8 Things To Know Before Moving To Burundi Plus Tips Advice
In 2022, I packed everything and took an international flight with our one-year-old toddler. Three planes and 22 hours later we arrived in Bujumbura, Burundi. Two years later I am back stateside and we brought along another toddler. What an unexpected turn of events, huh?
While in Burundi, I’ve learned a few lessons throughout my unexpected journey. For people who are considering moving to Burundi, this article is for you. Here is what I wish I knew before leaping in hopes that your transition will be much smoother than mine.
The Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a must visit. It is located in Gitega, Burundi. It is where the World Famous Burundi Royal Drummers perform.
Don’t move to Burundi relying on getting a job on the ground
It is difficult to find a job in Burundi. You would have more luck looking online and getting a job before moving there. Many jobs there do not pay well and many require you to know somebody that knows somebody who knows somebody. The job market is very competitive and many youths struggle to find work every day.
2. Water & Electricity
Being able to get water and electricity 24/7 is a luxury in Burundi. The current water and electric systems cannot support how fast the population has grown. There may be a few times when you don’t have electricity or water. This can go from less than 1 minute to a few days. I would suggest getting a water tank and a generator or solar Panels for your home.
Catching a breeze on Lake Tanganyika is my favorite way to pass time.
3. Road Safety is a major problem
According to the World Health Organization, Africa is the continent with the highest number of road accidents despite having the least number of vehicles. There is the dangerous overtaking, speeding, and overall reckless driving. I do not recall ever seeing a speed limit sign during our time there. Seatbelts are not important. Car seats for children are not imperative.
4. Having a car helps
The bad roads and limited public transportation options make having a car in Burundi easier and more effective. I would also recommend hiring a driver to not only help the economy but this person will help you get to different places and communicate with the authorities on your behalf. Else, you either spend a lot of money on Uberstaxis or a lot of time/sweat on the tuk tuk or the bus. Do expect lots of car maintenance, the roads are tough on vehicles.
This was our vehicle that we purchased in Burundi. It is more wise to purchase a vehicle on the ground than to ship a vehicle there.
5. Don’t expect high-speed internet.
There is internet but it’s not the capacity you may be looking forward to having. If you plan to work from home or work online I would recommend getting fiber optic internet at your home or rent out an office at a hotel. I had friends book hotel rooms for a few days so they can work during their vacation to Burundi.
6. Think about Essential life Services.
How will you work around things such as health care/health insurance? How will you navigate around this if your job does not provide health insurance? Do you have a dentist, doctor, plumber, cleaner, dispatcher, painter, or police officer’s number available? Do you have emergency contacts or nannies if you have children? Waiting till you need a specific profession before you acquire their number is not safe, especially in Burundi where there are few professionals for the population size.
A view from Izege, Gitega.
7. Even you can be an entrepreneur.
Burundi is the land of opportunity. It is a young country with many young people looking for work. There so many business ventures that can be successful in Burundi. I would suggest meeting and connecting with other entrepreneurs so they can guide you and encourage you during the process.
8. Burundi can be difficult to acclimate to, work with, and grow within.
The best thing I did in my move was to stay teachable, open, and humble to many different people and circumstances. This has endeared others to me and me to them while providing me with opportunities I never could have dreamed about.
