Burundi is a landlocked country located in the east of Africa. It bordering neighbours are Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This country is one of Africa’s smallest countries but one not to be looked down on. The country is situated on hilly and mountainous terrain giving sightseers a great vantage point to see the real Burundi. The capital is now Gitega but Bujumbura, the former capital is the biggest city and home to the country’s biggest port. The local currency is the Burundi Franc (BIF).
Fun Fact: Burundians were ranked as the second happiest nation in the world in 2017.
Watch my YouTube video for more different facts about this African country
So, lets break this country up into PARTS.
People
The main ethic groups in Burundi are the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa. The two official languages of Burundi are French, and Kirundi with some Swahili spoken especially in regions closer to Tanzania.
Attractions
Explore Bujumbura; a lively and bustling city with a lot to see, the city is filled with a lot of colonial French architecture alongside Burundi culture, places like the Islamic cultural centre are a must.
If you are travelling outside the main city, then some other must see are:
Mount Heha: The highest point of Burundi
Kibira, Ruvubu and Rusizi are the three national parks in Burundi. Here you’ll be able to see all types of wildlife from, elephants to monkeys.
Kagera Falls: Located in the South eastern part of the country, why not visit the country’s most beautiful waterfall.
Rituals and Culture
Catholicism is the main language in Burundi along with protestant beliefs.
Burundians tend to eat very starchy foods with their diets being mainly plant based. Foods like corn are a stable in Burundian diets. Some Burundian specialties include: Ndizi (fried plantain), Bugali (pounded and doughed cassava usually served with a stew) and Renga Renga (potato leaf stew).
Tips
– Strapped with cash. There are very few ATMs in the capital Bujumbura and even fewer in rural areas, so it is always best to carry some Burundi Franc on you.
– Switching Currencies: All currency exchanges must be held at banks in either Bujumbura or Gitega.
– Walk it off. Jogging in groups is banned in Burundi so do not attempt to do this whilst there.
Stories
For more travel advice check out; FCO: Travel Advice
Outside of the UK: Please check your government’s travel advice carefully.