Best time to visit Burundi
Over 90 percent of Burundians are Christian. Instead of a Christmas tree, Burundians often decorate their homes with banana leaves.![]()
Burundi’s climate is pleasant all year round. It’s close to the equator, tropical and humid, but kept cool by its high average altitude. It’s lovely sunbathing on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, where it’s around 23°C year-round – and it can be up to 10°C cooler in the mountains. The best times to go to Burundi are in its two dry seasons, in June to August or December to January. This is when you’ll find small group tours running. The two rainy seasons run from September to November and from February to May, and the hilly regions – like Kibira National Park – are wettest.
Bujumbura, Burundi Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
16
27
166
FEB
16
27
140
MAR
16
27
170
APR
16
27
196
MAY
16
27
103
JUN
14
27
18
JUL
13
27
6
AUG
14
28
23
SEP
15
29
75
OCT
16
28
113
NOV
16
27
174
DEC
16
27
164
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Burundi holiday
A cultural journey through the heart of Africa
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8 days
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Small group travel:
2026: 7 Jan, 8 Jul
2027: 6 Jan, 7 Jul
2026: 7 Jan, 8 Jul
2027: 6 Jan, 7 Jul
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Burundi travel advice
Getting around Burundi
The majority of people in Burundi get around by foot – some walking miles and miles on the roads to take produce to market. This results in lots of road traffic accidents. For visitors, who will usually get around with a driver, it’s a small country, meaning that travel distances are very manageable, but most roads are not paved, and there are often roadblocks to negotiate, making for bumpy journeys that aren’t without a few hiccups.Augustin Ndikuriyo works with our partner Undiscovered Destinations. He runs Augustine Tours, providing access for travellers who want to visit Burundi. “In general roads are good,” says Augustin, “But sometimes they are not comfortable.” He highlights the importance of a good guide for telling the difference. “Because we know the area, we know how much time it takes to get there and come back. People might look at a map and think, ‘Okay, from this place to this place it’s 3km, so why do they say it will take 1.5 hours?’ And the reason is: because they’re bad roads.”
Things to see in Burundi
We spoke to Augustin about the best things to see in the country. Bujumbura, the largest city, has some interesting examples of German Bauhaus. “People who really know and are interested in architecture always find it interesting,” says Augustin.
Then there are the country’s emblematic drums – essential viewing. “From my experience, it is appreciated by everyone,” says Augustin. “We always include it.”
Burundi has the most distant source of the White Nile in Rutovu. Whilst Rwanda and Uganda are great for wildlife, “Burundi is best for culture and traditions,” explains Augustin. Alongside the drums, these include the country’s wonderful craft traditions, such as its skilfully created basketry and wickerwork, beads and wood carvings.
Then there are the country’s emblematic drums – essential viewing. “From my experience, it is appreciated by everyone,” says Augustin. “We always include it.”
Burundi has the most distant source of the White Nile in Rutovu. Whilst Rwanda and Uganda are great for wildlife, “Burundi is best for culture and traditions,” explains Augustin. Alongside the drums, these include the country’s wonderful craft traditions, such as its skilfully created basketry and wickerwork, beads and wood carvings.
Is Burundi safe?
You should refer to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the latest advice. Travellers should always be aware of malaria risk – which is very high here – and get the appropriate vaccinations.
Augustin has a lot of experience in organising tours to Burundi and has seen the perception of the country change over time. “It’s a challenge for us operating in the travel sector,” he says. “Since 1993, Burundi hasn’t had a good image in the travel world.”
For Burundians, Burundi is not always safe – the leading causes of death include malnutrition, malaria, road accidents, and maternal and neonatal conditions.
In the 1990s, Burundi experienced an ethnic conflict between Hutu and Tutsi people, and there was a 12-year-long civil war that ended in 2005. The country is now much safer but experienced a spike in violent protests in 2016 when the president stayed in power for an illegal third term. Since then, the police have cracked down on any civil disobedience, and dissenters are thought to be tortured and killed. In 2024, tensions escalated with Rwanda, and the border was closed between the two countries.
“The problems are between Burundians – this is what I always tell my clients,” says Augustin. “Nobody speaks about how Burundi can be travelled safely. But you know who does speak about it? Those who go to Burundi. They see it and they are amazed. They are our ambassadors.”
Augustin has a lot of experience in organising tours to Burundi and has seen the perception of the country change over time. “It’s a challenge for us operating in the travel sector,” he says. “Since 1993, Burundi hasn’t had a good image in the travel world.”
For Burundians, Burundi is not always safe – the leading causes of death include malnutrition, malaria, road accidents, and maternal and neonatal conditions.
In the 1990s, Burundi experienced an ethnic conflict between Hutu and Tutsi people, and there was a 12-year-long civil war that ended in 2005. The country is now much safer but experienced a spike in violent protests in 2016 when the president stayed in power for an illegal third term. Since then, the police have cracked down on any civil disobedience, and dissenters are thought to be tortured and killed. In 2024, tensions escalated with Rwanda, and the border was closed between the two countries.
“The problems are between Burundians – this is what I always tell my clients,” says Augustin. “Nobody speaks about how Burundi can be travelled safely. But you know who does speak about it? Those who go to Burundi. They see it and they are amazed. They are our ambassadors.”
More Burundi articles
International tourism is in its infancy in Burundi, where 90 percent of the country relies on farming.
Burundi has great natural landscapes – looking at its neighbours Rwanda and Tanzania how could it not?
