National Museum of Gitega
Burundi's main museum, holding royal regalia, drums and ethnographic collections.
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The national museum at Gitega was founded in 1955 and holds the country's main ethnographic and historical collection: royal regalia from the Burundian monarchy, drums, basketry, weapons, agricultural tools and photographs of the colonial period. Gitega was the royal capital and is now the political capital, and the museum sits in the middle of it. The collection is modest but it is the principal one in the country. A second museum in Bujumbura holds the geological and natural history collections, and the two together make up the national holdings.
What you actually see
- The royal regalia - the objects of the Burundian monarchy.
- The drums - the instruments central to the country's ceremonial tradition.
- The basketry - the woven work Burundi is known for.
- The 1955 foundation - the country's principal museum collection.
When to go
June to September is the dry season and easiest for travel. The museum keeps set hours and closes on some days. Mornings are cooler in Gitega.
Honest expectations
The collection is small and the displays are dated. Labelling is largely in French. An hour or two covers it.
Nearby
Gishora is northeast, and Bujumbura is west.
What to pack for National Museum of Gitega
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
