Geographic Information

Burundi is centrally located in the heart of Africa. Its geographic position allows easy access in less than two hours flight time to many of Africa's most attractive tourist sites such as: Volcanoes and gorillas at Kahuzi Biega in DRC Tanzania's famous National Park in Gombe and Serengeti Gorilla viewing in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park The beaches in Zanzibar ​ The Republic of Burundi is a country of 27,834 square kilometers located in Central Africa's Great Lakes area. It is bordered to the north by the Republic of Rwanda, to the south-east by the United Republic of Tanzania and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi is a state with a population over 9 million.The capital, Bujumbura, is located on the banks of Lake Tanganyika

Burundi has an incredible range of stay options for every budget!!!

History and culture

Since the 15th century, Burundi was organized as a monarchy around a king known as the Mwami. Burundi has a strong oral tradition, inspiring historians with its legends and tales. The kingdom rejected all the incursions of the Zanzibar slave hunters before submitting to the Germans in 1897. Mwezi Gisabo surrendered on June 6, 1903, at Kiganda which eventually became a historical site. Successively a German then a Belgian colony, Burundi became independent in 1962. The assassinatin of the national hero, Prince Rwagasore, on October 13, 1961, marked the end of the monarchy. In 1966, Michel Micombero became the first president of the Republic of Burundi. The Burundian population is composed of three main ethnic groups (Hutu, Tutsi and Twa). However, unlike what is very often the case in Africa, these groups did not form different cultures. The language Kirundi, as well as most of the social customs, anchors the majority of the population to a territory united since the eighteenth century. Although Burundii has faced challenges in the recent past, the strong base of culture shared by everyone provides the foundation for a people moving forward. The cultural and historical inheritance of the country is extensively rich, especially since there is no written historical record. In an oral civilization, a whole unique cultural universe reveals itself to those who listen to tales circulating in Burundi as well as to those who are interested in visiting ancient locations full of memories

The Treaty of Kiganda

German establishment in Burundi was not easy. Although the invaders settled on the east coast of Lake Tanganyika in 1896, King Mwezi Gisabo did not surrender until June 6, 1903. During the intervening years the Germans tried in vain to invade the country. German captain Von Bering was forced to look for support from dissidents to the king and found Maconco and Kirima who were claiming territories for their own. They were able to oust the king from his capital (Muramvya) and forced him to retreat to Kiganda. Rumor has it that the king was never defeated. In fact, catholic priests of the mission of Mugera and some of his influential sons like Ntarugera had a hard time bringing the king to negotiate with the Germans. At Kiganda, on June 6, 1903, Germans were obliged to acknowledge that Mwezi Gisabo remained king of Burundi; in fact, a post run by a German was set up for his protection. In return, seated on the flat rocks of Kiganda, the king of Burundi: • Acknowledged the sovereignty of Germany • Recognized the autonomy of Maconco and Kirima respectively in Bukeye and Muramvya • Accepted to pay a fine of 424 cattle as reparation • Agreed to not hamper the action of the catholic mission of Mugera, etc. In this region considered to be the cradle of Burundian culture, the site of Kiganda Treaty is included in a circuit that passes nearby the Kings’ valley, the monument of Rubumba trees and the cultural attractions of Gitega, before continuing towards the natural eastern sites of the country.

Arts & Crafts

Crafts are an important art form in Burundi and are attractive gifts to many tourists. Basket weaving is a popular craft for Burundian artisans. Other crafts such as masks, shields, jewelry, painting, wood curving; metal work statues and pottery are made in Burundi. A visitor has many art and crafts centers to choose in the Bujumbura city center as well as in many of the rural communities where the use of locally made handcrafts is more for basic necessity than for commercial reasons. Crafts are as well an essential part of the Burundian cultural heritage. Amongst the traditional handicrafts, tightly woven baskets (with lids) are very special. From the twa, there are pottery of all size with some decorated, others not. In addition they produced masks, shields and wooden statues Figurative art form is very commonly practiced in Burundi art. The European and Italian imprints is seen in the Burundi works of art like in mosaics. The themes of the designs mainly concentrate on Burundi life but the marks of the western art are also evident. There are many artisan centers in Burundi like Le Musee vivant and Le Musee national. Both of these art centers in Burundi mainly deals with modern art. A wide range of variety is found in Burundi art. Geometrical figures and various types of designs with beautiful colors and shapes are predominant in Burundi art. Decorative motifs are a very common in the art of Burundi. The Burundi art is visible in pottery, sculpture, bas-relief and wickerwork. The children of Burundi are also engaged in various types of art work. They love wall paintings in which village sceneries and many other beautiful themes are given expression. With regards to dance, each region, in addition to main dances, has a specific kind of dance and drum. Initially drums were played for royal or religious ceremonies, sacred rituals, and for specific stages of life but more and more drumming has become a form of entertainment. The Batimbo dancers are very acrobatic and repeat gestures of daily life. Thanks to that rare performance, the Batimbo became famous and while it kept a sacred character in the area of origin, the performance spread to the whole country but with a more cultural rather than sacred character because the ritual did not really exist outside the Gitega province.

Gastronomy

For a taste of Burundian food, try the green amaranth 'Ilenga lenga' – a name borrowed from DRC – or the cassava leaves stew called 'Isombe'. Both are healthy vegetables that you might see in other parts of the world or indeed in neighboring countries but cooked differently. These vegetables can be eaten with any combination of side dishes (rice, green bananas either fried or cooked, fried/cooked potatoes, beans, etc). Another local favorite is 'Ubugali' name derived from the Congolese (DRC) Ugali. In Bujumbura, the most common Ubugali dish is made of dried cassava roots ground into a fine flour. When cooked, it becomes a thick white mash. Ubugali is served with beef, fish sauces or the aforementioned Ilenga lenga or Isombe. Most restaurants will not have Ubugali on their menu probably because those who try it the first time find it rather bland. Elsewhere in the country, Ubugali from corn or sorghum flours is also popular. Most bars serve basic foods such as brochettes (beef, goat, chicken, etc.), fried green bananas, fries and vegetables.