
East Africa
Burundi
Lake Tanganyika shores and a warm, unhurried pace.
About Burundi
Nestled in the heart of the African Great Lakes region, Burundi is a hidden gem that rewards the intrepid traveler with its serene beauty and genuine hospitality. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, this small, landlocked nation—known as the 'Heart of Africa'—offers a soul-stirring blend of lush mountains, sprawling tea plantations, and the vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Tanganyika. The atmosphere here is one of quiet contemplation and an unhurried pace of life that is increasingly rare in our modern world. In the capital, Bujumbura, the rhythm of the city is dictated by the lake’s gentle tides, where sandy shores like Saga Beach provide a backdrop for lively weekend gatherings and stunning sunsets. Beyond the urban centers, the landscape rises into mist-covered peaks and terraced hillsides, where the sound of traditional Drummers of Gitega—a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—resonates with the country's deep-rooted history. Burundi is not just a destination for sightseeing; it is a place for connection. From the warm smiles of the people to the tranquil shores of one of the world’s deepest lakes, Burundi invites you to slow down and discover its understated magic.
Best time to go
The best time to visit is during the long dry season from June to August, which is ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. The short dry season in December and January is also a favorable time for travel.
Currency
Burundian Franc (BIF)
Language
Kirundi and French
Places to visit in Burundi
Signature experiences our advisors build into Burundi journeys.

Lake Tanganyika (Saga Beach)
Crystal-clear waters and white sands on the world's second deepest lake.
Explore Lake Tanganyika (Saga Beach) →
Rusizi National Park
A wetland sanctuary home to hippos, crocodiles, and exotic birds.
Explore Rusizi National Park →
Karera Waterfalls
Spectacular cascades hidden within a lush emerald forest.
Explore Karera Waterfalls →
Lake Tanganyika
The world's second-deepest and second-oldest freshwater lake forms Burundi's shimmering western shore.
Explore Lake Tanganyika →
Bujumbura
Burundi's largest city and lakeside commercial hub blends colonial-era avenues with vibrant markets and beachfront life.
Explore Bujumbura →
Gitega
Burundi's political capital and cultural heartland is home to the National Museum and centuries of royal heritage.
Explore Gitega →
Karera Falls
A series of dramatic waterfalls cascading through forested ravines in Burundi's southern Rutana Province.
Explore Karera Falls →
Source of the Nile
A pyramid monument at Rutovu marks one of the most remote southern headwaters of the River Nile.
Explore Source of the Nile →
Livingstone-Stanley Monument
A lakeside stone at Mugere commemorates the 1871 visit of explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.
Explore Livingstone-Stanley Monument →Burundi in photos
Know before you go
Visa and entry, health and vaccinations, currency, language, and getting around in Burundi, all in one place.
Open the Burundi travel guideMore in East Africa

Ethiopia
Rock-hewn churches, the Simien Mountains, and the cultures of the Omo Valley.

Kenya
The Maasai Mara, the Great Migration, and the Rift Valley lakes.

Tanzania
The Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the islands of Zanzibar.

Uganda
Mountain gorilla trekking and the source of the Nile.

Rwanda
Mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
Ready for Burundi?
Every journey is tailored to you and led by experts who know the ground.

