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HomeRoad TripsAfricaCentral AfricaBurundiBurundi
Burundi countryside

Burundi Road Trip

Bujumbura - Gatumba - Kayanza - Muyinga - Buhinyuza - Gitega - Rutana - Makamba - Nyanza Lac - Rumonge - Buyenzi

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Wildlife Wildlife
Culture Culture
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Burundi Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages11 km660 h/stage2.8

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Burundi Road Trip in Burundi?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,052EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 926EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,978EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,052EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 1,111EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,668EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,720EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,376EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 2,376EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,115EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,491EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,700EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 660EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,123EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,823EUR
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Burundi Road Trip Itinerary

The Burundi Road Trip is a great way to explore the country. Starting in the capital city of Bujumbura, the 660km route takes you through some of the most beautiful and culturally rich areas of Burundi. Along the way, you'll visit Gatumba, Muyinga, Gitega, Makamba, Nyanza Lac, Rumonge and Buyenzi. Each of these towns offers something unique, from stunning landscapes to fascinating cultural attractions. The best time to take the Burundi Road Trip is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. However, it is important to be aware that some roads may be inaccessible due to the weather conditions and some may be accessible only with a 4WD. You should also be aware of potential border crossings and narrow roads along the route. The Burundi Road Trip is suitable for all types of drivers and can be completed within a fair budget. With a recommended time of 12 days to complete the trip, it is the perfect way to explore the country and experience the beauty and culture of Burundi.
number of days 12 number of days
route length 660 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for adventurer good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Bujumbura

Distance 660 km Driving time 31.0 h Pace: slow 151.9 kWh Airports BJM
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Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, is the starting point for the Burundi Road Trip. Sitting on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, it is a great launchpad for exploring the country. Those flying into the country can arrive at Bujumbura International Airport (BJM), where car rentals are available. The city itself offers a range of sights to see, including the National Museum of Burundi, which has a wealth of information on the country's history, and the Bururi Natural Reserve, home to an array of wildlife. The city also offers plenty of opportunities to experience the local culture, with vibrant markets, traditional music and dance performances, and some of the best cuisine in the country. From Bujumbura, the road trip can take you to the country's stunning lakes, lush forests, and breathtaking mountains. To the south, you can explore the Kibira National Park, with its diverse wildlife, and to the east, you can discover the rolling hills of the Muramvya Province. Bujumbura is the perfect place to kick off the Burundi Road Trip and explore the country's hidden gems. Start here and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.

1 Bujumbura - Gatumba

Distance 16 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 3.7 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options attractive landscape dining venues scenic road
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Embark on a scenic road trip from Bujumbura, Burundi to Gatumba. Start your journey by visiting the Rusizi National Park, located at a distance of 16 km and a drive time of fewer than 1 hour. Here, you can witness the amazing wildlife, the picturesque landscapes, and the lush vegetation. Take some time to explore the park and appreciate the unique beauty it has to offer. As you continue your journey, keep your eyes open for interesting historical sites, breathtaking views, and other attractions that you may pass by. Make sure to take lots of pictures, as these will be great memories to look back on! Finally, you will arrive in Gatumba, the destination of your road trip. Here, you can take the time to explore the city, take in the sights, and sample the local cuisine. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Experience the beauty of Burundi and embark on a road trip from Bujumbura to Gatumba!

2 Gatumba - Kayanza

Distance 129 km Driving time 6.1 h Pace: slow 29.6 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road stretches of gravel road
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Gatumba to Kayanza, 129 km away, and explore the wonders of Burundi. This journey will take you less than 6 hours and is a great opportunity to see the stunning Kibira National Park. For the adventurous traveler, a 4WD is required in certain sections as the road narrows. Make sure to pay attention to the scenic road, as it will be a journey you won't soon forget. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region and take in the sights. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the itinerary of this stage. With its stunning landscapes and hidden gems, this road trip is an experience you won't want to miss.

