Rutana is a town and the administrative centre of Rutana Province in the southern part of Burundi, situated at an elevation of 1,719 meters. It is well known for its nearness with the two famous natural tourist attractions, the Mount Kikizi and Chutes de la Kagera (Kagera Falls).

Lying between latitude 3°55′ in the south and longitude 30°00′ in the west, Rutana is located around 130 km southeast of the national capital, Bujumbura. The province of Rutana is divided into 6 communes which covers a total area of 1,959.45 sq. km.

Connectivity to Rutana:

The major closest airport to Rutana is Bujumbura International Airport, situated around 140 km away from the heart of the city of Rutana. The airport is served by Air Burundi, Kenya Airways and many other African airlines with scheduled flights from Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Brussels, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Entebbe and Kigali.

Buses are not regular between Rutana and Bujumbura, so it would be better using pre-booked private transfers or airport taxis.

To get around Rutana, minibuses and mopeds are useful.

Food and Shopping in Rutana:

Rutana houses all sorts of shops including cloth and shoe shops, grocery store and handicraft shops.

There is probably no international food chain but one can find many traditional food corners all around the town.

What to do in Rutana?

• Exploring waterfalls
• Village tours
• Hiking

Tourist Attractions in Rutana:

Chutes de la Kagera:

The Chutes de la Kagera or Kagera Falls is one of the top tourist attractions of Burundi, situated to the south of the city of Rutana. This series of striking waterfalls covers an area of 142 hectares, featuring six branches, which together with the Nyakazu Fault was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, added to its Tentative List on May 9, 2007. Don’t miss it.

Mount Kikizi:

Standing between the towns of Rutana and Kinyinya, the Mount Kikizi is one of the highest mountains of Burundi reaching a height up to 2,145 meters from sea level. It is popular among both nature lovers and adventure sport lovers.

Bururi Nature Reserve:

Established in 1951, the Bururi Nature Reserve is located to the west of Rutana near the town of Bururi. This winsome nature reserve is spread over an area of 15.35 km². It can be reached vehicle from Rutana.

Gitega:

Gitega is a city and the former capital of Burundi, situated around 65 km north of Rutana. The city features many specialties showcasing its culture, history and environmental features such as the Royal Palace of Gitega, the Drum Sanctuary, Burundi National Museum and Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gitega.

List of other places of interest in and around Rutana includes:

• Burundi National Museum
• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gitega
• The Royal Palace of Gitega
• Drum Sanctuary in Gitega
• The Chutes de la Kalera
• Gitega Art School of ceramics
• Karera Beach
• Burundi Geological Museum
• Musee Vivant
• Kibira National Park
• Burundi Museum of Life
• Livingstone–Stanley Monument
• Ruvubu National Park
• Lake Tanganyika
• Rusizi National Park

Best time to visit Rutana:

The best time to visit Rutana to explore its natural attractions is from May to September when the weather remains dry and supportive for outdoor activities.

Accommodation options in Rutana:

It would be difficult to find modernized hotels Rutana, so here provided is the list of tourist favor upgraded hotels around Rutana, in Gitega (around 65 km) and Bujumbura (130 km):

• Tropitel Gitega Hotel
• Helena Hotel
• King’s Conference Centre
• Hotel La Palmeraie
• Hotel Dolce Vita Resort
• Hotel Residence Ubuntu
• Jardin Tropical Studios Apartment
• Roca Golf Hotel
• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Le Clos des Limbas
• Royal Palace Hotel
• Yombe Palace Hotel
• Nonara Beach Resort
• Water Front Hotel
• City Hill Hotel

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Muramvya is the capital city of the province of Muramvya, located in the central part of Burundi between 3°15′ S latitude and 29°36′ E longitude, around 50 km northwest of Gitega and 50 km east and northeast of Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. Muramvya’s rich cultural and natural landscapes have made it as a UNESCO World Heritage, designated on May 9, 2007 in Tentative List.

