Gitega Tourist Places to Visit in Gitega, Burundi, Central Africa, Africa

Gitega Tourist Places to Visit in Gitega, Burundi, Central Africa, Africa

Gitega is the 2^nd largest city of the African nation Burundi, situated around 100 km east of the country’s capital and largest city, Gitega. It is the administrative centre of Gitega Province, housing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gitega and the Burundi National Museum. Gitega also houses a royal court and many karyenda royal drum sanctuaries.

Lying at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level, Gitega is geographically positioned between 3°26′ S latitude and 29°54′ E longitude. The province of Gitega spans over an area of 1,979 square kilometers, comprising 11 communes including Gitega. Gitega experiences a moderate climate with average annual precipitation of 720 millimeters. The highest average annual temperature measures 18 °C while the lowest is 12 °C.

How to reach Gitega?

Gitega hosts an airport but flights are not regular. So it would be better if one reach Bujumbura Airport first and then take taxi or minibus from there to Gitega. Bujumbura Airport is situated around 110 km west of Gitega and recives flights from Entebbe, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Brussels, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg.

To move within the city, taxis are accessible in Gitega in addition of availing minibuses.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Gitega:

Gitega is culturally a rich city having history of becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Burundi. There is a Gitega Art School of ceramics, paintings and sculptures in Gitega where visitors can purchase local art and craft works at reasonable prices but don’t expect of accepting credit cards.

Gitega houses many restaurants of which the most are traditional options.

What to do in Gitega?

Hiking
Visiting museum and church
Traditional shopping

What to see in Gitega?

Burundi National Museum:

Established in 1955, the Burundi National Museum is one of the cultural centres, tourist attractions as well as landmarks of Gitega. It is concentrated on showcasing the history, culture and environmental features of the country with well preserved objects like musical instruments, baskets, drums and ancient Burundian dresses. There is also a library.

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gitega:

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gitega or Cathedral of Christ the King is the prime religious site in Gitega. It is situated few hundred meters away from the city centre, visited by devotees and tourists year round.

Gitega Airport:

Situated around 1,750 meters above sea level at 03°26′ S 029°55′ E, the Gitega Airport is a modern airport but currently it recives no airport, although it is allowed for tourists to visit.

The Royal Palace of Gitega:

The Royal Palace of Gitega is situated on the top of the hill, around 45 miles away from the heart of the Gitega city. It is situated within the military camp, housing a traditional museum displaying the local culture.

Drum Sanctuary in Gitega:

The Drum Sanctuary is located near the royal palace, home to ancient drums and tools used to make drums and also one can also enjoy distinct dance and music performances of the locals using traditional drums.

List of other places of interest in Gitega include:

The Chutes de la Kalera
Gitega Art School of ceramics
Musee Vivant
Kibira National Park
Livingstone–Stanley Monument
Lake Tanganyika
Saga Plage
Rusizi National Park
Mount Heha
Ruvubu National Park
Karera Beach
Burundi Geological Museum
Burundi Museum of Life

Ideal time to visit Gitega:

Gitega can be visited throughout the year, although it can be experienced best between May and September.

Where to stay in Gitega?

There are hotels less in number in Gitega, so it is suggested for visitors to refer hotels of nearby Bujumbura for accommodation purpose. Between these two cities, buses are regular and also one can hire car for comfort travel. The prominent hotels in Gitega and Bujumbura are as follows: