Bujumbura Trip Report

Just back from a quick trip to Bujumbura..

Took Belvedere Bus Lines 10am bus from Kigali (6000 Rwanda Francs) - it took about 6 1/2 hours including border (which was about 45 minutes for everyone). Bought my ticket that morning. I'm Australian - just paid my $40 on the border for 3 day transit visa. No issues. Also changed a little money at the border - rate was a bit less than in Buj but not too bad.

Paid 3000 Burundi Francs to get from bus station to hotel in a car taxi. Stayed at Guest House Centre Communitaire as recommended by poster just below this (across from French embassy). Paid 16,000 BF per night for room with bathroom with cold water shower. Rooms were clean and a decent size but there was only running water from 10pm to 6am while I was there. Apart from that, a pleasant place to stay and easy walking distance to everything.

Lots of restaurant... more »

cheap guest house in Bujumbura - details

Hello all,
I know info about Burundi is thin on the ground. I have just been there for a few days. I stayed at the Guest House, Centre Communautaire, 1 Ave de France, directly opposite the entrance to the French embassy. I had a double room with private cold water bathroom for 12 USD, I think they have rooms for 10 USD too. It is very clean and safe, there is a cheap restaurant on site and a little English is spoken. (I asked for a phone number/ email but they said they don't have one - sorry) There is a bit of a garden/ carpark at the front to sit in, at night the gates are locked at 23.00, it felt v secure.

I also looked at the Via Tanganyika on rue science. The rooms here are not as large or clean as where I stayed, they are also in some instances (cheapest) located around a big bar area. As a lone female I didn't feel very at ease here.

I also took a tour of Burundi... more »

Trapped in Burundi!

Well sonofagun. Just found out Ethiopian airlines messed up my flight ticket after a flight/schedule change and wouldn't let me fly out of Buj today. Leaving me stuck as my 3-day visa expires today. Tomorrow is Sunday so dunno about getting it extended... what is the fine for overstay?

Euro or dollars

Could someone give me the up to date exchange rates for US$ and Euros and UK£ either at a bank or bureaux.

According to the latest Le Petit Fute guide there seems to be a much more favourable rate for the Euro (800) than the US$ (450) and although I suspect a misprint it would clearly make sense for me to get some Euro if this is the case

Also is it relatively safe to rely on using ones visa debit card to get cash - I know there are a couple of banks that have ATMs in Buja but what about in the smaller towns?

Thanks

Three days sightseeing

Hello all,

as I'm heading to Uganda and Rwanda, I hope to have enough time to give Burundi a go. The three days transit visa doesn't sound great to get at least a glance of a country but that's it so I'm asking help to make the most out of my time.

From what I read, I'd better stay in Bujumbura and take one or two days trips but I'd like to hear some suggestions.

• Are the chutes de la kagera worth it?

• How about Lake Tanganiyka? Is it worth to spend a day on the beach? Is it bilharzia free?

• Where I'll be sure to catch a Tambourines exhibition?

• Other sights worth a visit?

Bujumbura Central Market on fire

Bujumbura Central Market building has been on fire, apparently the fire has been extinguished, it has not spread further but the market is destroyed.No info about casualties yet.

The is disastrous to many, many people whose merchandise was inside.

Visa on arrival?

Hi everyone,

I found conflicting information regarding the visa on arrival. I plan to FLY into Burundi from Nairobi. I'm traveling on a Western European passport. I understand that I can get a visa on arrival at the airport. However,
1) for how many days - 3 or 30?
2) cost of the visa and what currencies are accepted?

Any current information is highly appreciated.

Kigali-Bujumbura-Kigoma overland

Hello.

In light of the recent security update by the FCO is it still safe/possible to travel overland from Kigali to Bujumbura and then on to Kigoma? I understand you can't travel at night and some routes are not safe but is travel still possible in day light hours? If so what is the route and how do you get buses?

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/burundi

Thanks
Kerry