The Muramvya province is made up of 5 communes such as Muramvya itself, Bukeye, Kiganda, Mbuye and Rutegama. The province covers a total area of 695.52 sq. km.

How to reach Muramvya?

Bujumbura International Airport is the closest airport to Muramvya, situated around 55 km away and handles flights from and to Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Brussels, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Entebbe and Kigali.

Reaching Muramvya from the airport would not be a difficult task for visitors as the airport has a taxi stand with many taxis. Muramvya is also reachable by bus from Bujumbura.

To move within the city, visitors can use rental vehicles like mopeds and bicycles.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Muramvya:

Muramvya is culturally identified city as its cultural features along with natural characteristics were considered to the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Shops and restaurants are limited in Muramvya, so visitors can drive towards the country capital, Bujumbura, to have memorable shopping experience and to take mouthwatering traditional and international delicacies.

Things to do in Muramvya:

• Day tours
• Shopping
• Hiking

Places to see in Muramvya:

Natural landscapes of Muramvya:

Along with the cultural features, the rich eye-catching natural landscapes of Muramvya gained place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tentative List on May 9, 2007. One can experience it by taking a guide tour of the villages of Muramvya province.

Mount Heha:

Being the highest mountain of the country with an elevation 2,684 meters, the Mount Heha is one of the identities of Burundi. It is located in the commune of Mukike in Bujumbura Rural province, around 80 km south of Muramvya.

Lake Tanganyika:

The world’s 2^nd largest and deepest freshwater lake, the Lake Tanganyika measures a maximum length of 673 km and width of 72 km. It is situated around 20 km from Mount Heha and 50 km from Muramvya. It is very much famous among tourists for boating and fishing activities.

Ruvubu National Park:

With an area of 508 sq. km, the Ruvubu National Park is the largest national park of Burundi, situated in the eastern part of the country. Muyinga is the nearest city to the park, around 130 km away from Muramvya. Taking a guided tour would be easy to explore this scenic site.

List of other places of interest in and around Muramvya include:

• Saga Plage
• Geological Museum of Burundi
• Parc des Reptiles
• Karera Beach
• Rusizi National Park
• Ciné Caméo
• Université de Burundi
• Entente Sportive
• Hotel Club Lac du Tanganyika
• Livingstone-Stanley Monument
• Musee Vivant
• Burundi Museum of Life

Best time to visit Muramvya:

Visitors can choose any month between April and October to visit Muramvya to explore its World Heritage Sites.

Accommodation options in Muramvya:

Muramvya houses few upgraded hotels, so it is advised for visitors to reach the national capital, Bujumbura, to enjoy memorable hospitality services with both traditional and modern facilities. Here are some hotels in Muramvya and Bujumbura (around 50 km):

• Jardin Tropical Studios Apartment
• Roca Golf Hotel
• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Le Clos des Limbas
• Nonara Beach Resort
• Hotel Dolce Vita Resort
• Cercle Nautique
• Hotel Botanika
• King’s Conference Centre
• Hotel La Palmeraie
• Yombe Palace Hotel
• Water Front Hotel
• City Hill Hotel
• Royal Palace Hotel
• Hotel Residence Ubuntu

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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:

• Tropitel Gitega Hotel
• Helena Hotel
• Hotel Dolce Vita Resort
• Hotel Residence Ubuntu
• King’s Conference Centre
• Hotel La Palmeraie
• Jardin Tropical Studios Apartment
• Roca Golf Hotel
• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Le Clos des Limbas
• Nonara Beach Resort
• Water Front Hotel
• City Hill Hotel
• Royal Palace Hotel
• Yombe Palace Hotel

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Bujumbura is the capital and largest city of Burundi, located on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in the western part of the nation. It is the economy centre of the country having a port where the country’s most exportation takes place, mainly coffee, cotton and tin ore. Bujumbura experiences a tropical savanna climate with the wet season from October to April and the dry season from May to September. Bujumbura covers an area of 86.52 sq. km and its geographical coordinates are 3°23′ S 29°22′ E.

