burundi

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

27,840 sq km
6.7 million
bujumbura
ndayzeye
kirundi & french
burundi franc
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

this information comes from a visit to the country in may 2004. things might have changed since then. these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

warning:at the time of writing the was still at least one rebel group actively fighting the government. while bujumbura is safe and most of the country is calm it's nontheless a country at war.

from nairobi, kenya: the embassy is located at upper hill. visas take 24 hours to process and cost 40 usd. bring two passport photos. opening hours: 08:30 - 13:00

getting in and out

kenyan arways have regular flights to bujumbura (380 usd, for the return flight). procedures at the airport are correct, swift and easy.

places to stay

hotel cyrano in the centre has huge clean suite-style rooms for 60 usd (try to bargain a bit). there is a bar-restaurant and the reception is very helpful in organizing taxis and other things

other

curfew: at the time of writing there was a curfew after midnight. but nobody seemed to care much. be careful between 00:00 and 01:00 after that you can more around in taxis, but don't walk.

livingstone memorial: at the time of writing the famous place where stanley met livingstone was in FNL held territory, just 12 km south of bujumbura. the road was secured by goverment forces and a visit was relatively safe. in any case, check before you go.