Tour Burundi: Keeping a Car on the Road

Written by Sandra Shibura

The ability to keep a car on the road depends largely on the driver’s driving skills, the state of the wheels, the state of the suspension parts, and generally the condition of the car being driven. In this article, we are writing about vehicle vibrations, wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and taking care of suspension on a regular basis.

Bujumbura was nicknamed by the people that reside in it as Buja la Belle meaning Buja the beauty. Generally, due to its location, climate, size, beauty, positioning, people, and ambiance, Buja is regarded as one of the most beautiful capitals in East Africa. It draws most of these factors from her proximity to the famous Lake Tanganyika.

The History

Bujumbura was been created in 1897 by western missionaries. At that time the city was named “Usumbura”. Usumbura was not occupied at all because of the very old legend where it is said that the King was forbidden to see the Lake. This legend was further complicated by the serious bouts of malaria given that Usumbura was located in a plain alongside Lake Tanganyika. The missionaries brought with them some workers from Tanzania. It is these workers that are believed to be the first occupants of the city. In 1916 when the Germans lost the war, the Belgians became the administrators of Ruanda-Urundi and decided that Bujumbura will be the administrative and political capital of Ruanda-Urundi.

Bujumbura was strategically placed and had an excellent climate with access to Congo. The Belgians decided to build a harbor in Bujumbura to stimulate business between Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. During the period of the Belgian Mandate, the Governor of Ruanda-Urundi gave to Bujumbura a special Status because they did not use the same laws as was done in other parts of the country. It is believed that the Belgian Administrative officers wanted to separate Bujumbura from Burundi to form an international zone, but the Mwami of Burundi Mwezi Gisabo refused. In 1962, when Burundi got her independence, the name changed to Bujumbura.

Bujumbura and her Life
Bujumbura lies in the low lands at the foot of the Western Rift Valley along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Whatever means you use to come into Bujumbura the first impression is of a Capital lying alongside the magnificent Lake Tanganyika. The Discovery of Bujumbura will start with a visit to the Central Market located in the city center where, you will find everything you need so as to enjoy your stay in Bujumbura. The Market is modern and organized with colorful designs but you will not miss the noise, the crowds negotiating up to the last penny, and the aroma from the restaurants around. Be sure to visit the main street where you can buy all kinds of electronics and due to the activities in the place the Police are all over to ensure safety and security.
By the time you finish your activities in the central market and the busy main street, we suggest you take a small break and go for a coffee and a small snack at places such as:

•  “ Geny’s Café”
•  “Aroma”
•  “Rusco Plaza”,

Be rest assured that you will enjoy the quality of Burundian coffee.

After a small break, you should go to visit “Le Musée vivant” which is an animal museum. At this time the sun will be up and a bit hot. Furthermore, most people go home for a siesta so it should be time to go back to your hotel. Most hotels in the city center have swimming pools, but there is no harm in visiting Lake Tanganyika where you will have a choice between swimming, sailing, or eating the excellent fish.

The city center is dotted with hotels and you can choose among the hotels as listed under the accommodation section of this magazine. Along Lake Tanganyika, you will have a variety of hotels of different standards and prices but we recommend that you visit Saga Plage, Royal Palm Resort, and Club Hotel Tanganyika.

On the hills overlooking Bujumbura, you can find the burial site of Burundian Independence hero Prince Rwagasore and you can also have a clear view of the city by visiting Le Belvedere and Chez Vaya. There are many places to dine and these include restaurants in the city center and hotels that serve Burundi’s fresh food that include fish like “Mukeke”, “Sangala” or “Indagala”. Some of these places include; Botanika, Roca Golf Hotel, Oasis, Chez Béa traiteur, Le Safran, Kiboko Grill at Ubuntu Residence, Bora Bora Beach Club, La Vigne, Pasta Comedia, Chez Andre, Taj Mahal and Le Kasuku. Once full of the noise in the market, fish at the above restaurants, the sky in Buja gets dark and it is time to enjoy for few hours of “Buja by night” at some very special places such as: Makki, Havana, Chez Kuta, and Cappuccino. However, if your interests are about dancing then the place to be is: Club Havana, Au Monocle, Get Up, and Ruhara.

About the Writer:
Sandra Shibura is the Proprietor of Authentic Burundi Tour and can be reached on +25779710576 or Sandra@ab-tour.com or www.ab-tour.com