Backpacking in Burundi: Staying at the Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura
Posted: August 19 2023 | Tagged: Burundi
The Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura, Burundi makes a great base for budget travellers. Great location, cheap, clean and has good Wi-Fi.
Hotel in Bujumbura for less than 10 USD a night:
My review of the Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura, Burundi.
This is not a sponsored post. I am still paying my way.
Finding the Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura was a stroke of genius.
Once again, my MO, my Modus Operandi was Google Maps.
This is not a sponsored post. I am still paying my way.
Finding the Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura was a stroke of genius.
Once again, my MO, my Modus Operandi was Google Maps.
My first night in town was at the Urban Hotel. Of course, it was beyond the budget of a backpacker but what the hell.
Yet despite such comfort, I didn't sleep well. I was knackered beyond belief. Too knackered to sleep.
I'd been given 3 days on arrival at the main border between Kigali and Bujumbura, and was deciding what to do.
Get the hell out of Dodge or go and get a visa extension, which would be a mission in itself.
I was determined not to be beaten by the tough conditions. Travelling in Africa is arduous and the truth be told, I ain't 25 any more.
And after some consideration, cos I hate to quit, I decided that I was going to go and try to get a visa extension.
I have come a long way. And the best things ain't always easy.
But first I need a cheaper place to stay.
I'd zoomed in on Google Maps, let the hotels load and looked at a few of them.
There is a hostel on the booking sites but its a long way from town and the others online are around the 50 USD mark. That hurts the pockets of budget travellers but 80% of the hotels in Africa aint even online and if you go local, you can get private rooms for less than a dorm room in a hostel and it doesn't mean roughing it!
The Camel Africa Hotel stuck out. It had mixed reviews by locals wanting 5-star comfort at 2-star prices. For 10 USD a night, you get what you pay.
I don't expect much when paying 10 USD a night. If there is a bed, then I'm good. A chair and a table is just a bonus.
I need a bed and a way to rig up my mosquito net.
After breakfast, I headed over there. It looked ideal. As a veteran of 103 UN-LISTED COUNTRIES, I can tell at first glance if it will be ok. And for 10 USD a night, it was a bloody good deal.
I paid upfront. Headed back to the Urban Lodge and checked out and so took a taxi back to the Camel Africa Hotel.
So what do you get for 10 USD a night in Bujumbura, Burundi?
I tell ya!
Friendly and interested receptionist, Mamba Rwanda Hostel staff, take note. A smile costs nothing!!
The person who greets you upon arrival sets the scene. A happy receptionist is the 1st priority.
I have a room with a comfortable bed, fan, and private bathroom.
Despite the (fake) reviews about the WiFi, it works just fine. Each floor has its own router!
Downstairs is the restaurant. With meals at OK prices. Service is a bit slow but hey, "This Is Africa"
Comfortable double bed:
Yet despite such comfort, I didn't sleep well. I was knackered beyond belief. Too knackered to sleep.
I'd been given 3 days on arrival at the main border between Kigali and Bujumbura, and was deciding what to do.
Get the hell out of Dodge or go and get a visa extension, which would be a mission in itself.
I was determined not to be beaten by the tough conditions. Travelling in Africa is arduous and the truth be told, I ain't 25 any more.
And after some consideration, cos I hate to quit, I decided that I was going to go and try to get a visa extension.
I have come a long way. And the best things ain't always easy.
But first I need a cheaper place to stay.
I'd zoomed in on Google Maps, let the hotels load and looked at a few of them.
There is a hostel on the booking sites but its a long way from town and the others online are around the 50 USD mark. That hurts the pockets of budget travellers but 80% of the hotels in Africa aint even online and if you go local, you can get private rooms for less than a dorm room in a hostel and it doesn't mean roughing it!
The Camel Africa Hotel stuck out. It had mixed reviews by locals wanting 5-star comfort at 2-star prices. For 10 USD a night, you get what you pay.
I don't expect much when paying 10 USD a night. If there is a bed, then I'm good. A chair and a table is just a bonus.
I need a bed and a way to rig up my mosquito net.
After breakfast, I headed over there. It looked ideal. As a veteran of 103 UN-LISTED COUNTRIES, I can tell at first glance if it will be ok. And for 10 USD a night, it was a bloody good deal.
I paid upfront. Headed back to the Urban Lodge and checked out and so took a taxi back to the Camel Africa Hotel.
So what do you get for 10 USD a night in Bujumbura, Burundi?
I tell ya!
Friendly and interested receptionist, Mamba Rwanda Hostel staff, take note. A smile costs nothing!!
The person who greets you upon arrival sets the scene. A happy receptionist is the 1st priority.
I have a room with a comfortable bed, fan, and private bathroom.
Despite the (fake) reviews about the WiFi, it works just fine. Each floor has its own router!
Downstairs is the restaurant. With meals at OK prices. Service is a bit slow but hey, "This Is Africa"
Comfortable double bed:
There is a mosquito net but I used my own:
Bathroom with toilet, bum gun, shower. No hot water but when it's 30 degrees out, cold suits me just fine.
How was the night?
It's quiet. It's of course very hot. You don't need a blanket or sheet and under my mosquito net, I slept naked.
There is a mosque pretty near. Be prepared for the 5 am Call to Prayer.
It doesn't look too much but looks can be deceiving.
Bathroom with toilet, bum gun, shower. No hot water but when it's 30 degrees out, cold suits me just fine.
How was the night?
It's quiet. It's of course very hot. You don't need a blanket or sheet and under my mosquito net, I slept naked.
There is a mosque pretty near. Be prepared for the 5 am Call to Prayer.
It doesn't look too much but looks can be deceiving.
Room 204 at the Camel Africa Hotel in Bujumbura:
Cold water showers! Just the job when it's 30 degrees out!
Room with a view looking East towards the mountains:
Check out the Camel Africa Hotel website and follow them on Facebook
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