History of Bujumbura:

Originated as a small village, Bujumbura began to develop becoming a military post in German East Africa in the year1889. Bujumbura became the capital of Ruanda-Urundi, a part of the Belgian League of Nations, after the Germany’s defeat in World War I. Formerly called Usumbura, Bujumbura got its present name at the time of the Burundi’s independence from Belgium in 1962.

Getting Bujumbura:

Bujumbura hosts the major airport of the country, Bujumbura International Airport, is situated 8 km northwest of the city centre. The airport operates flights from Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Brussels, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Entebbe and Kigali.

For airport travel, minibuses and taxis are the options of which the latter is comfort and convenient.

The above options are also commonly used to get around city for which taxis cost between 2000-3000 Burundian francs.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Bujumbura:

Bujumbura is home to the University of Burundi and also houses the two private universities like Hope Africa University and Université du Lac Tanganyika.

Central Market of Bujumbura is a place where one can pick locally made clothes, craft items, jewelry and footwear. The city also houses many supermarkets of which the most famous one is Dimitri.

Here are some tourist favor restaurants in Bujumbura:

• Restaurant Tanganyika
• Dolce Vita Hotel Restaurant
• Bora Bora beach club
• Le Jardin Gourmand

Things to do in Bujumbura:

• Beach exploration
• Swimming at swimming pool
• Day tours

Tourist Attractions in Bujumbura:

Rusizi National Park:

Located 15 kilometers away from the city of Bujumbura, the Rusizi National Park is known for rare animal species like hippopotamuses, sitatungas and Gustave, the largest Nile crocodile on the earth. A guided tour costs around 3,000 BIF to explore park. Early morning is the best time to visit.

Karera Beach:

The Karera Beach on Lake Tanganyika on Uvira Roadway is a beautiful beach famous among both locals and visitors. There is a resort, named Karera Beach Resort, close to the beach.

Parc des Reptiles:

The Parc des Reptiles or Reptile Park is a wildlife area, situated in the vicinity of Musee Vivant. It is a place where visitors can spot many interesting reptile species including alligators and snakes as well.

Geological Museum of Burundi:

The Geological Museum of Burundi is one of the best places to visit in Burundi. This science museum describes the complete and interesting features of the geography of Burundi which covers the country’s eye-catching landscapes, lake and flora species.

Saga Plage:

Situated around 30 minutes walk from the city centre, Saga Plage is a scenic beach area featured with entertainment complex, hotels, cafes and restaurants. It is on Lake Tanganyika.

List of other places of interest in Bujumbura includes:

• Ciné Caméo
• Université de Burundi
• Entente Sportive
• Hotel Club Lac du Tanganyika
• Livingstone-Stanley Monument
• Musee Vivant
• Burundi Museum of Life

Best time to visit Bujumbura:

Throughout the year is best, especially from May to September and December to January are the ideal time to visit Bujumbura in Burundi.

Accommodation options in Bujumbura:

Being the capital and having many natural and manmade tourist attractions, Bujumbura houses around 50 standard accommodation centres to serve visitors coming to the city year round. List of some reputed hotels in Bujumbura include:

• Hotel La Palmeraie
• King’s Conference Centre
• Le Clos des Limbas
• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Nonara Beach Resort
• Hotel Residence Ubuntu
• Nonara Beach Resort
• Royal Palace Hotel
• Cercle Nautique
• Water Front Hotel
• Hotel Belair Residence
• Hotel Le Chandelier
• Hotel Restaurant VAYA Appartements
• Yombe Palace Hotel
• Hotel Dolce Vita Resort

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Burundi is a Southeastern African country situated in the African Great Lakes region between 3.5000° S latitude and 30.0000° E longitude. Bujumbura is the capital and largest city of Burundi, located in the western part of the country. Burundi shares its borders with Democratic Republic of the Congo towards the west, Tanzania towards the east and south and Rwanda towards the north.

