BURUNDI
GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Burundi gets it name from Bantu language vocabulary Kirundi. It is a beautiful country for family vacation.
It is in central Africa landlocked bordered by Zaire 233 km, Tanzania 451 km and Rwanda 974 km.
This tiny country has easterly plateau with a steep escarpment on the western side overlooking the rift of Lake Tanganyika. It has hillocks elevations and limited plains. The mid-most plateaus are 5600ft high and it tapers towards the boundary.
There are both tropical rain forest and savanna with numerous birds, reptiles, and insects. Larger species of mammals have mostly been exterminated.
It is essentially an agricultural country which produces coffee, cotton, quinine, tobacco, sisal, oil-palm, kernels, maize, sorghum, cassava, plantains, and legumes. Cattle breeding are a major occupation and some cattle are exported.
The country has considerable mineral riches including tin, tungsten, beryllonite, gold, nickel, and uranium.
The highest elevation is Mukike at 2601 m
River arteries entwine and weave through the entire nation. Chief rivers are Ruzizi, and Ruvuvu; a long patch of land simultaneous with River Ruzizi is with maximum height of 3000ft
The threat of flood, landslide and even drought frequently looms high on the nation.
The big cities are Bururi, Ngozi, and Gitega.
THE CAPITAL
Its capital is Bujumbura; it is on the shore of Lake Tanganyika and is a port connected by a regular ship service to Zaire. To its south east is located mount Karonje.
Tourists here visit the Snake and culture Museum, Living Museum highlighting the culture of the land, the city hall, and Lake Tanganyika. Facilities for water sports activities such as fishing, sailing and skiing can also be availed and enjoyed. Wildlife can be seen at Cankuzo Gisagara Nature Reserve. There are attractive markets for shopping.
THE CLIMATE
It is hot and wet with recurrent winds but milder at higher altitudes sometimes snows. The capital and Lake Tanganyika experience equatorial conditions. Arid climate in the months of June till September; it is rainy season beginning with February lasting till May. The climatic conditions are conducive for growth of flora and fauna not only in abundance but in variety unseen else where.
HISTORY
The history traces the inhabitants of the nation to Twa hunter tribe who later became a minority group in the 15th century with the migration of Hutus. Tutsis another tribe entered the nation in hordes clinched power from Hutus and fragmented the nation into many states. Burundi was a liberated domain since 16th century. A king of Tutsi tribe ruled the land in 19th century. It was in 1890 Rwanda and Burundi became a component of Germans. German handed it over to Belgium during World War I. Since 1962 it is an independent country; Ever since the nation has witnessed strife in power struggle of rulers holding different philosophy to rule. This has affected the stability of the country.
THE POPULATION
National composition consists of Barunda, Twa pygmies and Batwa, with African lineage; some Europeans and south Asians are also there.
The religious faith is Animist, Roman Catholic and Protestants; Muslims are in puny minority.
Officially French and Kirundi are used as national language. Unofficially Swahili is the most popular dialect in use.The money transactions are through Burundi franc
TOURISM
The nation has many allied names of fondness like the ‘heart of Africa’, the Switzerland of Africa, a nation of eternal spring and a nation with thousand and one hills. It is a sort after country for scenic views in and around Lake Tanganika, Ruyubu jungle Kibira and Rutoya the inception place of River Nile. In its wild beast like antelopes, buffaloes, etc roam about freely and in abundance creating a picture perfect jungle scene.
The guided excursion at north-east located Kibira National Park in 52000 sq km is full of fun more so when beasts are spotted in their natural activities. In monsoons most animals are sighted at Deception Pan Area. The park is on even plain topology. Here one can see the Explorers Memorial of 1871.
The Kgalagadi National Park is a trans-frontier between two countries; a portion of 28000 sq km falls in the region of Burundi which has rich vegetation and wildlife like springbok, gemsbok, lion, hyena etc. Tourists love to make a halt at Rooiputs camping region in the vicinity of Nossob River Valley.
Ruvubu National Park near Ruvubu River is home to 400 types of aviary crocodile hippos and many other mammals big and small. Rusizi National Park is near Congo border is in humid region has lots of birds and big and small creatures.
Those are avid bird watchers seek out Kirundo Bird Lake a low land with scattered lakes with rare species like Cohoha, Rweru etc.
Gitega a relatively big town has National Museum, and a village of craft ware. The melodious notes of city specific drum beats are foot tapping experience. Those interested in shopping can purchase locally made products of leather, ceramic and wood craving pieces. Chutes de la Kalera is a day long journey from here; the scenic beauty here in rainy season is magnificent.
The only beaches here are around Lake Tanganyika; there is Kalera Beach, Saga Beach with simmering sands. A lot of eating joints thrive here.
The royal towns of Muramyya and Gitega are worth a visit.
ACCOMMODATION
The hotels include economy and luxury hotels. Camping is possible at National Park and hotels help in doing the bookings. Over night safari are conducted under escort supervision.
Online booking is possible through many travel sites. The increase of tourism has seen addition in the facilities and number of all categories of hotel. Facilities for business work like conference hall etc are being added to existing hotels.
FOOD
The raw ingredients used in making dishes are beans, sweet potatoes, tubers, and cabbages. The native favorite dish is Ugali and Red Kidney. Tourists and native enjoy drinking Sorghum Beer, and Banana Beer.
MUSIC
Burundi has superb tradition of folk art; the drummers and dancers of Tutsi region are renowned and enjoyed by those who visit the land.
Visit this still unexplored land of natural beauty.
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