Transport in Burundi: a fast-changing sector

Burundi has several modes of transport to make it easier for its inhabitants and visitors to get around. Whether by land, lake or air, transport in Burundi offers a variety of options to suit everyone's needs.

Ground transportation IN BURUNDI

Land transport is the most widely used mode of transport in Burundi, for both urban and interurban journeys. The country has some 14,000 km of roads, of which 12 % are paved. The road network links the country's main cities, as well as neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are several options for getting around on Burundi's roads:

• Visit shared buses Minibuses: these are minibuses that provide public transport in and between towns. They are generally crowded, overloaded and poorly maintained, but they are cheap and practical. They run on fixed routes, stopping at bus stations.
• Visit cabs cars Taxis: these are private cars that offer taxi-on-demand services. They are more comfortable and faster than shared buses, but also more expensive. They can be booked by phone or mobile app, or hailed on the street. They use meters or negotiate the fare in advance.
• Visit motorcycle cabs Taxis: these are motorcycles that offer personal cab services. They are very popular in the inner suburbs, as they are fast, agile and able to weave through traffic. They are also less expensive than car cabs, but more risky, which is why they are banned from downtown Bujumbura. They are equipped with helmets for passengers and comply with traffic regulations.
• Visit bicycle cabs Bicycles: these are bicycles fitted with a seat to carry a passenger. They are mainly found in rural areas, where roads are less passable. They are ecological, economical and user-friendly, but slow and tiring. They are often used for short distances or tourist trips.
• Visit bajajs (tuktuks) The motorized tricycle is used to carry two or three passengers. They are very common in inland towns and around Bujumbura, where they are an alternative to motorcycle cabs. They are more stable and comfortable than motorcycle cabs, but also slower and noisier. They are often decorated with bright colors and slogans. They are accessible and cheap, but you need to negotiate the price before you get in.

Lake transport in Burundi

Lake transport is the mode of transport used to move around Lake Tanganyika, Burundi's largest lake. Burundi's national port is the Port of Bujumbura, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is the country's only port and plays an important role in trade and transport with neighboring countries. It has a capacity of 500,000 tonnes a year.

The port of Bujumbura is currently being rehabilitated and modernized, thanks to funding from the Japanese government. It includes the construction of a shipyard, a container terminal, the detour of the Buyenzi canal and the dredging of the port basin. The aim is to improve the port's safety, performance and competitiveness, as well as to reduce transport costs for economic operators.

The Port of Bujumbura is a fast-growing sector, which broke its traffic record in 2020, with over 300,000 tonnes of goods handled. The port welcomes ships of various sizes and origins, notably from Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Europe. The port also offers ferry, speedboat and pirogue services for travelers wishing to discover Lake Tanganyika.

The Port of Bujumbura is therefore a major asset for Burundi, which is seeking to open up and develop. The port contributes to regional integration, economic diversification and job creation. The port is also a place of culture and tourism, offering a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings.

There are several options for getting around Lake Tanganyika:

• Visit ferries These are high-capacity boats that transport passengers and goods between the lake's ports. They are regular, reliable and safe, but slow and sometimes overcrowded. They serve the towns of Bujumbura, Kigoma, Mpulungu and Uvira.
• Visit high-speed boats Our boats: these are small-capacity boats that offer fast, personalized transport services on the lake. They are comfortable, fast and flexible, but expensive and subject to weather conditions. They can be hired from travel agencies or lakeside hotels.
• Visit canoes The lake boats: these are traditional rowing or sailing boats used for local transport or fishing on the lake. They are authentic, cheap and picturesque, but unstable and unsafe. They are used by lake dwellers and adventurous tourists alike.

Air transport in burundi

Air travel is the mode of transport to and from Burundi. Burundi has a single international airport, located in Bujumbura, the country's capital. It handles scheduled and charter flights to and from Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

For air travel, international airlines are numerous and varied, offering quality and safety. Airlines serving Burundi include Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir and Air Tanzania.

In a nutshell

Overall, Burundi's transport sector plays a crucial role in facilitating mobility, trade and tourism, contributing to the country's development and integration into the global economy. As infrastructure continues to improve and services expand, transport in Burundi is poised for further progress in the years ahead.