www.burunditourisme.com
1
B E A U T I F U L
AFRICA
THE BEATING
13, Avenue du Commerce,
Tel (+257) 22 22 84 36/ 22 22 90 92
www.burunditourisme.com
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T
he tourism sector is one of the fastest developingsectors of our economy. In the last few years, Burundi has witnessed a tremendous amount of development in the sector that continues to show growth projections well into the future.
Rising from a very difficult past, Burundi has over the last few years greatly benefited from the deliberate government efforts that has seen a total revamp of its economic policies with a view to bolstering economic development in the country.
This has seen massive investments by the government to upgrade existing infrastructure, especially the road network within the country. This has, in turn, created a conducive investment climate that continues to attract new investments in the hospitality sector. Various economic policies that the Government of Burundi (GoB) has implemented over the last few years make it increasingly easier to set up businesses in the country. We offer a one-stop shop for registering a business and issuing the required licenses within 24 hours. This has led to an increased interest by both local and regional investors in setting up operations in Burundi.
The hospitality sector in Burundi no doubt remains one of the largest employers in the country and continues to show signs of strong growth.
While catering to mainly business travelers, Burundi is actively developing its tourism attractions to attract more visitors. We are enhancing our conservation efforts in various national parks to ensure that the flora and fauna of our country is preserved for future generations.
I have the pleasure to welcome you.
Welcome to Burundi your second home, Welcome to our Beautiful Burundi.
Victoire Ndikumana,
Minister of Commerce, Industry, Posts and Tourism, Burundi.
Kaze
Welcome
The hospitality sector in
Burundi no doubt remains one
of the largest employers in the
country and continues to show
signs of strong growth.
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www.burunditourisme.com
CONTENTS
A Tourism Guide for Burundi is Published by:
Safari Communications Ltd. P.O. BOX 13510, Westlands 00800, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: [email protected] Website: www.safari-communications.com
3.
MINISTER’S FOREWORD
Kaze / Welcome
9.
PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD
Dawn Breaks for Burundi
10.
EXCLUSIVE:
One on one with the Minister of Tourism
for Burundi
16.
TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR
BURUNDI
20.
BURUNDI OPEN FOR BUSINESS
New Economic Reforms power Burundian
Economy
25.
BURUNDI SHINES AT ITB
Tourism in Burundi on a trajectory
Photographs by Denis Gathanju, Arnaud Mugisha, National Tourism Office of Burundi and Shutterstock.
DISCLAIMER: The contents and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or any other organization associated with this publication. While every caution has been taken in the preparation and production of this magazine, the publisher will not accept any liability whatsoever for any inaccuracies and/or omissions.
National Tourism Office of Burundi, B.P 902, Bujumbura, Burundi. Tel: +257 22 22 20 23 Fax: +257 22 22 93 Email: [email protected] Website: www.burunditourisme.com On Behalf of:
www.burunditourisme.com
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29.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Sample Bujumbura’s vibrant night life
31.
EATING OUT
On a culinery journey in the heart of Bujumbura
34.
HOTEL CLUB DU LAC TANGANYIKA
An icon of hospitality in Bujumbura
36.
THE ALBERTINE RIFT
One of the world’s most diverse eco-regions
40.
HOTEL BELAIR RESIDENCE
A touch of luxury in the heart of Bujumbura
44.
KIBIRA NATIONAL PARK
Where chimps roam free
48.
ATTRACTIONS
Experience the sights and sounds of Burundi
54.
BIRDING IN BURUNDI
EAST
AFRICA
UNVEILED
Great Lakes
Expeditions is your
discovery partner in
East Africa.
We provide customized tours
across East Africa and now in
Ethiopia. Come see the wild game
in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, laze on
the beach in Watamu and scale
the heights of the Mt. Kilimanjaro
in Tanzania. We will take you out
to the jungles of northern Rwanda
and southern Uganda and show
you the mountain gorillas and take
you to the forests of Burundi to
show you the chimpanzees.
And if you need more, we will
throw in the beautiful beaches
of Zanzibar, the Historic Route
in Ethiopia and the birds in East
Africa.
www.burunditourisme.com
9
PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD
Africa is on the rise. And Burundi is definitely rising with the rest of the continent.
I am extremely pleased to introduce Beautiful Burundi, the first tourism guide for Burundi that seeks to create awareness locally, regionally and internationally on the developments in Burundi. Many would have written off this country, but I promise you that the signs are crystal clear that Burundi is on a path to a renaissance.A revival that offers better and brighter prospects for this East African nation.
The recent economic reforms have really turned around this country. It is now many times easier to establish a business in Burundi. Furthermore, the Government of Burundi (GoB) is committed to ensure businesses thrive in a safe and secure environment. This has created a wonderful investment climate for both returning Burundians as well as foreign nationals and companies.
The tourism industry is one of the economic sectors that has really caught the wind thanks to the new reforms. The sector has over the last few years witnessed a renewed interest from Burundians as well as from regional and international hospitality players. This has seen the locals plough massive investments, especially into the hospitality industry in the country. And regional and international hospitality brands have been lining up to open shop in Burundi to take advantage of the country’s rising status as a business and leisure destination. And what’s more, the people of this country are incredibly friendly. They carry with them infectious smiles.
I have been touched by their smiles, their warmth and hospitality and I invite you to visit Burundi and discover its hidden magic.
Denis Gathanju, Publisher.
The tourism industry is one
of the economic sectors that
has really caught the wind
thanks to the new reforms.
The sector has over the last
few years witnessed a renewed
interest from Burundians as
well as from regional and
international hospitality
players.
DAWN
BREAKS FOR
BURUNDI
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We are also looking at developing
cruise tourism on Lake Tanganyika
to facilitate connection services
between Bujumbura and other
neighbouring cities that have ports
such as the Democratic Republic of
Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.
11
www.burunditourisme.comB
urundi is rising and growing and making a determined progression looking forward to a better and brighter future. This East African nation continues to show a lot of promise in almost all spheres of its economy and has over the last few years continued to attract both regional and international investors – many of whom are attracted by the country’s new economic policies and a stable political climate.The tourism industry is one of the sectors that has registered tremendous growth over the last few years. Fueled by the growing businesses in the country and an equally expanding leisure industry, Burundi is a growing East African tiger.
EXPERIENCE THE BEAT FROM
THE HEART OF
AFRICA
13
To put matters into perspective, Burundi’s Minister for Commerce,Industry, Posts and Tourism Honourable Victoire Ndikumana
spoke exclusively to Beautiful Burundi’s Managing Editor Denis Gathanju. Excerpts:
The tourism industry in Burundi is on a growth trajectory. What makes Burundi such a unique destination?
