Moving From Bujumbura to Gitega, Burundi
When we first moved to Burundi, we believed Bujumbura would offer everything we needed. We rented a house in Gasekebuye, one of the city's best neighborhoods, with breathtaking views that made us feel like we were living a dream. We chose Gasekebuye for its hilltop location, hoping the elevation would bring a refreshing breeze and keep mosquitoes at bay. However, just three weeks in, we realized it was just as hot, and the mosquitoes still found us. Our 13-month-old daughter woke up every 2-3 hours with heat bumps on her chest, and I was terrified of malaria. It wasn't until we moved to Gitega that we finally found relief.
Gitega is a slower, smaller town where life moves at a gentler pace. With almost everything closing by 10 p.m. and a community where everybody knows everybody, Gitega may not be as developed as Bujumbura, but it has its own unique vibe and lively spirit. The best part? It’s only a two-hour drive from Bujumbura, making it a perfect escape without being too far from the city.
We found our new home in Bwoga, a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Centre Ville. We rented a spacious 4-bedroom house with a huge yard, perfect for our growing family. The property included a small farming area, an outside storage room, two avocado trees, a water tank, and a "chamblet"—a room and bathroom for employees. Rent was more affordable in Gitega than in Bujumbura, allowing us to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. We even started farming and raising sheep, connecting more deeply with the land.
Life in Gitega was a breath of fresh air. The weather was similar to what we experienced in Nashville—sunny during the day and cooler in the evening, just right for a light jacket. Summers were bright and warm, and the rain during the rainy season was a beautiful reminder of nature's rhythms. We spent our days outdoors, enjoying the serenity of farming, walking, and exploring our new surroundings.
Gitega offered us a slower pace, a stronger sense of community, and a chance to reconnect with the simple joys of life. If you’re curious about the cost of living in Bujumbura and Gitega, drop a comment, and we’ll share our monthly budget.
