Things to do in Bujumbura
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Chez André
Housed in a huge villa on the eastern extreme of Chaussée Prince Rwagasore, this is one of many contenders for the best restaurant in the city, with a flamboyant menu that wouldn't look out of place in Brussels or Paris. The wine list and desserts are well worth a closer look. There is also a popular health club here if you feel the belt busting after a major meal.
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Chez Ruhara
The ultimate club in Buj, Chez Ruhara is a cross between an underground rave in Africa and a scene straight out of Mad Max. Set in the basement of an unfinished tenement block on the back streets, there are steel poles sticking out and leaks on the stairs. But once inside, it really rocks and has deservedly earned the nickname 'Jazz Club'. African and international tunes, a steady flow of drinks and the option to go all night - welcome to the alternative Burundi.
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Cercle Nautique
Probably the most famous spot in Bujumbura, the Cercle is one of those colonial-era clubs that remains resolutely popular with expats and locals alike. Set on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this is a great place to sip a cold beer and watch the sun go down. There is also a good restaurant here serving fresh lake fish and other continental classics. A must when passing through Buj.
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Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Trianon
This place is packed out for breakfast thanks to a great combination of fresh croissants, healthy omelettes and local coffee. The ham and cheese croissant washed down with a hot chocolate is a good way to start the day. Solo women should note that the clientele was all male, but it was a friendly atmosphere. Strangely, it's closed at lunchtime.
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Kapa
Another colossus on the café scene, this little bakery turns out pastries, sandwiches and some of the best coffee in town. Again it is popular in the morning and afternoons, but closed for lunch. Alright, siestas and all that, but one of the bakeries is missing a market.
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Rusizi National Park
Probably the most accessible of Burundi's national parks - and the one most likely to be open - is the Rusizi National Park or Parc National de la Rusizi. It's a wetland environment and provides a habitat for hippos, sitatungas (aquatic antelopes) and a wide variety of birds.
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Le Kasuku
A little garden oasis in the heart of the city, Kasuku has a hearty range of European dishes, including tender steaks with pepper, red-wine or blue-cheese sauce. The pizzas here are also some of the best in the city.
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Musée Vivant
The Musée Vivant is a reconstructed traditional Burundian village with some exhibits about baskets, pottery and drums, but it's also a part-time zoo and the animals aren't kept in very impressive conditions.
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L'Archipel
This huge restaurant is a popular stop with locals on the hunt for good-value food with good company. Partly set outdoors, at weekends they bring in the DJs, crank up the music and it rocks on all night.
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Eden du Lac
A little way north of the Cercle Nautique, this garden bar is a local institution and is namechecked by most young Burundians when you ask them where to go. Drinking with a view and discerning dining.
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Dmitri Supermarket
One of Bujmumbura's unexpected treats, this supermarket is the best stocked in town, selling Swiss chocolate, superb salami, European cheeses and wines from around the world.
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Havana Club
Back in town, Havana Club is a popular nightspot throughout the week, but do take care in the surrounding area, as 'les petits bandits' are lurking.
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Le Braisière
For live music, try Le Braisiere at Hôtel Cyrano, which usually has a local band playing on Saturday night from 19:00.
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