Burundi is unique in many ways. It presents a wide variety of tourism types: lakesides across the country, natural reserves, cultural tourism, spectacular landscapes, and varied configuration of the relief, a favourable climate, art and most importantly our legendary hospitality combined with our outstanding drummers.
After being absent on the international tourism scene for more than 20 years, Burundi was reintroduced on the market as a new destination at WTF China, ITM Russia, WTM London and ITB Berlin in 2011 and 2012. The prizes we won (Best African exhibitor in 2011and 2012 and The Best of the Best exhibitor in 2012 at ITB Berlin) not only encouraged us but also drew considerable attention to us from the world. We are excited to continue improving our tourism to receive many visitors from around the world.
Why do you refer to Burundi as the beating heart of Africa?
First of all, if you look at the map, you will see that Burundi is shaped roughly like a human heart!
Secondly, Burundi drummers are known all over the world by the way they skillfully beat the drums and dance. This part of our heritage identifies well with the rhythm of Africa! As you know, music and dance are an integral part of the African culture and that is why we celebrate our drummers as such.
Over the last few years, we have witnessed massive investments in the tourism and hospitality sector in Burundi. What would you attribute that to?
Although Burundi went through some tough times, we have turned the page and started a new chapter in the history
of our nation. We have enacted new legislation that encourages and fosters new investments.
This has further been bolstered by easy and straightforward economic policies that have made it far much easier to register and open a business in Burundi. We now have a one-stop-shop where businesses are registered and the required licenses issued within 24 hours.
Furthermore, an enabling business environment in Burundi is obvious. We are investing heavily in upgrading and building our infrastructure, especially all the roads that lead to the 17 provinces of Burundi and some touristic attraction sites.
We are also investing heavily in information communications technology (ICT) by rolling out a fibre optic cable across the country. This will make internet connection fast and affordable for everyone.
Aside from the points you have elaborated on. What else would make an investor want to plough their money into the Burundian hospitality industry?
Good question. We offer other incentives such as tax waivers for new businesses as well as duty free on equipment imported by these new businesses to help them set up well in Burundi.
I love what I am hearing. However, looking back at what Burundi has been through, a long and bloody past; an almost dysfunctional system and what have you; what makes the new investor want to stake their investments on Burundi, especially since you are going to elections in 2015?
Like I mentioned earlier, Burundi has turned that page and we have learnt bitter lessons from our past. We are now on a growth path.
We have opened up democratic space in Burundi and we have freedom of speech.
DG DG VN VN VN DG DG DG VN VN www.burunditourisme.com
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www.burunditourisme.comAll the different social groups have been integrated back into the society and the ethnic divisions are eroding.
The Government of Burundi is investing in social projects, social infrastructure and continues to do everything in its power to ensure the safety and security of all people and their properties- locals and foreigners.
Burundi has been a surprise package at the last two editions of the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany. What can we expect from Burundi in terms of product development going forward?
Product development is a key component that will help improve leisure and business tourism in Burundi. We are seeking to advance on the gains made thus far first by encouraging beach tourism. We are seeking new investors who are willing to set up new beachfront hotels and resorts as well as a seafront conference and exhibition center. We are also looking for investors who can set up an eco-friendly marina on the Lake Tanganyika and develop a new water sports center. We are also looking at developing cruise tourism on Lake Tanganyika to facilitate connection services between Bujumbura and other neighbouring cities that have ports such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.
In addition to that, we are also looking at restocking our national parks and reserves with wildlife in order to make these parks attractive for game safaris and ecotourism ventures.
Health tourism (Well-being and Spa - therapeutic) is another component to be developed. We have numerous natural hot springs in Burundi that can be developed into health and wellness spots.
Burundi is one of the constituent members of the East African Community. How has this benefited tourism in Burundi?
DG
DG VN
Joining the East African Community has been a wonderful opportunity for Burundi. We have greatly benefited from the expertise and experience of our partner states. Burundi as a destination complements well the other four EAC stakeholders. Visitors who have extended their trips to Burundi enjoyed it and so did our tourism industry.
How else can Burundi benefit from being a partner state of the EAC?
We have been working at developing a common East African tourism approach that seeks to market the entire region as one destination. This gives the visitors a better diversification of things to see and do making their visit even more worthwhile.
Also, the single East African tourist visa can attract tourists who had visited an EAC stakeholder in the past can now revisit the region and come to the newly-joined countries like Burundi
That is very interesting, but the East African visa has been much-talked about. What is your take on this?
A single East African tourist visa is a wonderful proposition as it reduces the travel time and expenses for tourists. It gives tourists an opportunity to experience a wide diversity in one destination- the EAC.
Burundi embraces it wholly and hopes that it’ll be implemented soon.
But we seem to be talking about having a single East African tourist visa for an eternity and not walking the talk. In your opinion, what seems to be the stumbling block?
All partner states of the EAC have agreed on the importance of the single East African tourist visa. However, it is the technical details, especially the one on revenue sharing that seems to be the hindrance of realizing this. But we remain optimistic about it.
DG
DG DG VN
16
www.burunditourisme.comT
ravelling to foreign lands can sometimes be a major challenge,especially if you are not armed with the correct information before you set off on your journeys. Of course there are so many things that you should be concerned about while planning a trip, whether that trip is a business or leisure trip.
Beautiful Burundi gives you some basic, but critical information that will no doubt ease your travel to Burundi.
Burundi Visa
Finding accurate information on the Internet regarding Burundi Visa formalities and rates is still very difficult the Burundi Immigration Authority does not have a website. The website, is currently under construction and will be available sooner. However, Beautiful Burundi sought the required information for entry visas to Burundi.
Most travelers, often first time visitors to Burundi, will be asked by most airlines and travel agencies get an entry visa prior to their travel to Burundi. However, the Burundi Immigration Authority which is also known as Police de l’Air et des Frontières
(PAFE) in French will provide entry visas to all travelers that require an entry visa into Burundi on arrival at the Bujumbura International Airport or at any official border post. The process of acquiring the entry visa is pretty much straight forward. All the traveler needs to do is fill in the visa form and pay the required amount, get an official receipt and get issued the entry visa.
