Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
For traveling to Burundi, consider these vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (mandatory)
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies (if you plan on interacting with animals)
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, chickenpox, polio, flu)
Consult your healthcare provider for personal recommendations. Stay safe!
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Burundi, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BurundiCulture & Customs
Avoid discussing politics or the civil war; it’s a sensitive subject. Dress conservatively, especially for women, to respect local customs. In rural areas, ask permission before taking photos of people. Handshakes are common greetings, often with both hands and a slight bow.
Homosexuality is illegal, so LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet. Public displays of affection, even for heterosexual couples, are frowned upon.
When invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift like fruit or sweets. Always use your right hand to give or receive items. Be patient with time; punctuality isn’t strictly observed.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Burundi.
- Brochettes: Grilled meat skewers, often beef or goat, marinated with spices. They’re a staple at street stalls and local gatherings, offering a tasty snapshot of Burundi’s culinary love for grilled meats.
- Ndizi na Nyama: A dish combining plantains with beef or goat in a savory stew. Reflects the importance of plantains in the Burundian diet and is a comforting, hearty meal.
- Isombe: Made from cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and palm oil, it’s a traditional side dish that showcases the local use of cassava and peanuts in everyday cooking.
- Ibiharage: Simply put, these are Burundian beans. Often slow-cooked with onions and tomatoes, they’re a daily staple and crucial for protein intake in many households.
- Ugali: A dense, maize-based porridge, similar to polenta. It’s a foundation of many meals, served alongside stews or sauces, highlighting the importance of maize in local agriculture.
Tap water in Burundi is generally not considered safe for tourists to drink, though some locals might consume it. It’s recommended for travelers to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid potential health issues. Always check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s unopened.
The main language in Burundi is
Kirundi. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Kirundi skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Burundi includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Burundi,
English is not widely spoken, as the primary languages are Kirundi, French, and English. While English is an official language, its use is more prevalent in urban areas, among the educated population, and in certain sectors like tourism and business. In rural areas, you may encounter limited English proficiency, as many locals primarily communicate in Kirundi.
In major cities like Gitega and Bujumbura, you may find English speakers in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. However, outside these settings, communication might be challenging for English speakers. It’s advisable for travelers to learn some basic Kirundi phrases or carry a translation app to facilitate interactions with locals.
Overall, while you can find English speakers, especially in urban centers, it’s not as commonly spoken as in neighboring countries. Being prepared with a few local phrases or a guide can enhance your experience in Burundi.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Burundi is BIF (Fr).
When backpacking in Burundi, it’s crucial to plan your finances wisely. ATMs are mostly found in Bujumbura and tend to be scarce or non-existent in rural areas. Make sure to withdraw enough cash when you’re in the city. Local currency is the Burundian Franc (BIF), but it’s smart to carry some USD as a backup, as they’re widely accepted and can often be exchanged at a better rate.
Euros are less commonly accepted, so stick to dollars for better flexibility. Credit cards aren’t widely accepted, even in Bujumbura, so relying on them isn’t a good idea. Carry cash for most transactions, especially outside the city.
For currency exchange, banks and official exchange bureaus are your best bet. Avoid street exchangers to dodge scams and counterfeit bills. Exchange rates can vary, so shop around a bit to get the best deal. Always keep some smaller bills and coins handy for small purchases or transport, as change for larger notes can be hard to come by.
Tipping in Burundi is not customary, but it’s appreciated for good service. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% of the bill is a nice gesture if you’re satisfied with the service. For taxi drivers or hotel staff, rounding up the fare or giving a small tip is welcomed but not expected.
Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere..jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.v2.webp){kind=logo}
