Burundi

Eat

thumbnail|Pineapple market in Burundi thumbnail|Rice farm in Burundi thumbnail|Village road in Burundi For the international visitor, Burundi offers some culinary surprises: fresh fish from Lake Tanganyika and produce from the nation's rich volcanic soil are particularly notable. There is a sizeable South Asian community, offering curried dishes alongside the more traditional rice and beans, and French-inspired European offerings. For lighter meals, samosas and skewered meats are common, and bananas and fresh fruit are often served as a sweet snack.

The national dish is beef brochettes (kebabs) and grilled plantains (cooking bananas) available almost everywhere.

Other signature dishes are: Mealie-Meal Porridge Sangala fish garnished with onions and stewed beef

Drink

Soft drinks and beer are readily available. As in Rwanda and DRC, big 72 cl Primus bottles are available for between USD1-2 as well as Amstel, which is about USD2. Both are locally produced and of good quality.

Sleep

Although accommodation in rural areas can be basic, Bujumbura hosts a number of international-grade hotels, catering to a mainly UN and international clientèle. Notable hotels include the Source du Nil (USD120/night), the Hotel Botanika (USD85/night), the Clos de Limbas (USD70/night) and the new, anglophone Sun Safari.

A cheaper option is the Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura at USD9 a night.

Stay safe

Although some semblance of normality has returned to much of the country with the conclusion of the nation's democratic transition and a democratically chosen head of state in 2005, travellers should be warned that there is still significant insecurity throughout the country and exercise extreme caution. Besides the still-active rebel group, the Forces Nationales de la Libération (FNL) that continues to attack government forces and civilians, threats posed by banditry and armed robbery, as well as petty crimes, remain. Visitors should exercise caution, avoid travelling after dark, and be aware of curfew laws. Many roads close at night, and most embassies put out curfews on their staff. As in any other conflict or post-conflict situation, visitors should consult their embassy to be apprised of the latest local developments, and be sensitive to the changing security environment.

Stay healthy

Be careful of kiosk foods and avoid unboiled water. Also ensure you have been vaccinated.

As in many other African countries, HIV infection is widespread. In 2012, UNICEF estimated that 1.3% of the adult population is living with HIV.

Respect

As is the case in all African countries, Burundi is a hierarchial society, which means that respect for elders is important. Always treat an older person/authority figure with a great degree of respect, and do not do anything that would make an older person/authority figure feel challenged.

Burundians are family-oriented. It's common for Burundian parents to be intimiately involved in the lives of their children, and they aim to school their children in proper behavior, communal values, and family values. Passing unwarranted comments and/or criticisms about someone's family members is considered rude.

If you've been invited to a Burundian home, you may be showered with snacks and drinks. Do not reject any of these; it's considered rude manners to do so and it could get your host(s) to think that you do not appreciate their hospitality.