There are a number of different visas with different rates and validity as below:
Visa rates:
Type of Visa Rate / Cost Validity
Entry / Transit Visa 40 USD 3 Days Single Entry Tourist Visa 70 USD 1 Month Multiple Entry Tourist Visa 90 USD 1 Month
Visa Requirements: For further
information kindly contact :
• Passport with at least a 6 months validity - Burundi Immigration Authority / Police de l’Air et des Frontières
• 2 recent passport photos - Commissioner of Foreigners/ Commissaire des Etrangers
• A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Card - Address : 105, Avenue des Etats-Unis, Kigobe Nord, Bujumbura
• American Dollars to pay for the VISA - Tel: (257) 22 21 9329, Email: [email protected]
Travel Information
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Health requirements
Travellers are also reminded to carry with them their Yellow Fever inoculation certificates.
It is also advisable to get an anti-malaria and Hepatitis B jab before travelling to not only Burundi, but also in other East African countries.
Flights to Burundi
There are a number of international airline companies that offer flights into Burundi from Europe and other parts of Africa.
Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways offer flights into Bujumbura through their respective hubs in Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Johannesburg. SN Brussels offer direct flights into Bujumbura.
Other regional airlines such as RwandAir and Air Uganda provide flights into Bujumbura from Kigali. Air Burundi, the country’s national carrier is set to take to the skies and will offer more direct connections to the region and beyond. As Burundi is now fast developing into a tourist and business destination, thanks to the linkages it now enjoys under the East African Community, more international airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines have indicated an interest in opening flights to Bujumbura and will offer business and leisure tourists more options to fly their favourite airline into Bujumbura.
Bujumbura Head Office Contacts:
Air Burundi 13, Avenue du Commerce, Tel (+257) 22 22 84 36/ 22 22 90 92 Email: [email protected] SN Brussels Airlines 19, Avenue d’Industrie, Tel (+257) 22 25 6281 Email: [email protected]South African Airways
3, Boulevard de l’Uprona, Tel (+257) 22 22 72 22
Email: [email protected]
Kenya Airways
Avenue Patrice Lumumba, Tel (+257) 22 24 35 06 Email : [email protected] Ethiopian Airlines 9, Avenue de la Victoire, Tel (+257) 22 22 68 20 Email : [email protected] Air Uganda
5, Avenue du Commerce, Galerie La Perle Tel (+257) 22 27 72 62 Email : [email protected] RwandAir 40, Avenue du Commerce, Tel (+257) 22 25 18 49 Website: www.rwandair.com
Getting around
Getting around Bujumbura and Burundi is easy.
In Bujumbura, the taxis are clearly marked. The taxis are not metered and it is always advisable to negotiate with the drivers fares before getting on board. The motorcycle taxis are cheaper, but are known to have a bad accident rate and are not allowed within the city center.
Public buses are the cheapest mode of transport, especially within Bujumbura and if you are travelling to other towns in Burundi or visiting the neighbouring countries of Rwanda, Tanzania or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
www.burunditourisme.com T A N Z A N IE RW A A RE PU BL IE QU E D EM OC RA TIQ UE D U C ON GO KI RU N D O BU JU M BU RA G as en yi Ko be ro K A RU ZI M U YIN G A N G O ZI CA N KU ZO G IT EG A Ka ny ar u Ru hw a G at um ba M ug in a M U RA M V YA K AY A N ZA CI BI TO KE BU BA N ZA M W A RO BURU RI RU TAN A MA K A M BA RU YI G I BU G A RA M A RU MO N G E Lac Rweru Lac Cohoha Lac Rwihinda
Lake Tanganyika
BURUNDI TOURIST MAP
Les 20 meilleures attractions touristiques
Legende
Provinces Route n
ationales
Routes provinciales Lacs Aerodrome Eaux thermales
Lac
Tanga
nyika
Lieu de rencontre Stanley et Livingstone
Paysages uniques 1. Lac Tanga nyika 2. Chutes de Karera 3.
Failles des Allemands
4. Grotte de Kay ove 5. Théier de Teza 6.
Eau thermale de Munini
Parcs et Rése
rves Naturelles
7.
Parc National de Kibira
8.
Parc National de la Ruvubu
Tourisme culturel 9.
Site de signature du
Traité de colonisation
10.
Sanctuaires des tambours sacrés
11.
Site d’intronisation des Rois
, Rubumba
12.
Danse des guerriers
, Intore de Kirundo
13.
Danse acrobatique
, Agasimbo de Makamba
Monuments 14.
La Source Méridionale du Nil
15.
Lieu de rencontre Stanley et Livingstone
16.
Monuments Historiques de Kiriri/
Vugizo
Musées 17.
Musée National de Gitéga
18.
Musée vi
vant de Bujumbura
19.
Lac aux oiseaux migrateurs
20.
Activités nautiques sur le Lac
Tanga
nyika
Musée National de Gitéga
Lac aux oiseaux migrateurs
La Source Méridionale du Nil
Eaux thermales
Parc National de Kibira
Eaux thermales
Eau thermale de Munini
Parc National de la Ruvubu
Foret de Rukmonge
Foret de Bururi
Rese
rve Naturelle de Kigwena
Rese
rve Naturelle de la Rusizi
Chutes de Karera
Failles des Allemands
Grotte de Kay
ove
Danse acrobatique
,
Agasimbo de Makamba
Sanctuaires des tambours sacrés
Danse des guerriers
,
Intore de Kirundo
Monuments Historiques de Kiriri/
Vugizo
Musée vi
vant de Bujumbura
Activités nautiques sur le Lac
Tanga
nyika
Site d’intronisation des Rois
, Rubumba
Site de signature du Traité de colonisation
Théier de Teza
R
W
ANDA
TANZANIA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF C
ONGO
Uganda Kenya Tanzania RwandaBURUNDI
EAST AFRICA
18
www.burunditourisme.com T A N Z A N IE RW A A RE PU BL IE QU E D EM OC RA TIQ UE D U C ON GO KI RU N D O BU JU M BU RA G as en yi Ko be ro K A RU ZI M U YIN G A N G O ZI CA N KU ZO G IT EG A Ka ny ar u Ru hw a G at um ba M ug in a M U RA M V YA K AY A N ZA CI BI TO KE BU BA N ZA M W A RO BURU RI RU TAN A MA K A M BA RU YI G I BU G A RA M A RU MO N G E Lac Rweru Lac Cohoha Lac Rwihinda
Lake Tanganyika
BURUNDI TOURIST MAP
Les 20 meilleures attractions touristiques
Legende
Provinces Route n
ationales
Routes provinciales Lacs Aerodrome Eaux thermales
Lac
Tanga
nyika
Lieu de rencontre Stanley et Livingstone
Paysages uniques 1. Lac Tanga nyika 2. Chutes de Karera 3.
