With its exquisite mountains, clear lakes and wide African skies, Burundi is a tiny country of great natural beauty. Sadly its history has been marked by ethnic conflict that has yet to completely subside, and the dangers make it essential to have robust Burundi insurance in place.
Sudden outbreaks of violence and civil unrest are still likely throughout the country ¬– attacks and ambushes by former soldiers, rebel forces, and gangs of youths occur frequently. Humanitarian workers here have been robbed and even killed. Near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a high risk of kidnapping.
No part of Burundi can be considered safe. Carjacking, purse snatching, pickpocketing, robbery, and theft from vehicles are common; travellers are advised to keep valuables, travel documents, and cash in hotel safes and to make separate copies of important documents, including passports.
Medical care and prescription drugs in this country are very limited and health facilities are deteriorating. If you were to get seriously ill or have an accident, you would need to be evacuated to Nairobi, Kenya or South Africa for treatment. Your Burundi insurance should include comprehensive cover for health and medical evacuation.
The level of HIV/AIDS infection in Burundi is high, as is the transmission of waterborne diseases. Drinking water should be boiled or sterilised and swimming in lakes and rivers is unsafe. During the rainy season (from February through to mid-May) heavy downpours are common and these can result in flash floods that make roads impassable. It’s wise to keep informed of the weather forecasts when planning any travel in Burundi.