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Gitega, the capital of Burundi
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Gitega

Gitega is the political capital of Burundi, located on the central plateau roughly 62 kilometres east of Bujumbura. Once the royal capital of the Kingdom of Burundi, it reclaimed its political capital status in 2019 after more than 50 years.

Photo: NIHEREWENIMANA Richard (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
155,005 (city)
Currency
Burundian franc (BIF)
Language
French, Kirundi
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
05:00:15

Hotels in Gitega

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Motel Centre du Roi
55 m from centre
Hôtel Béthel
84 m from centre
BETHEL HOTEL
87 m from centre

Airports in Gitega

Gitega is served by Aérodrome de Gitega, which provides regional air connectivity. The nearby Aérodrome de Ruyigi also serves the surrounding area for those traveling to and from central Burundi. See all airports →

Aérodrome de Gitega
2.0 km from centre
Aérodrome de Ruyigi
34.4 km from centre

Car Hire in Gitega

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Things to Do in Gitega

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Centre Culturel de Gitega
660 m from centre
Musée National de Gitega
2.1 km from centre
Sanctuaire des Tambours Sacrés
7.3 km from centre

Restaurants in Gitega

Gitega offers a selection of dining establishments for visitors and locals alike. Pit Fit is among the restaurants available in the city for those seeking a meal while exploring Burundi's capital. See all restaurants →

Pit Fit
1.4 km from centre

Swimming Pools in Gitega

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Spas in Gitega

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Nightlife in Gitega

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Bars in Gitega

Gitega offers several bar venues where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments and socialize. Notable options include Kungoma Bar and Ingoma Bar, which serve as gathering places in the city. See all bars →

Kungoma Bar
64 m from centre
Ingoma Bar
69 m from centre

Cafes in Gitega

Gitega offers a selection of local cafes where visitors and residents can enjoy refreshments and local hospitality. Venues like Ku Kayaga provide comfortable spaces to experience the city's café culture. See all cafes →

Ku Kayaga
regional · 776 m from centre

Shopping in Gitega

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Nature & Wildlife in Gitega

Gitega offers opportunities to experience the natural environment of central Burundi. The city and surrounding region provide access to various natural areas and wildlife habitats characteristic of this part of Africa. See all nature & wildlife →

Gr
7.5 km from centre
Gr
7.6 km from centre
Gr
7.6 km from centre
GR
7.9 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Gitega experiences a tropical highland climate typical of Burundi's central plateau region. The area has distinct wet and dry seasons, with rainfall generally distributed across the year and cooler temperatures than lower-lying regions due to its elevated position.

Interesting Facts About Gitega — Weird & Wonderful

  • Gitega was the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Burundi until the kingdom's abolition in 1966.
  • The city is located roughly 62 kilometres east of Bujumbura on Burundi's central plateau.
  • Gitega officially reclaimed its status as Burundi's political capital on 16 January 2019, following a 2007 promise by former President Pierre Nkurunziza.
  • Burundi's government branches were expected to relocate to Gitega over a three-year period following the 2019 decision.
  • Bujumbura remains Burundi's economic capital and centre of commerce despite Gitega becoming the political capital.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gitega

What is the population of Gitega?

Gitega has a population of 155,005 as a city, making it Burundi's fourth largest city.

What currency is used in Gitega?

Burundian francs (BIF) are the official currency used in Gitega and throughout Burundi.

What language is spoken in Gitega?

Kirundi is the primary language spoken in Gitega, along with French and English in some business and tourist areas.

Why is Gitega important to Burundi?

Gitega is Burundi's political capital as of 2019, and was historically the royal capital of the Kingdom of Burundi before 1966. It serves as the seat of government and centre of political administration.

How far is Gitega from Bujumbura?

Gitega is located approximately 62 kilometres (39 miles) east of Bujumbura, Burundi's largest city and economic capital.

Map of Gitega

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