Failles des Allemands
4. Grotte de Kay ove 5. Théier de Teza 6.
Eau thermale de Munini
Parcs et Rése
rves Naturelles
7.
Parc National de Kibira
8.
Parc National de la Ruvubu
Tourisme culturel 9.
Site de signature du
Traité de colonisation
10.
Sanctuaires des tambours sacrés
11.
Site d’intronisation des Rois
, Rubumba
12.
Danse des guerriers
, Intore de Kirundo
13.
Danse acrobatique
, Agasimbo de Makamba
Monuments 14.
La Source Méridionale du Nil
15.
Lieu de rencontre Stanley et Livingstone
16.
Monuments Historiques de Kiriri/
Vugizo
Musées 17.
Musée National de Gitéga
18.
Musée vi
vant de Bujumbura
19.
Lac aux oiseaux migrateurs
20.
Activités nautiques sur le Lac
Tanga
nyika
Musée National de Gitéga
Lac aux oiseaux migrateurs
La Source Méridionale du Nil
Eaux thermales
Parc National de Kibira
Eaux thermales
Eau thermale de Munini
Parc National de la Ruvubu
Foret de Rukmonge
Foret de Bururi
Rese
rve Naturelle de Kigwena
Rese
rve Naturelle de la Rusizi
Chutes de Karera
Failles des Allemands
Grotte de Kay
ove
Danse acrobatique
,
Agasimbo de Makamba
Sanctuaires des tambours sacrés
Danse des guerriers
,
Intore de Kirundo
Monuments Historiques de Kiriri/
Vugizo
Musée vi
vant de Bujumbura
Activités nautiques sur le Lac
Tanga
nyika
Site d’intronisation des Rois
, Rubumba
Site de signature du Traité de colonisation
Théier de Teza
R
W
ANDA
TANZANIA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF C
ONGO
Uganda Kenya Tanzania RwandaBURUNDI
EAST AFRICA
20
www.burunditourisme.comB
urundi Investment Promotion Agency (API), through theimplementation of bold economic reforms, has shown to the world that Burundi is a privileged destination for investments and, at the same time, we are embarking on boosting the economy. The 2013 World Bank Doing Business Report confirmed Burundi as the Africa’s most improving nation in easing doing business by ranking Burundi 5th worldwide out of 185
economies.
This has been facilitated by the talented and dedicated API staff who have continually provided daily support and assistance to investors by providing accurate information and updates on business creation, incentives offered by the Investment Code, practical clues to set up a business plan, and, of course, availing relevant statistical data.
BURUNDI IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Antoine KABURA
Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Burundi Investment Promotion Authority
The Burundi Investment Promotion
Agency has created a one-stop-shop
business activation center that has been
operational since March 6, 2012 after
the consolidation of at least three other
business registration centers into one.
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21
One-stop-shop business activation center
The Burundi Investment Promotion Agency has created a one-stop-shop business activation center that has been operational since March 6, 2012 after the consolidation of at least three other business registration centers into one. This has greatly reduced the time needed to register and start a business in Burundi from the initial eleven procedures that would normally take at least 32 days and cost investors US$ 300 to under 24 hours and pay only US$ 30.
The one-stop-shop in Burundi is governed by a government decree N° 120/VP2/027 of January 31, 2013 on the creation, organization and the functioning of one-stop-shop for business creation in Burundi. Since its creation, 1291 companies have been created with an average of 120 companies per month.
Statistics from 2012 indicate that the investment climate in Burundi is really vibrant. The agency registered a total of 69 companies with a planned total investment of Burundi Francs (BIF) 436,579,282,083 (US$ 278,210,007 million) which included a foreign direct investment (FDI) that amounted to BIF 375,656,541,666 (US$ 239,386,126 million) and a local investment of BIF 60,922,740,417 (US$ 38,820,578 million). This led to the creation of 1,366 new jobs in Burundi.
Investment code
Beside the one-stop-shop, the Government of Burundi (GoB) has gone further by enacting an investment code that is used not only as a guide to investing in Burundi, but also as a strong assurance of total government support and non-interference with businesses in Burundi.
Under the code, the GoB guarantees any person or company an investment climate that allows them to invest freely anywhere in the country. The government also allows local and foreign owned companies to buy or rent land anywhere in Burundi for purposes of developing it or setting up businesses.
Under Article 11 of the investment code, the government also allows foreign companies to transfer capital and incomes to countries of their choice, after paying taxes.
Article 13 of the investment code refrains The Republic of Burundi from any nationalization and/or expropriation of investments made on its territory. Other measures and indicators such as insolvency and incentives code are being reviewed.
Honourable T.A. MANIRAKIZA, Minister of Finance and
Economic Development Planning and API Chief Executive Officer,
Mr. Antoine KABURA introducing the One-Stop-Shop office to the
World Bank Group & International Finance Corporation delegation
This has greatly reduced the time needed
to register and start a business in Burundi
from the initial eleven procedures that
would normally take at least 32 days and
cost investors US$ 300 to under 24 hours
and pay only US$ 30
23
www.burunditourisme.comwww.burunditourisme.com
The
Grand
Hotel
of
Bujumbura
Imagine a location placed on
the high and safe grounds of
Bujumbura, Kiriri.
Imagine a hotel that meets high
standards and exclusive
comfort: 24h full service, fine
cuisine, gym and spa, a fresh
breeze on your private
balcony, acclimatized and
spacious rooms, furnitured in a
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and full business service - all
that topped with a
spectacular view of the city
and the lake Tanganyika.
Imagine different, with
Hotel Belair Residence.
Imagine…
www.burunditourisme.com
25
B
urundi has been a surprise package at the last two editions of the International Tourism Borse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany.Last year, Burundi beat strong tourism destinations such as Kenya, Tunisia and Morocco to clinch the Best Exhibitor’s Award.
Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) presented the prestigious award to Ambassador Patricia Rwimo who was the head of the Burundi delegation at the ITB 2012 event.
While giving out the prize, Rifai mentioned that Burundi clinched the coveted award due to a number of things, key amongst them being the overall display of its products and the passion with which the Burundi delegation presented. He also mentioned that the Government of Burundi (GoB) had also shown a lot of commitment towards developing tourism in the country.
