Burundi
Visitor Information
Climate | Latest Travel Advice |
Visas & Immigration | Money |
Local Time | Getting Around |
Public Holidays | Electrical Power|
Travel Insurance
CLIMATE Burundi in general has a tropical
highland climate, with a considerable daily temperature range in many areas.
Temperature also varies from one region to another, chiefly as a result of
differences in altitude. The central plateau enjoys cool weather, with an
average temperature of 20°C. The area around Lake Tanganyika is warmer,
averaging 23°C (73°F). Bujumbura's average annual temperature is
25°C (78°F). Rain is irregular, falling most heavily in the northwest.
Dry seasons vary in length, and there are sometimes long periods of no rain.
However, four seasons can be distinguished; the long dry season (June -
August); the short west season (September-November), the short dry season
(December-January) and the long wet season (February- May).
Climate Chart for Bujumbura
 For today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather
Forecasts LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel
Warnings VISAS & IMMIGRATION Visas are required by all
visitors to Burundi. Tourist visas can be extended at the immigration office in
Bujumbura and it's best to apply in the morning.
Burundi Embassies and Consulates Abroad MONEY
Official Currency: 1 BFr=100 centimes Current
Exchange Rate:
Today's Exchange
Rate Access/Mastercard and Diners Club are accepted in a few
places. Travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars BANKING &
BUSINESS HOURS Banks: Monday to
Friday: 0800-1130 and 1500-1600 Shopping: Monday
to Friday: 0800-1200 and 1500-1800; Saturday:
0830-1230 LOCAL TIME Burundi is two hours ahead of
GMT
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
| Air: |
There are no regular domestic flights within the country. |
| Bus: |
Bus services operate in and around Bujumbura and main towns. Shared taxis and
minibuses operate with the towns |
Road:
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The Africa Guide's recommended Map
Burundi Map (Maps Worldwide) Institut
Geographique National (IGN) Series Countries & Cities Format Folded
Map, Scale 1:250 000 A general map of Burundi with place name index and
street map of Bujumbura.
Other Maps &
Atlases for Sale |
Traffic drives on the right hand side and UK driving licenses are acceptable.
However it is recommended you have an International Driving Permit. Road
conditions are generally ok during the dry season but can become impassable
when very wet It is possible to hire cars in Bujumbura. |
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
| 1st January |
New Year's Day |
| 5
February |
|
|
Easter Monday |
|
Ascension Day |
| 1st May |
Labour Day |
| 1st July |
Independence Day |
| 15th August |
Assumption Day |
| 3rd September |
|
| 13th October |
Assination of the Hero of the Nation |
| 1st November |
All Saints Day |
| 25th December |
Christmas Day |
Electrical Power Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz.
The Plug types used are : Round pin attachment plug -
view Round pin plug
and receptacle with male grounding pin -
view
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you need medical care whilst in
Burundi, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country. You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
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Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away. |
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- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line.... |
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Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. . |
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Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age. |
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