The tourism of Burundi is concentrated on its natural spots like lakes, beaches and rich landscapes. The Government of Burundi adopted the Presidential republic system. The five major cities of Burundi are listed below:

• Bujumbura
• Bururi
• Cibitoke
• Gitega
• Muyinga

History of Burundi:

The communities of Twa, Hutu and Tutsi are the indigenous people of Burundi who have been settled for around five hundred years. Before becoming a part of the German East Africa at the end of the 19^th century, Burundi had seen over 200 year rule of the Kingdom of Burundi beginning from 1680. Following the defeat of Germany in World War I, Burundi came under the control of Belgium as a part of Ruanda-Urundi and finally the independence of Burundi was proclaimed from Belgium on 1 July 1962.

How to reach Burundi?

The Bujumbura International Airport in the capital city, Bujumbura, is the prime airport of Burundi. It handles flights from Entebbe, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Brussels, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg. Air Burundi is the national airline of Burundi.

There is no train service in Burundi but buses serve all the major cities of the country including Bujumbura.

Buses and vans are commonly used for local travel in the cities of Burundi.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Burundi:

Burundi is a country with diverse category people, dominated by Hutu covering around 85% of the country’s population, followed by Tutsi and Twa. Kirundi is the official and commonly communicated language in Burundi and French is used as the second official language.

Burundian franc is the currency used in Burundi. Traditional crafts of wood and cotton are famous among visitors which can be purchased at an outdoor market near Musee Vivant in Bujumbura.

Beef brochette or kebab is the national dish of Burundi. Rice and beans items are also available in Burundi, prepared by South Asian community people in the country.

Places to see in Burundi:

Lake Tanganyika:

The Lake Tanganyika is one of the most important tourist attractions of Burundi, shared between four countries, Burundi, Zambia, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is considered as the 2^nd largest as well as the 2^nd deepest freshwater lake in the world. Boating and fishing are the popular activities among visitors here.

Burundi National Museum:

The Burundi National Museum is situated in the city of Gitega, around 100 km away from the capital, Bujumbura. The museum describes the complete history, culture and tradition beginning from the Kingdom of Burundi to modern days.

Livingstone–Stanley Monument:

A rock monument, the Livingstone–Stanley Monument is located in Mugere, around 12 km away from Bujumbura. It is noted as a site where the two famous personalities Dr David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley met together on 25–27 November 1871.

Kibira National Park:

Occupying around 400 km², the Kibira National Park is the situated in the northwestern part of Burundi extending to the southwestern part of Rwanda where it is called the Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is well known for the typical bird population including Great Blue Turaco, Mountain Buzzard and White-spotted Flufftail.

Musee Vivant:

The Musee Vivant is a natural history museum and also houses a small zoo with crocodiles, birds, chimpanzees and many other native lives. Entrance fee is 2,000 BFU and guide is provided. It is located in Bujumbura in Burundi.

List of other places of interest in Burundi include:

• Saga Plage
• Karera Beach
• Rusizi National Park
• Mount Heha
• Chutes de la Kagera
• Burundi Museum of Life
• Ruvubu National Park
• Burundi Geological Museum

Best time to visit Burundi:

The best and most popular time to visit Burundi is during the months between May and October while the weather remains pleasant and supportive for outdoor activities.

Accommodation options in Burundi:

Burundi houses around 70 plus modernized accommodation centres including resorts, hotels, service apartments, holiday rentals, BB and inns of which the most are located in the capital city, Bujumbura. Below is the list of the top end hotels in Bujumbura in Burundi:

• Hotel Dolce Vita Resort
• Hotel Botanika
• King’s Conference Centre
• Hotel La Palmeraie
• Jardin Tropical Studios Apartment
• Roca Golf Hotel
• Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika
• Le Clos des Limbas
• Nonara Beach Resort
• Royal Palace Hotel
• Hotel Residence Ubuntu
• Cercle Nautique
• Yombe Palace Hotel
• Water Front Hotel
• City Hill Hotel

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