BU
Shines at ITB
RU
NDI
Ambassador Rwimo who headed the Burundian delegation and works as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism mentioned that the award presented Burundi a perfect opportunity to further consolidate the gains made by the central African nation that has emerged from the ashes of a devastating decade-long civil conflict.
Ambassador Rwimo also mentioned that the award in a strong statement to Burundians and the international community that its tourism industry had at last set off and that the award would greatly contribute to presenting a positive image of the country and thereby attract more tourists into the country.
The dynamism of global tourism is gradually changing with most tourists now looking for specific experiences. They are wiser and just understand what they want. Burundi captured this dynamism perfectly by majoring in cultural tourism, which has become a growing tourism trend across the world. This added marks for Burundi to finally clinch the Best Exhibitors Award. The award puts Burundi on a favourable path to advancing its tourism products to attract both business and leisure tourists who are looking at discovering new places. It also presents investors with a new investment frontier within the East African region. This has been evidenced over the last few months with Serena Hotels and Resorts, arguably the largest hotel group in East and Central Africa, giving strong indications of opening a new city hotel in Burundi’s capital city Bujumbura. The Double Tree by the Hilton is yet another major hotel group that will be setting up shop in Bujumbura.
A NEW DAWN IN
CORPORATE
Safari Communications is a custom publishing
company specializing in corporate magazines,
catalogues, brochures and corporate branding.
We are active in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda,
Burundi and Ethiopia and growing.
[email protected]
www.safari-communications.com
www.burunditourisme.com
27
Double Tree by the Hilton,
Bujumbura
The hospitality industry in Bujumbura is coming to life after Hilton Hotels announced their acquisition of Bujumbura’s Waterfront Hotel which is also popularly known as Novotel.
The hotel which will be known as Double Tree by the Hilton Bujumbura is a welcome addition to the tourism industry in Burundi. Hilton plans a major refurbishment of the 130 room hotel before it is finally opened in 2014.
Buoyed not only by its entry into the East African
Community, but also by a new economic policy,
the investment climate in Burundi is has in
the recent past received a boost thanks to the
announcement of the establishment of two top
quality hotels in the nation’s capital Bujumbura.
COMMUNICATIONS
Double Tree by the Hilton, Dar es salaam Double Tree by
the Hilton, Dar es salaam
28
THE NIGHT
AWAY
29
It is always said t hat there is ne ver a dull moment in Bu jumbura, especiall y when day turns into night. Bujumbura’s nig
htlife has a r egional reputation fo r being wild , rowdy and a lot of fun w hile at the sam e time it can also be r elaxed, enjoya ble and very secure. These a re some of th e hallmarks that have made t he city one of t he most sought after en tertainment sp ot within the entire Ea st African reg ion. Every weekend , the roads t hat lead to Bujumbura fr om the prov inces are busy with travelers
coming from
the provinces as well as f rom the neig hbouring countries of R wanda, Tanzani a and eastern Democra
tic Republic o f the Congo to catch a p iece of the actio n. And when d aytime turns in to night time, the str eets of Bujum bura come alive with brig
ht colours, fla
shing lights and neon lig
hts. And wh en the music plays, it is par ty time. Bujum bura boasts a diverse nig htlife scene t hat features
THE NIGHT
AWAY
everything f rom excellent li ve bands from the Dem ocratic Republic o f the Congo to good j azz clubs. The Havana C lub, is by far on e of the most popular night clubs in B ujumbura. Expect to p ay an entrance f ee at the entry. The residen t disc jockeys w ill keep revelers on th
eir feet with a
mixture of local and inter national club hi ts. Another favo urite joint is t he Gymnase which has an ex cellent atmosp here. The club is actually a fi tness gym by d ay and is converted in to a night club a t night fall. The club als o organizes p rivate parties during weekdays a s well as week ends. The Bora Bo ra Beach Clu b is also an exciting place t o visit. The p lace is packed on Frid ay evenings a nd on Saturdays. Th
e open air dis
co at the club is fantastic. On Sa turday’s you c an also play beach vo lleyball. www.burunditourisme.com
30
www.burunditourisme.comIn the heart
of Africa
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika is in a wide park that ends up on a marvellous beach on the banks of the Lake Tanganyika. It offers to the guests a luxurious and relaxing accommoda-tion in an intimate environment. This is a 4 star Hotel with 83 comfortable rooms, including standards and suites rooms . In 2013, the hotel will launch 24 new apartments and studios equipped with kitchen for extended stays. The rental cost includes hotel services (cleaning, internet, secu-rity, water and electricity, free access to hotel facilities etc...) from only 2.200USD per moth.
31
Tanganyika
Good for a nice meal out and one of the best restaurants in town. It is located near the port. The restaurant is housed in an old colonial style building with excellent service topped with a cool breeze from the lake. Probably has the best chocolate mousse in town but also excellent fish carpaccio, other fish and meat dishes – such as sangala with blue cheese, grilled lamb chops.
Khana Khazana
This is the Bujumbura branch of the restaurants which are also found in Kigali and Kampala. People call this the best restaurant in town. The restaurant is located in the leafy Kiriri suburb of Bujumbura, off Avenue de Belvedere. Beautiful pavilion seating, luxuriously decorated. Great Indian food with numerous vegetarian options. Can accommodate big groups. Closed on Mondays.
Eating
Out
Bujumbura is a vibrant city that comes to life in the
early evenings. The city is famous for its exciting and
vibrant night life.
The city has numerous restaurants catering to a
wide range of tastes. The city hosts a large expatriate
community drawn from all parts of Africa and elsewhere
in the world, especially Europe. Burundians are known
to be quite adventurous and they love their food.
Beautiful Burundi
went to check out some of these
restaurants and makes its recommendations.
32
Belvedere
Situated up on a hill in Kiriri with a spectacular view of the town, lake and the mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Great place to grab a sunset cocktail. There is a bar counter – where you can sip a cold beer, eat some potato curls and look at the beautiful view. Serves a wide range of European cuisine, rather expensive and fancy for the price but the view is great. Service is good here. Prices hover around BIF 12,000-16,000 per main course.
Bora Bora
Situated on the lake, about 10 minutes out of town, next to the Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika. Fabulous atmosphere. Everyone orders their pizzas, because they are great and whatever you can’t finish, you can bring home with you. Pizzas run from BIF 9,000-11,000. They also have salads and fish. Good place for drinks on the weekend, while lounging next to the pool. There is also free wireless internet.
