BEAUTIFUL THE BEATING HEARTOF AFRICA www.burunditourisme.com 1 13, Avenue du Commerce, Tel (+257) 22 22 84 36/ 22 22 90 92 Email: [email protected] he tourism sector is one of the fastest developing sectors of our economy. In the last few years, Burundi has witnessed a tremendous amount of development in the sector that continues to show growth projections Twell into the future. Rising from a very difficult past, Burundi has over the last few years greatly benefited from the deliberate government efforts that has seen a total revamp of its economic policies with a view to bolstering economic development in the country. This has seen massive investments by the government to upgrade existing infrastructure, especially the road network within the country. This has, in turn, created a conducive investment climate that continues to attract new investments in the hospitality sector. Various economic policies that the Government of Burundi Kaze (GoB) has implemented over the last few years make it increasingly easier to set up businesses in the country. We offer a one-stop shop for registering a business and issuing the required Welcome licenses within 24 hours. This has led to an increased interest by both local and regional investors in setting up operations in Burundi. The hospitality sector in Burundi no doubt remains one of the largest employers in the country and continues to show signs of strong growth. While catering to mainly business travelers, Burundi is actively The hospitality sector in developing its tourism attractions to attract more visitors. We are Burundi no doubt remains one enhancing our conservation efforts in various national parks to ensure that the flora and fauna of our country is preserved for of the largest employers in the future generations. country and continues to show signs of strong growth. I have the pleasure to welcome you. Welcome to Burundi your second home, Welcome to our Beautiful Burundi. Victoire Ndikumana, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Posts and Tourism, Burundi. www.burunditourisme.com 3 4 www.burunditourisme.com Birds take to flight at Lake Rwihinda. www.burunditourisme.com 5 CONTENTS 3. MINISTER’S FOREWORD Kaze / Welcome 9. PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD Dawn Breaks for Burundi 10. EXCLUSIVE: One on one with the Minister of Tourism for Burundi A Tourism Guide for Burundi is Published by: On Behalf of: 16. TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR BURUNDI 20. BURUNDI OPEN FOR BUSINESS New Economic Reforms power Burundian Safari Communications Ltd. National Tourism Office of Burundi, Economy P.O. BOX 13510, B.P 902, Bujumbura, Burundi. Westlands 00800, Tel: +257 22 22 20 23 Nairobi, Kenya. Fax: +257 22 22 93 25. BURUNDI SHINES AT ITB Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tourism in Burundi on a trajectory Website: www.safari-communications.com Website: www.burunditourisme.com Photographs by Denis Gathanju, Arnaud Mugisha, National Tourism Office of Burundi and Shutterstock. DISCLAIMER: The contents and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or any other organization associated with this publication. While every caution has been taken in the preparation and production of this magazine, the publisher will not accept any liability whatsoever for any inaccuracies and/or omissions. www.burunditourisme.com 29. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY 40. HOTEL BELAIR RESIDENCE Sample Bujumbura’s vibrant night life A touch of luxury in the heart of Bujumbura 31. EATING OUT 44. KIBIRA NATIONAL PARK On a culinery journey in the heart of Bujumbura Where chimps roam free 34. HOTEL CLUB DU LAC TANGANYIKA 48. ATTRACTIONS An icon of hospitality in Bujumbura Experience the sights and sounds of Burundi 36. THE ALBERTINE RIFT 54. BIRDING IN BURUNDI One of the world’s most diverse eco-regions A bird spectacle in Burundi www.burunditourisme.com 7 We provide customized tours across East Africa and now in Ethiopia. Come see the wild game in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, laze on the beach in Watamu and scale the heights of the Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. We will take you out EAST to the jungles of northern Rwanda and southern Uganda and show AFRICA you the mountain gorillas and take you to the forests of Burundi to UNVEILED show you the chimpanzees. And if you need more, we will Great Lakes throw in the beautiful beaches Expeditions is your of Zanzibar, the Historic Route discovery partner in in Ethiopia and the birds in East East Africa. Africa. Email: [email protected] Website: www.greatlakesexpeditions.net PUBLISHER’S FOREWORD Africa is on the rise. And Burundi is definitely rising with the rest of the continent. I am extremely pleased to introduce Beautiful Burundi, the first DAWN tourism guide for Burundi that seeks to create awareness locally, BREAKS FOR regionally and internationally on the developments in Burundi. Many would have written off this country, but I promise you that