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If you are the adventurous type and want to visit deepest Africa, Burundi is an ideal destination. However, most will advise you against travelling to this country due to the risks involved. However, some visitors who recently travelled to the country reported an incident free trip but also advised that people must make sure to stay safe and use extra precautions.
The local people are known to be extremely friendly and helpful to tourists. Although incidents of petty crimes like purse snatching, pickpocketing has occurred, it is reported that most of these are committed by children.
The crime does increase at night so avoid travelling or walking around at night. Security and police presence are high on the streets that does bring a bit of relief for the crime situation.
Police do search vehicles and residences and tourists have been searched on their holidays. It is best to cooperate with officials.
There have been political tensions throughout the country since the presidential elections of July 2015. The situation is especially troublesome in Bujumbura, where violence including grenade attacks and exchange of gunfire has happened resulting in several deaths and injuries of the local population.
Kidnapping for ransom does happen and the criminals have targeted foreign tourists in the past so be extremely vigilant. There is also a risk of terrorism.
Visiting wildlife areas, you should always take precautions when getting close to animals. Make sure you are with a reputable skilled guide. Swimming in lakes and rivers is extremely unsafe due to the wildlife like hippos and crocodiles. You also stand a high risk of catching water-borne diseases.
The dry season ranges from mid-May to early October. The rainy season starts in February right until mid-May. During the rainy season, heavy downpours are common and could result in flash floods.
Infrastructure and travel routes can be damaged and gravel roads may become impassable. Monitor the local weather forecasts before attempting a journey.
It is highly advisable to avoid the Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces close to the DRC border. This is due to the violent clashes of armed rebel and military in the area.
Violence, arms trafficking, kidnappings and attacks on citizens by former soldiers, rebels and youth gangs do happen.
It is advised to stay extremely alert day and night wherever you are in the country. Also keep updated by the local news about situations in the country.
Presidential elections are due to take place on May 20, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before and the duration plus after the elections.
Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and follow the instructions of local officials.
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations and avoid the area and for the latest information.
Avoid walking, driving or taking public transportation at night anywhere in the country.
Keep valuables, travel documents, and cash in safe places, such as in hotel safes. Keep separate and digital copies of important documents, including your passport.
Try and avoid using taxis that have not been provided by a reputable tour operator. The drivers sometimes operate with a criminal syndicate.
Visitors must also avoid using public buses.
It is not advisable to drive yourself in the country, rather get a driver through a reputable company. If you do, remember you must carry an international driving permit and proof of insurance with you at all times. You should travel by convoy and only during the day. Travelling outside Bujumbura puts you at a greater risk.
The conditions of the roads and the various forms of transportation are the major cause of common accidents. There are limited street signs and lights. The roads are damaged, and locals drive erratically. There are animals and pedestrians on the streets.
It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving. Always abide by the rules and regulations of the country. Monitor information on the road security on a daily basis while travelling.
Make sure you have more than one spare tyre. Fuel stations are rare, fuel shortages are regular and roadside assistance is not available outside the capital.
During the rainy season, most roads are only accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicles.
If you do have an accident, leave the area and do not stop and go to the nearest police station.
You will get genuine roadblocks. But be aware that criminals can imitate security forces and set up unofficial roadblocks to solicit bribes.
Obtain permission before taking photographs of military installations, airports, government buildings and local residents. Ask your reputable tour guide when it is safe to do so.
The local people are known to be very kind and helpful to tourists.
The majority of the population are Christian.
The country is conservative so dress and behave modestly.
The local alcoholic drink in Burundi is “urwarwa” or banana wine, which is drunk at most festivals and special occasions.
Burundian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Same sex couples visiting the country should exercise extreme discretion in public and also when making hotel bookings.
Penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Do not offer to carry a package from an unknown of suspicious source in your luggage as you risk being used as a drug mule.
The following are duty free for Burundi: 1,000 cigarettes or 1kg of tobacco and one litre of alcoholic beverages. Note that a deposit may be mandatory for items such as cameras, video recorders and laptop computers. You must declare your currency and cameras upon arrival.
Always keep a copy of your passport with you at all times. If you do lose your passport, report it to your nearest police station and get a copy of the police report. Also report it to your nearest embassy to obtain another passport.
Health care is inadequate and not up to Western standards. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of a serious illness or injury.
It is advised that you take a medical kit and a sterile needle/syringe kit, as well as antibiotics to treat travellers’ diarrhoea or other infections.
You should start taking anti-malaria medication before and for the whole duration of your trip. Make sure you have adequate supplies for your journey.
If you are on prescription or chronic medication, make sure you carry it in properly labelled bottles and have enough for your journey. Pharmacies are limited and might not have the correct medication.
Make sure you get a comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.
The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for Burundi: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Burundi is experiencing a malaria epidemic in most of the country. Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.
Symptoms can be similar to flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. Also, a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, muscle pain and bloody stools.
Travellers need to have a yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Burundi. Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria, ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.
Tourists should drink only bottled water or other bottled beverages as the tap water and ice in Ghana is contaminated and not safe for drinking.
Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to contamination.
If food has been left out of a refrigerator for longer than an hour especially eggs, chicken and dairy do not consume them.
Cholera which is a severe form of diarrhoea, and it can be fatal. Get to your nearest hospital or clinic if you have symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, chills and fever. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera.
Stray dogs are prevalent in the country. Bite wounds from any animal should be cleansed with soap and water and medically evaluated.
Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that have come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.
Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones.
Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist.
HIV/Aids are still a prevalent problem in the country and throughout the African continent. The disease is spread through sexual contact or shared blood or contaminated medical equipment. Avoid the risk by avoiding new sexual encounters while on holiday. If you cannot abstain, condoms can provide some protection.
Sexual assault, including rape, is common. Be aware that in some jurisdictions, the victim is required to provide food during the perpetrator’s incarceration.
Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser as often as possible, since it can eliminate the virus if it is on your hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and discard tissues into a closed bin immediately, then clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Sneezing or coughing into your hands may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
Maintain a fair distance between yourself and other people, since coughs or sneezes from infected people may project droplets containing the virus.
If you experience some fever, cough and difficulty of breathing, immediately seek medical care.
Always practice general hygiene measures, but especially when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets. Wash your hands with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.
Strictly avoid any contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities and avoid consumption of any raw or undercooked animal products. You should even handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Burundi. We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Burundi who make safety a priority.
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