Chez Andre
On Rue Rwagasore, on the right as you go up the hill. Beautiful restaurant. Greek-themed, usually empty, but is known for amazing food. Prices are around BIF 12,000-18,000, and they have various kinds of fish, steak, and pasta.
Eating
Out
33
Aroma
Nice coffeeshop in town, very tranquil, with wireless internet and places where you can plug in. They serve real Burundian coffee (and fancy coffee drinks), not Nescafe, and offer some food items as well. They also have fruit smoothies and ice cream. Very sweet, attentive staff.
Ubuntu
On the lake with nice garden and pleasant
atmosphere. Sometimes, you can see
hippopotamuses while you eat. They have good pizzas – some say the best in town--and standard meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Pizzas are half price on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Botanika
A family-run boutique hotel/restaurant with wireless connection – so you can do e-mails while eating or having a drink in the terrace or garden. Their salads are great as is the fish steamed with vegetables, hamburgers and other treats available. Food is served relatively quickly and is always good—since the quality of the food is always constant, there are no nasty surprises!
Eating
Out
Conference rooms:
The hotel offers the opportunity to organize international congresses.
Conference rooms are fully equipped with a system sound system,
LCD projector and translation equipment for a capacity ranging from
20 to 200 people. The “Tenso Structurre” a covered outdoor space
can accommodate up to 500 people. In addition, the hotel
organ-izes different types of events (wedding, dinner, cocktail, ...) in open
spaces or on the beach for a number of up to 1000 persons.
Relaxation center:
Two swimming pools includes a separate pool for children
and an olympic large size swimming pool, sauna, a fully
equipped Fitness room, a tennis court, Beach volleyball
field, a playground for children and open access to a clean beach.
Bars:
In a relaxed atmosphere, the hotel has several bars where
you can discuss calmly? Do you like Italian wine, French
wine or Chile? Meet at the “Grillade Restaurant”, At “Pizza
et caffé” for Fruits juice, or sit quietly in lounge bar for a
pleasant evening listening music.
Hotel accomodations & services
Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika is in a wide park that ends up on a marvellous
beach on the banks of the Lake Tanganyika, offers guest a luxurious and
re-laxing accommodation in an intimate environment, only 5 km from the city
centre and the airport. Noted as the most beautiful resort of Lake Tanganyika
shores, it is a 4 star hotel, that offers a wide varieties of good quality services
Hotel shuttle:
Always listening to its customers, the hotel has a range of facilities and services to make feel
at ease its clients. The hotel provides free shuttle for the airport (arrivals and departures) and a
regular shuttle of the hotel-downtown and vice versa at different times of the day. For those in
need to reach offices in town before 8:00 o’clock, a special shuttle to town can be booked at
the reception to leave the hotel by 7:30 o’clock.
Departure from
the Hotel 6h45 8h00 9h00 10h00 11h45 14h00 15h00 17h00 18h30 20h15 Departure from
Town 7h10 8h30 9h30 10h30 12h15 14h30 15h30 17h30 19h00 20h45
New interesting offers
for your Stay...
For those who come to stay in Burundi for a period
of one month or more or who regularly return to
Bu-rundi, a unique opportunity will be offered to you !
In march 2013, the hotel will launch 24 new
apart-ments and studios equipped with kitchen for
ex-tended stays. The rental cost includes hotel services
(cleaning, internet, travel, security, water and
elec-tricity, free access to hotel facilities etc...) from only
2.200USD per moth
Chaussée d’Uvira
Contact us
Bujumbura BP 6573 (BU) phone +257 22250220 / 221 fax +257 22250219 [email protected] www.hotelclubdulac.com www.facebook.com/hotelclubdulac www.youtube.com/hotelclubdulacSafe place for work....
WIFI Internet connection is provided
in all the area of the hotel. In
addi-tion, the hotel has generator with
automatic start and a stabilizer
con-nected to all current sources to
regu-late the high electrical voltage.
Fur-thermore, the hotel has a wide water
tank in case of failure, and to stay
connected to the rest of the world, a
satellite T.V with English, French and
Italian channel
Musical
entertainment:
Every Friday night, a dancing with
Live-Music is open entertained by
NATASHA and the CLUB BAND from
20:00 O’clock.
Throughout the week, soft music will
accompany your dinner in the huts by
the beach on every Wednesday and
Saturday nights from 20:00. For a
happy end of the week, NATASHA and
the Club Band give a live concert every
Sunday from 16 to 20:00 in the
«Tenso» by the beach
WELCOME
36
THE
ALBERTINE RIFT
Africa’s most biodiversity rich region
www.burunditourisme.com
T
he Albertine Rift is one of the world’s, and Africa’s, most important ecological zones. Measuring more than 1,200 km long Rift Valley in central Africa, the Albertine Rift is flanked by highlands on either sides that also include some of the highest peaks on the continent. The ecological zone also comprises a series of notable lakes that include the Lakes Albert and Edward in Uganda, Lake Kivu shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lake Tanganyika that is shared between Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Ecology
The Albertine Rift is arguably Africa’s most species rich and endemic-rich regions. That notwithstanding, the eco-region is also one of its most poorly documented eco-regions in Africa. While the biodiversity of the Albertine Rift is still poorly known, its importance as an ecological zone in Africa cannot
be underestimated as the eco-region is inhabited by a high fraction of the species found on the African continent and a large number of threatened and endemic animal and plant species that can only be found within the eco-region.
Dominated by the Albertine Rift montane forests, the region has an incredibly high biodiversity, with many notable species found nowhere else on earth, such the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
The Albertine Rift plays host to more than 400 species of mammals that represent nearly 40 per cent of all mammals found on the African continent. Due to its unique ecology that include highlands, lowlands, wooded rainforests and plateaus, the Albertine Rift offers one of the richest bird regions on the planet. It has more than 1,000 bird species that account for more than half the bird population on the African continent.
37
Fast Facts
Geography:
The Albertine Rift is part of the
Great Rift Valley system that stretches from
the Jordanian Valley in the Middle East and
across the Red sea running southwards into
Eastern Africa down to Mozambique in
southern Africa.
The rift was created after the cracking of the
tectonic plate that the African continent sits
on millions of years ago. In equatorial Africa,
the Rift Valley system is branched into two
rift systems that include the eastern branch
which is often referred to as the Great Rift
Valley or Eastern Rift Valley and the western
branch which is more commonly known as
the Albertine Rift or the Western Rift Valley.
Location:
The Albertine Rift runs
north-south from Uganda and arcs westwards,
creating a natural border with the Democratic
Republic of Congo and Rwanda and further
south into Burundi and Tanzania.
