The city at a glance
Bujumbura, Burundi at a glance
Bujumbura was the capital of Burundi from independence in 1962 until 2019, when the political capital moved to Gitega (full story: what is the capital of Burundi?). It remains the country's commercial heart: home to the main international airport, the port that handles most of Burundi's trade across Lake Tanganyika, the central bank, and the largest markets. For visitors, it is the natural base for exploring the lake, the nearby Rusizi National Park, and day trips into the highlands.
Start here
Guides to the city
Attractions
The Livingstone–Stanley Monument, Musée Vivant, Rusizi's hippos and the city's landmarks.
Lake Tanganyika
Beaches, fishing, boat trips and water sports on the world's second-deepest lake.
Neighborhoods
From the grid of the city centre to hillside Kiriri and lakeside Kinindo.
Where to stay
Lakeside resorts, business hotels and budget guesthouses, area by area.
Food & drink
Grilled mukeke and sangala from the lake, brochettes, cafés and nightlife.
Getting there
Flights to Melchior Ndadaye Airport, overland borders and the lake ferry.
Getting around
Taxis, moto-taxis, city buses and car hire, with realistic prices.
Day trips
Gitega, Kibira National Park, Karera Falls and the drum sanctuary at Gishora.
Culture
The Royal Drummers, music, crafts, languages and festivals.
History
From Usumbura trading post to colonial capital to modern Bujumbura.
Practical info
Visas, money, health, safety, SIM cards, weather and embassies.
Interactive map
Every place covered on this site, plotted on one map of the city.
Good to know
Three things first-time visitors ask
Is Bujumbura still the capital of Burundi?
Politically, no: Gitega became the political capital in 2019. In practice Bujumbura remains the economic capital and largest city, and it is where nearly all international visitors arrive and stay. Before 1962 the city was called Usumbura — see Usumbura, the old name of Bujumbura. Read the full answer in Gitega or Bujumbura: what is the capital of Burundi?
Where is Bujumbura on the map?
On the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Burundi, at 3.38° S, 29.36° E, a few kilometres from the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our interactive map of Bujumbura plots the airport, port, beaches, neighborhoods and every sight covered on this site.
When is the best time to visit?
The long dry season, roughly June to September, brings the most reliable weather for the lake and for travel on unpaved roads. See weather and best time to visit for a month-by-month breakdown.
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities need one; visas on arrival are available at the airport for many passports. Requirements change, so check the current rules in our visa guide and confirm with a Burundian embassy before travel.