Bujumbura

Bujumbura, the former capital of Burundi, is the country's largest city, situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world. It offers a mix of urban life and lakeside escapes, with attractions like the Living Museum, Rusizi National Park, and scenic drives into the hills. The city is a budget-friendly base for exploring Burundi.

Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) is close to the city. Visas on arrival are available: a one-month multiple entry visa costs US$90, and a 3-day transit visa costs US$40. Visas from embassies are also an option. If arriving by land, only a 3-day transit visa is available for US$40, extendable later. Visa on arrival is payable only in US dollars; euros and Burundian francs are not accepted, and credit cards are not accepted even if logos are displayed. Customs requires recent banknotes.

Taxis cruise the city; negotiate the fare. Minibuses serve the north from the front of the central market and the south from the back. The last minibuses leave around 22:00. Hitchhiking is common: hold out your palm upward to request a lift. Private vehicles may pick up foreigners during the day. Payment for short distances is not expected, but offering is acceptable.

Bujumbura has a tropical savanna climate with a wet season from October to April and a dry season from May to September. Average temperature is around 23°C, and the city is hotter than other parts of Burundi due to its low altitude of 800 m. The dry season is best for outdoor activities, with less rainfall and more sunshine.

Accommodation ranges from budget hotels in the city centre to lakeside resorts. Budget options include Hotel Pacific (from FBu 35,000), Camel Africa Hotel (FBu 35,000), and Mess des Officiers (around US$10). Mid-range options like Hotel Amahoro (US$40-80) and Hotel Alexestel Nyakabiga (US$25-30) offer good value. For a nicer stay, consider Roca Golf Hotel (US$200-300) or Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika (US$120+).

Local specialties include beef or fish brochettes, chips, and fried plantain with fresh salad. Popular restaurants: Tropicana (main dishes around FBu 10,000), Le Plaisir (Sangala fish), Pont Muha (best brochettes), and Oasis (Greek cuisine). Bakeries like La Baguette Magique offer pastries. For drinks, try bars on Avenue de l'Universite or l'Archipel for dancing. Local beers are widely available, and banana beer is a local favourite.

Visit the Musée Vivant (FBu 5,000 adult) for a small zoo and traditional village. See hippos and crocodiles at Rusizi National Park (FBu 3,000 per person plus tip). The Livingstone–Stanley Monument (free) offers great lake views. Scenic drives along Lake Tanganyika or into the hills provide spectacular views. For lake activities, head to Karera Beach or Saga Plage, beach resorts with restaurants.

Bujumbura is moderately safe during the day, but at night from 18:00 streets are very dark. Avoid walking at night; take a taxi for any distance. The area near the port feels dodgy day or night. There are few police around. Common sense should prevail.

BBC World Service broadcasts on 90.2 MHz and 105.6 MHz in English/French. Internet access is best at expat restaurants with Wi-Fi like Café Aroma. Surf Internet Café (Rusca Plaza) has fast computers. Face@Face near the Waterfront Hotel is good in the evening. 3G wireless sticks are available from Econet as of mid-2011.

About 60 km south of Bujumbura are two lakeside hotels: Blue Bay and Resha Royal Imperial, offering nice day trips with excellent grilled fish. Rusizi National Park near the DR Congo border is a short drive for wildlife. The volcano bus company has regular service to Kigali, Rwanda, and Luba express to Kigoma, Tanzania.

From Bujumbura, you can take a bus to Kigoma, Tanzania (227 km) via the Manyovu border post, then onward to Mwanza or Dar es Salaam. Regular buses to Kigali, Rwanda are available. There are also lakeside resort hotels 60 km south for an overnight stay.