the BURUNDI signs are crystal clear that Burundi is on a path to a renaissance.A revival that offers better and brighter prospects for this East African nation. The recent economic reforms have really turned around this country. It is now many times easier to establish a business in Burundi. Furthermore, the Government of Burundi (GoB) is committed to ensure businesses thrive in a safe and secure environment. This has created a wonderful investment climate for both returning The tourism industry is one Burundians as well as foreign nationals and companies. of the economic sectors that The tourism industry is one of the economic sectors that has really has really caught the wind caught the wind thanks to the new reforms. The sector has over the last few years witnessed a renewed interest from Burundians as well thanks to the new reforms. as from regional and international hospitality players. This has seen The sector has over the last the locals plough massive investments, especially into the hospitality few years witnessed a renewed industry in the country. And regional and international hospitality brands have been lining up to open shop in Burundi to take advantage interest from Burundians as of the country’s rising status as a business and leisure destination. well as from regional and And what’s more, the people of this country are incredibly friendly. international hospitality They carry with them infectious smiles. players. I have been touched by their smiles, their warmth and hospitality and I invite you to visit Burundi and discover its hidden magic. Denis Gathanju, Publisher. www.burunditourisme.com 9 We are also looking at developing cruise tourism on Lake Tanganyika to facilitate connection services between Bujumbura and other neighbouring cities that have ports such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. 10 www.burunditourisme.com EXPERIENCE THE BEAT FROM THE HEART OF AFRICA urundi is rising and growing and making a determined progression looking forward to a better and brighter future. This East African nation continues to show a lot of promise in almost all spheres of its economy and has over the last few Byears continued to attract both regional and international investors – many of whom are attracted by the country’s new economic policies and a stable political climate. The tourism industry is one of the sectors that has registered tremendous growth over the last few years. Fueled by the growing businesses in the country and an equally expanding leisure industry, Burundi is a growing East African tiger. www.burunditourisme.com 11 12 www.burunditourisme.com To put matters into perspective, Burundi’s Minister for Commerce, of our nation. We have enacted new legislation that Industry, Posts and Tourism Honourable Victoire Ndikumana encourages and fosters new investments. spoke exclusively to Beautiful Burundi’s Managing Editor Denis Gathanju. Excerpts: This has further been bolstered by easy and straightforward economic policies that have made it far The tourism industry in Burundi is on a growth trajectory. much easier to register and open a business in Burundi. DG What makes Burundi such a unique destination? We now have a one-stop-shop where businesses are registered and the required licenses issued within 24 Burundi is unique in many ways. It presents a wide variety of hours. VN tourism types: lakesides across the country, natural reserves, cultural tourism, spectacular landscapes, and varied Furthermore, an enabling business environment configuration of the relief, a favourable climate, art and most in Burundi is obvious. We are investing heavily in importantly our legendary hospitality combined with our upgrading and building our infrastructure, especially outstanding drummers. all the roads that lead to the 17 provinces of Burundi and some touristic attraction sites. After being absent on the international tourism scene for more than 20 years, Burundi was reintroduced on the market We are also investing heavily in information as a new destination at WTF China, ITM Russia, WTM communications technology (ICT) by rolling out a fibre London and ITB Berlin in 2011 and 2012. The prizes we won optic cable across the country. This will make internet (Best African exhibitor in 2011and 2012 and The Best of the connection fast and affordable for everyone. Best exhibitor in 2012 at ITB Berlin) not only encouraged us but also drew considerable attention to us from the world. Aside from the points you have elaborated on. What DG We are excited to continue improving our tourism to receive else would make an investor want to plough their many visitors from around the world. money into the Burundian hospitality industry? Good question. We offer other incentives such as tax DG Why do you refer to Burundi as the beating heart of VN Africa? waivers for new businesses as well as duty free on equipment imported by these new businesses to help First of all, if you look at the map, you will see that Burundi them set up well in Burundi.