Gitega is the second largest city of Burundi and since 2019 the national political capital, as well as the capital of the Gitega Province.

Understand

With 135,000 inhabitants, Gitega is the second most populous city of the country. Until 1966, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Burundi. The city is in the middle of Burundi, and at about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level.

Get in

There are roads from all directions, and you can get in by bus, taxi or driving yourself. The distance from Bujumbura, the largest city where Burundi's international airport is located, is 62 km (39 mi).

Gitega has an airport (GID), but as of April 2020 there are no scheduled services.

See

• 1 National Museum, 11 Avenue du 13 Octobre. Opened in 1955, the Burundian National Museum presents exhibits related to Burundian royalty from the early 20th century, archaeologic discoveries, everyday objects from jewelry to pots and spears, and coins from the colonial era. 5,000 Fbu. (updated Apr 2020)
• 2 Christ the King Cathedral (Cathédrale du Christ-Roi de Gitega). Catholic cathedral, and the seat of the Gitega Archdiocese. (updated Apr 2020)
• 3 Gishora Drum Sanctuary (7 km (4 mi) north of Gitega, on RN15 road toward Ngozi). The site of the former royal court and royal residence houses karyenda drums. Back in the royal era, such drums were regarded as holy, played at rituals and notable events like royal coronations, funerals, and weddings, and otherwise closely guarded in these sanctuaties. (updated Apr 2020)

Buy

• 1 Marché Centrale de Gitega. The central market. (updated Apr 2020)

Go next

• Bujumbura
• Bururi
• Bururi Forest Natural Reserve
• Muyinga
• Ngozi
• Nyakazu Break and the Karera Falls
• Ruvubu National Park