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Gitega

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At a glance

Country
Burundi
Region
Gitega Province
Population
135,000
Best time to go
June to August
Main airport
None — nearest is Bujumbura (BJM)
Coordinates
3.43°S, 29.92°E

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Overview

Gitega became Burundi's political capital in 2019, taking over from the larger lakeside city of Bujumbura. It is a modest highland town in rolling green hills, and was the seat of the old Burundian kingdom.

That royal past is its main draw. Gitega is the place to understand Burundi's traditions, above all its famous drumming, and the surrounding hills hold some of the country's most interesting sights, including the southernmost source of the Nile.

Things to see

  • National Museum of Gitega
    Photo: Dave Proffer, CC BY 2.0

    National Museum of Gitega

    A small museum of royal regalia, drums, tools and traditional crafts, the best introduction to Burundian history.

    Tickets and tours

  • Gishora Drum Sanctuary

    A sanctuary on a hill outside town where the sacred royal drums are kept and played.

    Tickets and tours

  • Source of the Nile

    A small pyramid marks a spring at Rutovu, in the far south, claimed as the southernmost source of the Nile.

Things to do

  • Watch the royal drummers
    Photo: Cassim23, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Watch the royal drummers

    A powerful performance of drumming, dance and song that is recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage.

    Find tours
  • Karera Falls
    Photo: Zamennest, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Karera Falls

    A series of waterfalls tumbling through green hills in the south-east, a long but rewarding day trip.

  • Explore the market
    Photo: SuSanA Secretariat, CC BY 2.0

    Explore the market

    Browse the busy central market for fruit, baskets and colourful kitenge fabric.

Where to stay

  • Town centre

    A handful of simple hotels close to the museum and market.

    Hotels in Town centre

  • Bujumbura

    Many travellers base themselves in the larger city on Lake Tanganyika and visit Gitega by road.

    Hotels in Bujumbura

Getting around

The town is small; taxis and motorbike taxis cover longer distances. Hire a car and driver for the sights in the hills.

Gitega is around two hours by road from Bujumbura and its international airport.

When to go

The long dry season from June to August is the best time to visit. The highland climate is mild year-round, with rains in the other months.

Plan your trip to Gitega

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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