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Burundi, officially the Republic of Burundi, is a landlocked country located in the Great Rift Valley at the intersection of the African Great Lakes region and East Africa. Coffee is the leading export, making up 93 percent of the export market. Other key agricultural products include tea, maize, cotton, sweet potatoes, sorghum, bananas, manioc, milk, and hides. The country is also endowed with natural resources such as nickel, cobalt, uranium, and platinum. The Burundian franc is the national currency.
Non-resident tourist arrivals at Burundi’s national borders reached 299,000, up from 187,000 the previous year, marking a 59.89% increase. The majority of visitors come from neighboring African countries, particularly Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.
G.D.P Growth of Burundi
Real GDP in Burundi grew by 2.8% in 2023, an increase from 1.8% in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by the industrial sector, which expanded by 4.7%, and the services sector, which grew by 2.7%. On the demand side, the growth was fueled by public investment and private consumption. Agriculture accounted for 27.57% of Burundi’s GDP, while industry contributed approximately 10.64% and the services sector about 45.37%.
Following 6 countries that can visit Burundi without a Visa:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda
South Sudan
Airports in Burundi:
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, located in Bujumbura, is the main gateway to Burundi and handles the majority of the country’s air traffic. In recent years, the airport has seen an increase in passenger traffic, reflecting Burundi’s growing connectivity with neighboring African nations and beyond.
Nyanza-Lac Airport, situated in the southern part of Burundi, primarily serves regional flights and local air traffic. Despite its smaller size, the airport has experienced a steady flow of passengers, supporting the connectivity and economic activities of the surrounding area.
Kirundo Airport, located in the northern region of Burundi, mainly caters to domestic flights and local passengers. The airport plays a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating travel and trade within the country.
Cibitoke Airport, located in the northwestern region of Burundi, primarily handles domestic flights and serves local passengers. Despite its smaller scale, the airport contributes to regional connectivity and supports the travel needs of the surrounding communities.
Gitega Airport: Serving the capital city, Gitega, this airport primarily handles domestic flights and regional traffic.
Airlines in Burundi
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is Africa’s largest and fastest-growing airline, with a network spanning over 125 international destinations. Known for its modern fleet and exceptional service, it handles millions of passengers annually, contributing significantly to air travel on the continent.
KLM (KL) Royal Dutch Airlines, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, operates a comprehensive global network, serving over 90 destinations. The airline is renowned for its efficient operations and high passenger traffic, making it a key player in international travel.
Kenya Airways (KQ), the flag carrier of Kenya, connects over 53 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airline is pivotal in facilitating air travel within Africa, handling a substantial number of passengers each year.
Swiss (LX), Switzerland’s flag carrier, operates flights to more than 100 destinations worldwide. Known for its high-quality service and reliability, Swiss handles significant passenger traffic, especially across Europe and North America.
EgyptAir (MS), the flag carrier of Egypt, operates flights to more than 70 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airline is instrumental in connecting Egypt with the rest of the world, managing a large volume of passenger traffic annually.
Hotels in Burundi:
Kiriri Garden Hotel is a premier accommodation located in Bujumbura, Burundi. Known for its lush garden setting and serene environment, the hotel offers a range of amenities including comfortable rooms, a restaurant, conference facilities, and an outdoor pool. It provides a peaceful retreat for both business and leisure travelers, emphasizing high-quality service and hospitality.
Burundi Palace Boutique Hotel is a luxurious accommodation in Bujumbura, offering a blend of modern comfort and elegant design. The hotel features stylish rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and exceptional service, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking a sophisticated stay in Burundi’s capital.
Safari Gate Hotel, located in Bujumbura, offers comfortable accommodations with scenic views of Lake Tanganyika. The hotel features amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and conference facilities, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
City Hill Hotel, situated in the heart of Bujumbura, offers modern accommodations with stunning city views. The hotel features amenities such as a rooftop pool, a restaurant, and conference facilities, making it a top choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, offers a tranquil retreat with stunning lake views and lush surroundings. The resort features comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, and a variety of water activities, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
Tourist places in Burundi:
Rusizi National Park, located near Bujumbura, is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, attracting nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The park offers a serene environment with opportunities for guided tours and river cruises.
National Museum of Gitega,Burundi’s largest museum, showcases a rich collection of cultural artifacts and historical exhibits. Visitors can explore traditional Burundian art, tools, and historical documents, providing insight into the country’s heritage.
Gishora Drum Sanctuary, a renowned tourist attraction in Burundi, preserves the traditional art of drumming. Visitors can experience vibrant performances and learn about the cultural significance of these iconic instruments.
Livingston-Stanley Monument commemorates the famous meeting between explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. Located near Lake Tanganyika, the monument offers historical insights and scenic views, with free admission for visitors.
Unity Monument in Bujumbura symbolizes national unity and peace. This significant landmark provides a historical and cultural perspective on Burundi’s journey towards national cohesion.
Living Museum (Bujumbura Zoo), also known as Bujumbura Zoo, features a variety of native wildlife and botanical gardens. It serves as an educational and recreational site for families and tourists interested in Burundi’s natural heritage.
Kibira National Park,spanning a vast forested area, is known for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes. The park is ideal for eco-tourism, offering hiking trails and opportunities to observe primates and other wildlife.
Discover Burundi’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Natural Beauty
Unique Beer Culture: Traditional Burundian beer is shared communally, with people sitting in a circle and drinking through straws from a central pot.
Ethnic Diversity: The Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa ethnic groups each bring their own unique traditions, customs, and languages, enriching Burundi’s cultural heritage.
Natural Beauty: Burundi is home to picturesque landscapes, including Lake Tanganyika, one of the world’s longest and second-deepest freshwater lakes.
Traditional Drumming: The Royal Drummers of Burundi are world-famous, with drumming being a vital part of the nation’s cultural ceremonies and festivals.
Burundi, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers diverse attractions such as Rusizi and Kibira National Parks, the National Museum of Gitega, and the Livingston-Stanley Monument. The Gishora Drum Sanctuary and Unity Monument symbolize Burundi’s cultural depth and journey toward unity.The Pamoja Festival, rooted in the idea of unity, showcases Burundi’s cultural heritage and fosters international cultural exchange.
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