बुजुम्बुरा
Also known as Buja, Usumbura
Bujumbura (; ), formerly Usumbura, is the economic capital, former political capital, largest city and main port of Burundi. It ships most of the country's chief export, coffee, as well as cotton and tin ore. Bujumbura was formerly the country's political capital. In late December 2018, Burundian president Pierre Nkurunziza announced that he would follow through on a 2007 promise to return Gitega its former political capital status, with Bujumbura remaining as economical capital and center of commerce. A vote in the Parliament of Burundi made the change official on 16 January 2019, and as of l
AI overview
Bujumbura is Burundi's largest city and economic hub, serving as the main port through which the country exports coffee, cotton, and tin ore. Though it was formerly the country's political capital, it lost that status in 2019 when the government moved the seat of power to Gitega, though Bujumbura remains the center of commerce and economic activity.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
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Place details
- Locality
- Bujumbura
- Region
- Bujumbura Mairie
- Country
- Burundi
- Population
- 769,317
Travel guide
Understand
Bujumbura was the capital of Burundi until 2019, when the capital was moved to the second largest city, Gitega.
Get in
Visa rules and prices change frequently. As of July 2023 two visas are available on arrival at the Airport: a one-month, multiple entry visa costs US$90, and a 3-day (2-night) transit visa is US$40. Visas can be obtained from embassies prior to travel.
If you arrive by land you can only get a 3-day transit visa for US$40. then you need to go to the immigration office in Bujumbura to get a visa extension 10 or 30 days for US$20-50.
Visa on arrival is only payable in US dollars: euros are often not accepted, Burundian francs (FBu) are not accepted (even if there is ATM in airport). Credit cards are not accepted even if the “Visa” and “MasterCard” acceptance logos are clearly visibles on airport stickers. Customs accepts only recent banknotes.
Get around
Taxis are cruising all over the city; you need to negotiate the price with them. Minibuses serving the north of the city arrive and depart at the front of the central market (Marché Central), while those heading south use the parking lot in the back of the market near the Interbank head office. The last mini-buses leave around 22:00 as of 2011. It is not advised to walk at night after that; if you need to go anywhere, take a taxi.
To get a lift in any type of vehicle from the side of the road, hold out your hand with your palm facing upward. This works for taxis, buses, motorcycles, and all sorts of private and commercial vehicles. Mini-bus conductors will honk and use their fingers to show how many seats are available. If the bus is full, they will wave their hand with their palm facing downward. It is not uncommon for private vehicles to pick up foreigners requesting lifts during the daytime. They range from high-end SUVs driven by white-collar workers to flat bed pickup trucks where you must stand up. Payment is generally not expected for hitchhiking short distances, but working-class Burundians regularly give each other money for small favours, so there is no harm in offering.
See
Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers.
Gallery (30)
On the map
3 mapped locations