What to Pack for a Trip to Burundi
Your Essential Packing Guide by M Travel and Tours Burundi
Planning a trip to Burundi? Whether you’re heading for a cultural tour in Gitega, a boat ride on Lake Tanganyika, or hiking to the Source of the Nile, packing right is the key to enjoying your journey stress-free.
As local experts at M Travel and Tours Burundi, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers prepare for Burundi. Here’s our ultimate list of what to pack — based on real travel, real weather, and real needs.
✅ Travel Documents & Essentials
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months left)
- Visa – You can apply online or get one on arrival (depending on nationality)
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Card – Required for entry
- Travel Insurance – Always a smart idea
- Printed Travel Itinerary – Like your tour with M Travel and Tours Burundi 😉
- Cash (USD) – Especially small denominations ($5, $10, $20)
- Credit/Debit Card – For emergencies (note: not accepted everywhere)
🧥 Clothing: Light, Respectful & Comfortable
Burundi’s weather is mild tropical. It can be hot during the day and cooler in the evening, especially in highland areas like Gitega or Rutovu.
👕 Clothing List:
- Lightweight shirts and T-shirts (quick-dry preferred)
- Long-sleeved shirts (for sun and mosquito protection)
- Comfortable trousers / hiking pants
- 1–2 pairs of shorts (ok for beach or lake, but avoid for village visits)
- Light sweater or jacket (especially for evenings or highlands)
- Swimsuit (Lake Tanganyika!)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- A scarf or shawl (for sun, dust, or modesty in rural areas)
🦟 Health & Hygiene Kit
Burundi is beautiful, but remember you’re visiting East Africa — a basic travel health kit is essential.
- Mosquito repellent (with DEET or natural oil)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
- Basic first aid kit (plasters, headache relief, stomach tablets)
- Personal medications (carry prescription)
- Rehydration salts (especially useful after hikes or long days)
📷 Gear & Electronics
- Smartphone with charger
- Power bank (electricity may be unstable in rural areas)
- Universal adapter (Burundi uses Type C and E plugs, 220V)
- Camera or GoPro
- Lightweight backpack for day tours
- Flashlight or headlamp (especially for countryside stays)
💼 Optional But Recommended
- Travel guidebook or phrasebook (Kirundi and French are spoken here)
- Waterproof pouch or dry bag (for boat tours or waterfalls)
- Small gift or item from your country (great for cultural exchange)
- Notebook or journal – trust us, you’ll want to write things down
- Snacks or energy bars for long drives
🚫 What Not to Pack
- Excessive valuables – Burundi is safe with guides, but it’s best to avoid bringing expensive jewelry
- Heavy coats – You won’t need them unless visiting during the coldest months (May–July evenings in the highlands)
🎒 Bonus: What You Can Buy in Burundi
Don’t worry if you forget something! In Bujumbura and Gitega, you can find:
- Toiletries, clothes, SIM cards, snacks
- Local crafts and souvenirs (and yes — we’ll show you where!)
Final Tip from M Travel and Tours Burundi
Pack light, be flexible, and leave room for local treasures. Most importantly — pack your curiosity and sense of adventure. Burundi has a lot to offer, and we’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.
📧 For help with planning or custom packing tips, contact us directly:
📞 Tel: +257 658 272 95