3 Kayanza - Muyinga

Distance 106 km Driving time 4.8 h Pace: slow 24.3 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of narrow road stretches of gravel road
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Embark on an epic road trip from Kayanza to Muyinga, Burundi. This 106km drive will take you less than 5 hours, so you can enjoy the scenery and take in the local culture. A 4WD is required for some sections of the route, and some sections may be closed seasonally. The road will be narrow in some sections, so pay attention while driving. You will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in Burundi, including Kibimba Rice Fields, a great spot for birdwatching, and the Muyinga Natural Reserve, where you can explore the lush forests and spot some of the local wildlife. For those looking for a more cultural experience, the Muyinga Market is a must-see. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

4 Muyinga - Buhinyuza

Distance 22 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: slow 5.2 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only stretches of gravel road scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of narrow road
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure from Muyinga to Buhinyuza? This 22 km journey will take you less than two hours and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Burundian countryside. Be sure to have a 4WD vehicle as some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. The road is narrow in some sections, so be sure to keep your eyes open as you drive. You will be delighted with the stunning scenery along the way. Be sure to stop in Muyinga to explore the colonial architecture and the bustling markets. In Buhinyuza, you can admire the breathtaking views of the mountains and the lush green forests. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!

5 Buhinyuza - Gitega

Distance 97 km Driving time 4.7 h Pace: slow 22.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options 4WD only stretches of gravel road limited number of petrol stations dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of narrow road
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip starting in Buhinyuza, Burundi and ending in Gitega? This 97km journey will take you fewer than 5 hours and you'll get to explore the most interesting places along the way. Make sure you have a 4WD, as some sections of the route may be difficult to traverse, and keep in mind that there may be a lack of gas stations. Also, be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. The road will be narrow in some sections, so pay attention to the scenic views. You'll be able to find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route in the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready for an amazing journey and enjoy the beautiful sights of Burundi!

6 Gitega - Rutana

Distance 67 km Driving time 3.2 h Pace: slow 15.4 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape 4WD only stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Gitega to Rutana? This 67km journey will take you no more than 4 hours to complete, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Burundian countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for picturesque landscapes and scenic roads, but be aware that some sections may require a 4WD vehicle. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites to keep you entertained and well-fed. Make sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information. So what are you waiting for? Get behind the wheel and explore the beauty of Gitega to Rutana!

7 Rutana - Makamba

Distance 47 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: slow 10.8 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Welcome to the Rutana to Makamba road trip! This spectacular journey will take you on a scenic drive of 47 km through Burundi’s breathtaking landscape, taking no more than three hours. We recommend you use a 4WD car for this route as the roads can be narrow in certain sections. The journey starts in Rutana, a small town with a beautiful lake and a lively market. From here, you’ll drive to Makamba, a town known for its beautiful hills and traditional architecture. You’ll be able to explore the local culture and enjoy the stunning views. The scenery along the route is breathtaking, so make sure you take the time to soak in the beauty of the landscape. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

8 Makamba - Nyanza Lac

Distance 42 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: slow 9.7 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Get ready for an amazing road trip starting in Makamba, Burundi and ending in Nyanza Lac! This journey of 42 km will take you less than 2 hours to complete and you'll get to see some of the most stunning views of the region. You will need a 4WD vehicle to take on the narrow sections of the road, however, the scenic views you'll enjoy along the way will make the drive totally worth it. Make sure to keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife and nature that you'll pass by. Once you reach Nyanza Lac, you'll be able to take a break and explore the area. There are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy in the area, so be sure to take your time and make the most out of your journey. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the stage's "Itinerary". Enjoy the ride!

9 Nyanza Lac - Rumonge

Distance 51 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: slow 11.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips border crossing 4WD recommended dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Nyanza Lac, Burundi to Rumonge, Burundi - a journey of 51 km that will take you less than 3 hours. Get ready to cross a border, as you will be travelling through Tanganjika Lake. We recommend that you take a 4WD car for this journey, as parts of the road will be narrow. Along the way, you will be treated to scenic views, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! There are numerous attractions and activities to explore, including lakeside beaches, historical sites, and local markets. Accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to experience the beauty of Burundi - it will be a journey you won't forget!

10 Rumonge - Buyenzi

Distance 45 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: slow 10.4 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only stretches of gravel road limited number of petrol stations dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of narrow road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Rumonge to Buyenzi! This 45km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours to complete, and you should definitely have a 4WD to make the most of it. Along the way, you'll be treated to some stunning views as the road winds through the countryside. Be aware that there may be limited gas stations on this route, and some sections may be closed seasonally. In some areas, the road can be quite narrow, so be sure to drive carefully. Don't forget to take a few breaks to admire the scenery! Once you arrive in Buyenzi, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore. From fascinating historical sites to delicious local cuisine, there's something for everyone. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your journey.

11 Buyenzi - Bujumbura

Distance 38 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: slow 8.8 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready to take a road trip from Buyenzi to Bujumbura? This 38km journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the fascinating sights and sounds of Burundi. The journey will take you less than 2 hours, so you can make the most of your time. Start your journey in Buyenzi, the capital of Bururi Province. Here you can explore the historical sites, including the Buyenzi Catholic Cathedral, which was built in the 19th century. As you drive through the countryside, you can take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and lush vegetation. Continue your journey to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. Here you can visit the vibrant markets, the impressive modern architecture, and the bustling nightlife. Take a stroll through the city's historic center, where you can admire the colonial-style buildings, and visit the National Museum of Burundi to learn more about the country's culture and history. As you drive along the route, be sure to keep an eye out for interesting sights and sounds. You can also take a break to enjoy a picnic in the countryside or take a dip in the lake. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Buyenzi to Bujumbura!

  Bujumbura

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The final destination of the "Burundi Road Trip" is the capital city of Bujumbura. Located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Bujumbura is a vibrant city with many interesting attractions. One of the main attractions is the Livingstone-Stanley Monument, a historic site commemorating the famous explorers. The museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from the city’s past, is also worth a visit. The city is home to several parks, including the Congo Nile Trail, a nature reserve that offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills. The city also has several beaches, including the popular Coco Beach, which is great for swimming and sunbathing. For those looking for an adventure, the nearby Kibira National Park offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and camping. For those who prefer to travel by air, Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) is the closest international airport to the city. It has regular flights to many African countries as well as to Europe. At the end of the "Burundi Road Trip", travelers can look forward to exploring Bujumbura’s many attractions and getting a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Bujumbura is sure to have something to offer.

Burundi Road Trip at a glance

We hope that our Burundi Road Trip has become a superb inspiration for your future travels.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original highlights.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Burundi, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of elements to remember to turn your trip into pure pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all holidayers considering renting a vehicle or hiring a camper in Burundi.
When on a tour around Burundi, there are numerous road rules to be mindful of. When moving around Burundi in a car, try to avoid spirits. Holidaymakers should remember that the amount of alcohol you can consume is very low and equals only 0‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 60km/h, in urban areas may result in a speeding fine. When it comes to undeveloped areas, you should be mindful of the fact that the maximum car speed is 100km/h. On highways, 100km/h is the permissible speed that you should never exceed in Burundi. In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. Of course, depending on the budget option that you’re interested in, the money that you have to spend on your trip expenses will differ. Take a look at the available budget options.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 12 stages while travelling around Burundi will be roughly 88 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost holidaymakers around 550 EUR. Holidaymakers who go for this option will spend around 288 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay approximately 2,052 EUR if they choose the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 926 EUR to around 2,978 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you should be prepared to pay the maximum of 125 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses may amount up to approximately 1,111 EUR. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is approximately 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car should expect a cost of around 2,052 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 3,720 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try car hire and 1,668 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding tourists. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 5,491 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend around 3,115 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium hire car can expect a cost of about 2,376 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the itinerary, you need to spend the maximum of 163 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Holidaymakers who are considering top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay around 2,376 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 576 EUR for restaurants and food.
Burundi Road Trip is also a thrilling opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. If you choose this travel option, the costs will be up to approximately 2,700 EUR. Travellers will spend around 175 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the Burundi Road Trip. Holidaymakers who would like to go for camper rental should expect to pay around 660 EUR for accommodation and approximately 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
All of the details can be easily followed in the Road Trip Costs section.
The part of Burundi presented in our road trip idea is superb to be visited between June and September. There are countless intriguing road trips that are available on our website if Burundi Road Trip has inspired you. Hopefully, the broad spectrum of trips will definitely meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.

Facts for safer driving in Burundi

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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