbe, and Kigali on the following carriers: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Burundi.
Customs
No currency restrictions.
How to get around
No direct flights from U.S.; connections through Brussels, London, Rome, Paris, Addis Abbas, Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali on the following carriers: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Burundi.
Driver’s license
International Driving Permit.
Language
Kirundi, French, Swahili
Food and drink
Lunch and dinner are main meals. Sauces (fish, chicken, beef, etc.) with beans, vegetables, potatoes, banana, rice and fufu. Water, juices, beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks.
Tipping
Required but no set up percentage. Customer uses his/her own judgment
Weather
Mild temperatures during the day, cooler evenings.
Clothes
Lightweight clothes. Sweater in the evening.
Money
BuFrs 1100=US$1; credit cards rarely accepted, but cash may be withdrawn with card at certain banks. Travellers’ checks cashed at local banks.
Phone service
International calls from the “Office National des Telecommunications” (0NATEL), hotels and phone centers.
Safety
If you want to know the security situation prevailing in Burundi, contact your embassy in Bujumbura or the United Nations representations in Bujumbura.
Health care
In an emergency: In Bujumbura: Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge (232048); Clinique Prince Louis Rwagasore (223881). Cash payment expected. In the provinces, contact regional health centers.
Immunizations
Yellow fever required. Malaria is a serious problem. Cholera vaccination may be required in event of outbreak.