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Welcome to Bujumbura, a captivating city where language and culture blend seamlessly. As you explore this enchanting destination, you'll discover a fascinating mix of the Kirundi, French, and English languages. In Bujumbura, the primary language spoken is Kirundi, followed by French. While only a few individuals are fluent in English, the warm and friendly locals are always ready to lend a helping hand. If you arrive at Bujumbura Airport, which is conveniently located just 10 kilometers from the city center, taxis are readily available to transport you to your desired destination. A taxi ride between the airport and city center typically costs US$20 or BIF 30,000. Traveling between Bujumbura and Kigali in Rwanda? As of June 2019, there are no direct bus services connecting the two cities. However, Volcano Express operates buses from Kigali to the Kanyaru border. These buses depart at 5 am, 6 am, 8 am, 10 am, and 11:30 am, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours. The fare is RWF 3,840. Once you cross the border into Bujumbura, you can continue your journey by hopping on a shared taxi. Shared taxis are readily available and cost around BIF 15,000 for the 3-hour journey. Visa regulations and costs in Bujumbura are subject to change, so it's essential to stay updated. As of October 2022, a 30-day visa on arrival can be obtained for $100 at Bujumbura Airport. However, please note that as of June 2019, obtaining a visa on arrival at land borders is not possible. To ensure a smooth visa process, it is recommended to arrange your visa in advance through the Burundi Embassy in Kigali, Uganda. You can do this by submitting an application form, along with a copy of your passport photo page and a passport-sized photo. Allow for a 10-day processing time. The costs for visas vary: a 3-day visa costs US$40, a 30-day multiple-entry visa costs US$90, a 2-month multiple-entry visa costs US$180, and a 3-month multiple-entry visa costs US$270. Payment can be made through the Bank of Kigali, and once your visa is ready, you can collect it from the Embassy. Get ready for a mesmerizing journey through the captivating city of Bujumbura!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Matoke is a widely loved dish in Burundi, consisting of cassava roots cooked in banana leaves and steam. This dish is often prepared with meat, typically beef, but can also be made vegetarian by omitting the meat. The cassava becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the meat and banana leaves, resulting in a tasty, aromatic experience.

Ikigage is another popular Burundian meal made with mashed beans and served with a side of vegetables and meat, usually chicken or fish. It's a hearty and filling dish that showcases the versatility of beans. The dish is naturally vegetarian, but the addition of meat elevates its flavor profile.

Isombe is a traditional Burundian dish made using fermented corn dough called "ukazi" which is mixed with ingredients like beans, palm oil, and fish or meat (typically chicken). It's a dense, flavorful meal with a unique tang from the fermented corn dough.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing