Cheap flights to Bujumbura airport

Discover Bujumbura

The striking cone-shaped architecture of the Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) in the Central African country of Burundi is a noticible contrast with the natural world that surrounds it. The area makes a great base for exploring Lake Tanganyika and its many wild places. If you've always wanted to visit this part of the planet, let Skyscanner's easy to use search engine help you plan your trip. Find the best air routes, the cheapest fares and even take care of your hotel and car rental needs.

Best Time to Book a Flight to Bujumbura Airport

The best time to visit Bujumbura, Burundi, is between May and October. June through August are the driest months, with temperatures around the 29 degree Celsius mark. Skyscanner's Whole Month Search program can help you find the cheapest rates even during this busy season. By being able to compare the fares for an entire month at once, you'll be able to get the best deal. Being flexible with your dates and trying to fly midweek helps.

Airlines That Fly to Bujumbura Airport

Most airlines flying into Bujumbura International are from within Africa and the Middle East. Kenya Air has service from Nairobi and Kigali, while Ethiopian Airlines flies out of Addis Ababa. RiwandAir also provides flights from Kigali. Brussels Airlines brings passengers from Brussels, Belgium. If your departure is from any other locale, connecting flights into these four cities will get you into Bujumbura.

What to Expect When Arriving at the Airport

Bujumbura International Airport is a one terminal facility. It's easy to navigate, but passenger services are limited. The terminal is open for the first flight departure and then closes after the last arrival of the day. A small duty-free shop and café are in the pre-security area, and a second small café is on the second floor, near the departure gates. Check-in rules for flights are followed to the letter. The guards tend to close the security desk one hour and 15 minutes before a flight departure, and they rarely accept excuses as to why you were late. On your return flight, be sure you are on time. Canadians need a tourist visa to visit Burundi. Apply and pay for your visa before you leave. Allow enough time for the visa to arrive by mail, which can take up to two months. The Burundi consulate is in Toronto.

The easiest way to get into town is by taxi, which costs about $13.00 CAD for the 7-kilometre tip. Porters in the baggage area transport your items to the taxi and do appreciate a tip. Accepted currency is the Burundian Franc. It's wise to change some cash into the Burundian currency before you leave home or at a connecting airport. ATMs are available, but they often run out of cash. Currency exchange offices are available in the city's Central Market area.

What to See and Do in Bujumbura

Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, Central Africa, the Bujumbura area offers the chance to explore the natural world. Visiting the lake's Saga Beach is a must for those wanting to get some sun and swim in warm waters. As the second largest body of freshwater in the world, Lake Tanganyika is big enough to provide a bit of wave action. Roughly 15 kilometres north of the city is Rusizi National Park. Tours may be arranged, so you get as close as safely possible to hippos, zebra, and other wildlife. Bird-watching in the park and around Lake Tanganyika is first rate. Bujumbura is also home to an eclectic collection of restaurants. You'll find a combination of French and Burundi foods at Le Jardin Gourmand and French pastries at Le Café Gourmand. At the Botanika restaurant, located in the Hotel Botanika, sample some French and Moroccan food combinations. Hungry for pizza? Feed that craving at the Kibiko Grill, which also serves kebabs and fresh fish. The Chinese Restaurant Club even brings the taste of the Far East to downtown Bujumbura.