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Practical Information about Burundi
Your trip
The best time to visit Burundi is during the dry season which is roughly between June and August, and between December and January. The patterns of rainy and dry seasons depend on where you visit in Burundi. Burundi has three climate zones: tropical in the lowlands, near Lake Tanganyika, temperate near Burundi’s central plateau, and cooler in the highlands. In general, temperatures are pleasant all year around – you can expect temperatures that range between 16-30°C on average.
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Burundi. Whether Burundi is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In most cases this will not be a problem. At CultureRoad we recommend: IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has different insurance options that fits your personal needs. Book now to get a 5% discount!
Most nationalities do need a visa to travel to Burundi. Burundi has, for the past few years, offered a new visa policy. Most embassy websites, however, are not updated yet with this new info. The visa can be applied for online. You can apply at this website.
Burundi uses the time zones UCT+2.
Burundi does not observe daylight saving time – there is no difference between summer and winter time.
The local currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF), although it is commonly known as the Amafaranga. We recommend bringing enough USD or Euros in cash with you, as local ATMs are unreliable. Please note that smaller denomination notes fetch less favourable rates. You can reliably exchange money with your guide at a reasonable rate. For the most current exchange rate, visit www.xchange.com.
The amount you’ll spend mainly depends on your personal spending needs and habits, but as a guideline, we advise to budget for approximately €20 to €50 per day for your basic needs. However, if you want to buy souvenirs, you might want to bring some extra cash. For a meal you’ll pay between €5 and €15, and soda or coffee generally cost around €1.
Tipping local guides and drivers is always encouraged. Local wages are very modest, so a small contribution from you will often make a big difference to our local partners and their families. We recommend setting aside €5 to €10 per day for tips, but the amount you tip is, of course, ultimately your decision.
We are always available to advise you on booking a flights for a tour with us. However, most customers prefer to book their flights themselves as this is often the most economic option and allows for some flexibility according to your personal preferences.
Practical information
The electricity supply in Burundi is 220-240 Volt / 50 Hz. Power plugs and sockets of type C and type E are used, the same as European plugs. It is a good idea to bring a plug adapter, particularly if you are bringing non-European plugs. Power outages are common, so be sure to charge your devices whenever electricity is available at your hotel, and consider bringing a power bank.
Internet is available at most accommodations, though the connection may be slow and unreliable. Mobile coverage is generally reliable in urban areas but is limited in rural areas. If you need a local SIM card, your local guide will be happy to assist you.
Local culture
Burundi is a majority christian and conservative culture. Traditional customs and practices still hold significant importance, so visitors are encouraged to approach cultural interactions with sensitivity and awareness of these values.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
– Do not ask a Burundian about their ethnicity or make a comment about the ethnic tensions that the country has experienced.
– Dress modestly, wear conservative clothing to respect local norms.
– Greet respectfully, greetings are important in Burundian culture. Handshakes are common, but be cautious when greeting women – it’s best to wait for them to extend their hand first.
– Avoid public displays of affection – they are considered inappropriate. It is important to note that same-sex relations are criminalised.
– Keep conversations neutral. Avoid discussing politics and sensitive topics. Instead, take this opportunity to listen and learn about the culture.
– Many Burundians are not used to seeing tourists which sometimes leads to some suspicious looks, but they are meant well.
We carefully select our tour destinations and activities based on current security situations and official travel advice. We also collaborate with local partners who understand the local conditions and can offer assistance if needed. Our goal is to provide everyone with an unforgettable tour, but the local guide will always have the final say on any changes to the itinerary.
Burundi is generally safe for tourists when basic precautions are taken. Many Western countries have lifted their previous “reconsider” and “avoid all travel” warnings. Although Burundi is quite underdeveloped, which can make travel challenging, its authenticity more than compensates for this. Despite a history of turmoil and tensions between ethnic groups, similar to neighbouring country Rwanda, Burundi has stabilised since the presidential transition in 2020. While some rebel groups exist in remote areas, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, their impact has diminished, and all our tours avoid these regions.
Some of the safety measures to follow on our tours:
– Do not ask a Burundian about their ethnicity or make a comment about the ethnic tensions that the country has experienced
– We do not share details of the itinerary or hotel names with anyone. While such questions may be asked simply out of curiosity, we refrain from disclosing this information as a precaution.
– On days with long journeys, we ensure a timely start to avoid being stranded after dark in case of a car breakdown.
– We recommend avoiding wearing expensive jewellery or watches—please leave them at home.
– Avoid public displays of affection – they are considered inappropriate. It is important to note that same-sex relations are criminalised.
In general, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person, particularly in cultural ceremonies.
– Do not take pictures of military personnel, military installations, police officers or government buildings.
Burundian cuisine is characterised by its simplicity and reliance on local ingredients. Staple foods include ugali (a thick porridge made from maize or cassava), beans, and plantains. Meat, particularly goat, chicken, and fish, is often served, typically prepared in stews or grilled. Traditional dishes may include brochettes (skewered meat) and samosas. Fresh fruits and vegetables are widely available. Vegetarian options are possible, just ask your guide for assistance when ordering. When it comes to beverages, Ikivuguto, a fermented milk drink, is popular, along with tea and coffee, which are significant to the culture. Alcohol is generally readily available but it is best to keep alcohol consumption discreet, particularly in rural areas – always check with your guide first.
We recommend that you bring comfortable and breathable clothing for the tropical and temperate climates. Bring warmer layers for cooler regions and for evenings. All clothing should be modest out of respect for the conservative culture – bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid anything tight-fitting. During the rainy season, we advise you to also bring rain gear (or clothes that may get wet). We also recommend bringing good walking shoes, as many roads are unpaved.
Burundi is a developing country with a very turbulent recent history. Healthcare is very limited. The local hygiene standard naturally differs from that of the Western World. Make sure you have enough hand sanitizer, sunscreen and insect repellent with you.
We always recommend staying informed about the latest health risks in the region you plan to visit. For the most up-to-date information about your destination, check with your government