Fact File
Capital: Bujumbara
Population: 9,023,000
Time zone: GMT +2
Plugs: Two pin round
Dialling code: +257
Currency: Burundi franc. Exchange rate: $1 = 1,539.98 BIF
Language: Kirundi, French
Visa
Nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda DO NOT need a visa to enter Burundi.
Hong Kong passport holders will receive a visa on arrival.
All other nationalities require a visa before travelling, unless there is no diplomatic representative of Burundi in the country of origin, in which case they will receive a visa on arrival.
BUJUMBURA
Connectivity
There are Wi-Fi hotspots in and around the city to connect to the internet, and most hotels offer this service to guests. Indeed, all the hotels listed below offer Wi-Fi as part of the room rate, with the exception of Club Du Lac Tanganyika, which has an internet cafe on site. There are also numerous internet cafes in the city, should the hotspots not offer the right connectivity.
Public Transport
While you can hire a car in Bujumbura and drive yourself, you can also catch a taxi. Private taxis are more expensive than minibus taxis, but have the added advantage of getting you to and from your destination without detours. In some instances, it is possible to arrange airport pick-up and drop with your hotel.
Card Services
According to World Travels, credit cards are rarely accepted and ATMs are not readily available, so it is wise to bring the necessary cash in an easily exchangeable currency. Travellers cheques in US dollars or Euros are accepted, but commission rates are high. US dollars dating before 2003 are often not accepted. Banks are open from Monday to Friday in the morning only.
Climate
Although located close to the equator, Burundi isn’t as hot as you’d expect, given its high altitude. The average annual temperature for Bujumbura is around 23ºC, however temperatures do rise to the low 30s in summer. Rainfall is most common during February, March, April, November and December.
Health
A Yellow Fever vaccination is necessary if you’re visiting from a Yellow Fever area. Malaria and cholera are concerns for Burundi, so take precautions.
Airlines
Air Uganda – www.air-uganda.com
Brussels Airlines – www.brusselsairlines.com
Ethiopian Airlines – www.ethiopianairlines.com
Kenya Airways – www.kenya-airways.com
Rwandair – www.rwandair.com
Hotels
Bujumbura
Kings Conference Centre – www.kccburundi.org
Le Botanika – www.hotelbotanika.com
Roca Golf Hotel – www.rocagolfhotel.bi
La Palmeraie – www.lapalmeraie-hotel.com
Dolce Vita – www.bujadolce.com
EGO Hotel – www.egohotelburundi.com
Club Du Lac Tanganyika – www.hotelclubdulac.com
Le Clos des Limbas – www.limba-hotel.com
Vaya Apartments – www.vayahotel.onlc.fr
Ubuntu Residence – www.ubunturesidence.com
Nonara – www.nonarahotel.com
Royal Palace – www.royalpalacehotel.biz
Yombe Palace Hotel – www.hotelyombepalace.com