Mountains:
The rift valley is flanked by
(from north to south): the Blue Mountains,
Ruwenzori Mountains (often called “the
Mountains of the Moon”), Virunga Vocanoes
(also called the Mufumbiro Vocanoes),
Mitumba Mountains, Mahale Mountains,
and Marungu Mountains.
Terrain:
The highest point in the mountains
flanking the rift valley is Margherita Peak
on Mount Stanley (5,110 metres) in the
Ruwenzori Mountains which sit on the
border between Uganda and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo north of Lake Edward.
The Albertine Rift is arguably
Africa’s most species and
endemic-rich regions.
39
www.burunditourisme.comA Hippo at Rusizi
National Park
41
P
erched on the hill of Kiriri overlooking the Burundian capital and the Lake Tanganyika, Hotel Belair Residence is a brand new hotel with unrivalled facilities and services as well as high levels of comfort and luxury.Quiet atmosphere
And because of the location in the quiet, up market residential neighbourhood of Kiriri in Bujumbura, you are guaranteed of utmost tranquility during your stay. Whether you want to hold a business meeting within the premises or want to have a leisurely chat with friends and family, the Grand Hotel of Bujumbura, is your answer. Belair treasures your comfort and therefore has spacious, comfortable rooms that provide you with a homely experience. It has 30 tastefully furnished rooms that are designed to meet the needs of their divergent clientele. These include 14 standard rooms, 15 suites and a luxurious presidential suite all equipped with their own private balcony. Hotel Belair Residence invites you to experience the Sky Bar, a stylish and exclusive rooftop bar that offers spectacular views on the whole capital Bujumbura and the beautiful Lake Tanganyika surrounded by the mountains of the Congo. Come wind down the day over a cocktail and catch the magnificent African sunset over the blue waters of the Lake Tanganyika in the background. The lounge bar is the perfect spot to meet new people or catch up with old acquaintances while the pool bar offers you a leisurely and relaxed spot cool down and perhaps take a dip into the pool.
Wellness Spa
Are you looking for relaxation for body and mind? Belair Spa is giving you the answer and invites you to relax, recover or just enjoy. Hotel Belair Residence offers a swimming pool, sauna treatments, luxury massage services and a fitness center. All facilities are equipped with modern and high quality material; professional trainers are always available to offer assistance.
And since the hotel is more client oriented, they pull all the stops to make sure that your stay at Belair Residence is as memorable and as comfortable as it can ever be. Their well-trained, multinational and multilingual staffs are on hand to offer their guests all the assistance they need during their stay. Hotel Belair Residence offers a 24hs full service starting from free airport pick up, going over concierge and room services, ending up with business or tourism services to offer you the whole spectrum of Grand Hotel services.
In Bujumbura? Need a decent
accommodation? Need the peace and
quietness in a homely and friendly
atmosphere?
THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THAN
THE HOTEL BELAIR RESIDENCE,
OPENED SINCE DECEMBER 2012.
42
www.burunditourisme.comNATIONAL
TOURISM OFFICE
OF BURUNDI
www.burunditourisme.com
BEAUTIFUL BURUNDI
WITH UN-MATCHED
NATURAL BEAUTY
44
T
he Kibira National Park is the flagship national park in Burundi. Situated in the north-western part of the country, Kibira National Park is also one of the biggest national park in Burundi. It straddles four provinces and measure more than 400km2.The park is crested on the mountains of the Congo-Nile divide and extends northwards from the provincial town of Muramvya to the Burundi-Rwanda boundary where it joins with the Nyungwe Forest to form one of the largest protected forests within the Albertine Rift.
Kibira National park, like the adjoining Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. About a quarter of the forest cover within the park is primarily montane rainforest.
Chimpanzee tracking
The park, just like Nyungwe National Park, is a primate territory. It includes a large population of chimpanzees as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most exciting tourist activities to participate in for nature lovers.
However, one should expect to walk long distances through the forest as chimpanzee tracking is not as straight forward as gorilla tracking since the chimps are known to be fast movers unlike the gorillas which primarily stick to one spot for an extended period of time. Birdlife within the park is at its best. More than 250 bird species have been recorded within the park which include the magnificent Great Blue Turaco. The Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) can also be found within the park. Ornithologists regard it as one of the most intelligent birds in the world.
The park is managed by the Institut National pour l’Environnement et la Conservation de la Nature (INECN)
on behalf of the Government of Burundi (GoB).
KIBIRA
where chimps roam free
45
Facts about chimpanzees
• Chimps are the closest animals to humans in terms of gene composition. Humans share between 95 and 98 per cent of their DNA with chimpanzees
• Chimps can catch a number of human diseases
• Chimpanzees are found in about 21 African countries. The greatest populations are found within the rain forests of central Africa
• A fully grown chimp is up to seven times stronger than a fully grown man
• Chimpanzees live in communities of up to 150 members. They, like humans, also form lifelong family bonds, especially between a mother and child
• Chimpanzees communicate in many ways, most notably through sounds and calls. They also communicate with each other through touch, facial expressions and body language
• Chimps live about 50-60 years
• Chimps have a certain level of intelligence as they, like humans, use tools. They will, for example use a rock to crack a nut, a twig to chase away flies or use a stick to dig mounds of termites and ants. Chimps use more tools for more purposes than any other living creature or animal except human beings
• Chimpanzees can be taught human sign languages
• Chimpanzees communicate in different ways, most notably through sounds and calls. They also communicate with each other through touch, facial expressions, patting on the back, kissing, embracing, holding hands and body language
• Each night, chimpanzees make nests to sleep in and they never sleep in the same nest twice
• When sick or injured, chimps are known to use medicinal plants to treat themselves
• Chimpanzees are an endangered species. Their numbers have dropped from an estimated 2 million in the 20th
century to fewer than 300,000 individuals today with only six African countries hosting healthy wild populations of the chimps.
I
n the very heart of Africa lies Burundi,
a country of green hills and white
sandy beaches, with friendly,
wel-coming people and a warm climate. The
country is an ever changing tableau of
different landscapes, cultures, sounds
and colours and offers the visitor a truly
unforgettable experience.
The hospitality and friendliness of the
Burundian people is unparalleled and
the country has plenty to offer the
tour-ist. Its cultural heritage is distinctive and
boasts not only a diversity of traditional
dances and music but also the world
fa-mous Drummers of Gitega. The country
has long been known for its handicrafts
which include painting, basket weaving
and wood carving, making it difficult for
tourists to choose which souvenirs to
buy!
