Burundi - The Heart of Africa

Notes

Essentials

Visas
All nationalities will need a visa for visiting Burundi. Regulations do frequently change though, so we advise that you check the current requirements with your nearest embassy.

Airport Tax
Departure tax is generally included in your ticket.

Health and Immunisations
As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. Anti-malaria medication is also required and the use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

Insurance
What should my travel insurance policy cover?

• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad

• 24 hour emergency service and assistance

• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property

• lost and stolen possessions cover

• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover

• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover

• legal expenses cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions

Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The currency is the Burundi franc. For current exchange rates visit www.xe.com. The easiest currency to exchange is the US dollar, followed by the Euro. Please note that high denominations of dollars such as $100 and $50 notes attract better rates of exchange.

Where currency can be exchanged
There are banks and money exchange offices in main towns that can easily exchange foreign currency, but the easiest place to exchange money is in Bujumbura– outside of the capital you will find it difficult to exchange currencies other than US dollars.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
Travellers’ cheques are difficult to exchange in and credit cards are not widely accepted outside of expensive restaurants and lodges. We recommend that you bring cash as ATM machines are not that reliable and don’t always accept international cards.

Best time to go
The wet seasons are roughly from mid February to mid June, and mid September to mid December. It is possible to travel in the rainy season although journeys can sometimes be more difficult.

Main Language
The local language in Burundi is Kirundi but most people also speak French. English is not as widely spoken, especially outside of the capital.

Main Religion
Burundi is a deeply religious country. Around 60-75% follow Christian faiths – Catholicism being by far the most popular. Many people follow animist traditions, which may sometimes be intertwined with Christianity.

Food and drink
While on our tour in Burundi you are likely to be eating a fair amount of western style food, as this is generally the type of food favoured by hotels and lodges which will be where many meals are taken.

Local food tends to be based around meat – often kebabs - and either rice or ugali, a maize porridge which forms the staple diet for many. Chips are also a big part of local diets.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Transport
Our tour in Burundi uses 4wd vehicles – typically Landcruisers. On occasions buses may be used.

Local conditions
Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy. At times you will be at altitude, and so a fleece / light jacket will be appreciated.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have.

If you will be using a camera which needs film, it is recommended that a supply is taken with you, as it is not always available in some of the places that we visit.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special level of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines
You may come across beggars while on tour. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Haggling is a way of life in Africa when making many purchases, especially with tourist souvenirs. Usually, but not always, the vendor will start with a price that is higher than they are prepared to accept, and the buyer is expected to haggle. There are no hard and fast rules with this – some vendors may initially quote a vastly overinflated price, others may start with a price close to the true value, while others may just present you with one price and not be prepared to discuss it. Although many tourists may feel uncomfortable with this, it’s important to remember that this is best entered into in a relaxed manner. Once you have agreed upon a price, it is extremely bad form to then not pay this. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of money to you can be a relatively large amount for the vendor, and that it is not necessarily best practice to ‘beat the vendor down’ to the lowest possible price. Remember that they also have a living to make.

Please make sure that you take any rubbish back to the hotels with you where it can be properly disposed of – this includes cigarette butts as well.

Please do not buy any products made from endangered species – this is not sustainable and hastens the species’ decline.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
Tipping is common practise in Africa. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. This amount can obviously be left to you. When tipping a driver, a guide or hotel staff a few dollars will always be gratefully received.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to some regions of Burundi that we visit. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or if would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Burundi:
1 Jan New Year's Day
5 Feb Unity Day
1 May Labour Day
13 May Ascension
1 Jul Independence Day
15 Aug Assumption
1 Nov All Saints’ Day
25 Dec Christmas Day
26 Dec Boxing Day

Other holidays associated with Easter vary annually.

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year

Electrical Supply
Generally electrical supply is 240V/50 Hz. British three-pin plugs or European style two pin plugs are mainly used. We recommend that you bring a multi-adapter.

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 16/11/11

For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674