This is a road trip report from August 2023 detailing how I travelled from Makamba to Kigoma, crossing from Burundi to Tanzania at the Manyovu (also called Mugina) border.
Burundi
I backpacked Burundi in 2023. I crossed from Rwanda, visiting Bujumbura, Gitega, finally getting to the Southernmost Source of the River Nile, high in the hills near Rutana.
How to get from Kigali to Bujumbura by bus
Travelling on a Volcano Express Bus from Kigali to Bujumbura, crossing the Rwanda-Burundi border at Kanyaru.
The Rwanda-Burundi border has been closed since January 11, 2024, after President Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of backing the DRC-based armed group Red Tabara against his government.
How to get a Visa Extension for Burundi – Step by Step Guide
I crossed the Rwanda-Burundi border at Kanyaru. I only got a 3-day visa, so I needed to go to the immigration office and extend it (2023)
Here is my step-by-step guide for getting a Burundi Visa Extension in Bujumbura.
How to get from Bujumbura to Gitega
There is a distinct lack of information on how to travel in Burundi. Luckily, I am here to fill in that massive void.
In this blog post, I show you how I travelled from Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi, to Gitega, the political capital of Burundi, on the Doucement Express Bus.
How to get from Gitega to Rutana
The journey across Burundi continues. On the road less travelled from Gitega to Rutana.
How to get from Rutana to Makamba
Having successfully backpacked the Southernmost Source of the River Nile, the journey continues. From Rutana to Makamba.
Backpacking to the Southernmost Source of the River Nile in Burundi
Having backpacked the Source of the River Nile in Jinja, Uganda, I then backpacked to the Southernmost source, high in the hills above Lake Tanganyika in Burundi.
Changing Money on the Black Market in Burundi
It doesn’t make sense to use ATMs in Burundi because the bank rate is so low, so it is best to change money on the black market.
Here I describe how to change your US Dollars to Burundi Francs.