Tourists can spend the day exploring the
city’s museum, monuments and craft
centre, then sample the exciting
night-life, with live entertainment in clubs and
lakeside bars, and restaurants offering a
wealth of International cuisine.
Discover Burundi,
the Hidden Secret of Africa
Guided Tours
Our standard tour of Burundi will enchant you as you unveil
all the hidden secrets of Burundi. This 10 days tour is ideal
when combined with any if not all of our cross boarder
tours.
Kaze Tour (1 Day)
Burundi being a relatively small country allows you to enjoy
several attractions in a day as it possible to leave the city
early in the morning and be back before dark
Ibuka Tour 2 Days
This is a relaxing 1 night away tour ideal for a short get
away if you visiting Burundi for business or simply
transit-ing through the country
Akaranga Tour 4 Days
This tour is mainly focused on our cultural and
histori-cal heritage combined with our unique waterfalls and hot
springs
Iwacu Tour 6 Days
This tour combines the Akaranga Tour with a choice of your
favorite water and extreme sports
Akeza Tour 10 Days
Discover all the main tourist attractions of Burundi
Muragaruka Tour 12 Days
This is our 1st Cross Boarder Combo Tour which includes
the Iwacu Tourcombined with either the Jane Goodall
chim-panzees in Gome National Park in Tanzania or mountain
gorillas in Volcanoes national Park in Rwanda
Akabirya Tour 14 Days
This is our 2nd Cross Boarder Combo Tour which includes
the Iwacu Tour combined with both the Jane Goodall
chim-panzees in Gome National Park in Tanzania and the
moun-tain gorillas in Volcanoes national Park in Rwanda
Contact us
P.O. BOX 2745, BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI
Cell: +257 71 518 608
Email: [email protected]
TripAdvisor : Akeza Discovery Tours
Facebook: Akeza Discovery Tours
Skype: Akezadiscoverytours
www.visit-burundi.com
I
n the very heart of Africa lies Burundi,
a country of green hills and white
sandy beaches, with friendly,
wel-coming people and a warm climate. The
country is an ever changing tableau of
different landscapes, cultures, sounds
and colours and offers the visitor a truly
unforgettable experience.
The hospitality and friendliness of the
Burundian people is unparalleled and
the country has plenty to offer the
tour-ist. Its cultural heritage is distinctive and
boasts not only a diversity of traditional
dances and music but also the world
fa-mous Drummers of Gitega. The country
has long been known for its handicrafts
which include painting, basket weaving
and wood carving, making it difficult for
tourists to choose which souvenirs to
buy!
Tourists can spend the day exploring the
city’s museum, monuments and craft
centre, then sample the exciting
night-life, with live entertainment in clubs and
lakeside bars, and restaurants offering a
wealth of International cuisine.
Discover Burundi,
the Hidden Secret of Africa
Guided Tours
Our standard tour of Burundi will enchant you as you unveil
all the hidden secrets of Burundi. This 10 days tour is ideal
when combined with any if not all of our cross boarder
tours.
Kaze Tour (1 Day)
Burundi being a relatively small country allows you to enjoy
several attractions in a day as it possible to leave the city
early in the morning and be back before dark
Ibuka Tour 2 Days
This is a relaxing 1 night away tour ideal for a short get
away if you visiting Burundi for business or simply
transit-ing through the country
Akaranga Tour 4 Days
This tour is mainly focused on our cultural and
histori-cal heritage combined with our unique waterfalls and hot
springs
Iwacu Tour 6 Days
This tour combines the Akaranga Tour with a choice of your
favorite water and extreme sports
Akeza Tour 10 Days
Discover all the main tourist attractions of Burundi
Muragaruka Tour 12 Days
This is our 1st Cross Boarder Combo Tour which includes
the Iwacu Tourcombined with either the Jane Goodall
chim-panzees in Gome National Park in Tanzania or mountain
gorillas in Volcanoes national Park in Rwanda
Akabirya Tour 14 Days
This is our 2nd Cross Boarder Combo Tour which includes
the Iwacu Tour combined with both the Jane Goodall
chim-panzees in Gome National Park in Tanzania and the
moun-tain gorillas in Volcanoes national Park in Rwanda
Contact us
P.O. BOX 2745, BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI
Cell: +257 71 518 608
Email: [email protected]
TripAdvisor : Akeza Discovery Tours
Facebook: Akeza Discovery Tours
Skype: Akezadiscoverytours
www.visit-burundi.com
www.burunditourisme.com
49
The Livingstone-Stanely Monument at
Mugere in Burundi.
Where Dr. David
Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanely
visited and spent two nights between
November 25
thand 27
th1871.
50
National Museum of Burundi
History lovers will find the national museum in Gitega a worthwhile place to visit. The National Museum is located in the central city of Gitega and was built in 1955.
The museum houses a collection of cultural artefacts from the ancient times of the Burundian monarch. There is also a collection of other historical artefacts collected by early settlers and archeologists.
Also on display is a collection of a series of historical images that tell the story of Burundi. The pictures include those of the Burundian king, the queen and prince.
The story of ancient Burundi is told in the display of old cultural artefacts such as men and women’s accessories, jewels and baskets from the local people. Visitors to the museum are also reminded of the much celebrated royal warriors whose spears and shields are displayed. Old guns from the colonial era can be found in the museum as some old currency coins that were used for trade of goods and services at the onset of the colonial era in Burundi.
King’s Mansion
Burundi was ruled by a king for more than four centuries, well before the arrival of the German and Belgian colonialists. Kings in the traditional Burundian society were a revered lot. They were well respected by their subjects and ruled Burundi during some of its best times.
Muramvya is one of the locations where visitors can relive the golden years of the Burundian kingdom. During the era of the Burundi kingdom, Muramvya remained the political nerve center of the kingdoms.
Here, visitors can get to visit the royal mansion, also known as ikirimba, a spacious palace that also included the royal courts where there were mansions for the royal prices and officials serving in the king’s court.
Other areas close to Muramvya also had royal residencies. These included Bukeye and Kiganda where the king would lead his subjects to the annual planting season.
The Mbuye royal zone is also an interesting place to visit. The area is sandwiched between the Mount Kiziba, Iteka Hill and Buyaga Hill. This is where some of the most famous Burundi kings came from. They included King Ntare Rugamba, King Mwezi Gisabo and King Mutaga Mbikije.
