Why Bujumbura is Ranked One of the Fastest Growing Cities (and Why You Should Probably Pack Bug Spray)
okay, so everyone's talking about how Bujumbura is, like, blowing up. fastest growing cities in africa, blah blah blah. i'm a freelance photographer, and honestly, i stumbled into this place chasing light and cheap rent. i wasn't expecting a boomtown, but here we are. it's… a lot.
right now, it's that thick, humid air that feels like someone's breathing on you constantly. it's the kind of heat where your camera strap sticks to your neck and you question all your life choices. it's not rainy rainy, just perpetually damp. you could be in Kigali for a completely different climate, though - a quick hop and a skip, really. or even Dar es Salaam, a bit further, but still doable.
so, why the growth? well, a lot of it's tied to being a transit hub, apparently. people are moving through Bujumbura, not necessarily staying. but some are. and that's where it gets interesting. i was chatting with this guy, a *moto-taxi driver named Jean-Pierre, and he was saying it's all about opportunity. "before," he told me, gesturing wildly with his hands, "nothing. now, maybe something. maybe a business. maybe a better life." it's a pretty common story, i've found.
and the numbers kinda back it up. i was digging around (mostly because i needed to justify spending money on internet here) and found some stats. the population's been climbing steadily, around a 5% annual increase. that's… substantial. it's not dubai levels of crazy, but it's definitely noticeable. the job market? it's mostly informal, a lot of small businesses popping up. there's some growth in the service sector, tourism (slowly), and construction. don't expect to walk into a high-paying corporate gig, though.
rent is still relatively cheap, which is why i'm here. you can find a decent apartment in a safe-ish neighborhood for around $300-$500 a month. but, and this is a big but, 'safe-ish' is doing a lot of work there. security is… a concern. i've heard stories, and honestly, i've seen things. don't wander around at night, especially not alone. TripAdvisor has some safety tips, but take them with a grain of salt. they're written for tourists.
overheard gossip #1: "the electricity goes out at least three times a day. invest in a good generator."
food is amazing, though. seriously. the grilled fish from the lake is incredible. and the street food… risky, but worth it. i found this little place near the central market that sells brochettes (grilled meat skewers) that are out of this world. Yelp doesn't have much on Bujumbura, which is a crime, honestly. you're relying on word of mouth here.
but it's not all sunshine and grilled meat. infrastructure is… lacking. roads are bumpy, internet is spotty, and things generally move at a slower pace. it's frustrating if you're used to everything being instant. and the bureaucracy? forget about it. i spent a week trying to get a work permit and almost lost my mind. This Reddit thread has some horror stories about that.
overheard gossip #2: "don't trust anyone who offers to 'help' you with paperwork. they'll just ask for a bribe."
and the bugs. oh god, the bugs. mosquitoes, flies, things i can't even identify. pack industrial-strength bug spray. seriously. i'm not kidding. i've developed a twitch from constantly swatting at things.
so, is Bujumbura worth it? i don't know. it's chaotic, frustrating, and sometimes a little scary. but it's also vibrant, full of life, and incredibly photogenic. it's a place that gets under your skin. it's not for everyone, but if you're looking for an adventure, and you don't mind a little bit of grit, it might just be the place for you. just… bring bug spray. and maybe a translator. and a healthy dose of patience.
overheard gossip #3: "the best coffee is hidden in the backstreets. ask around for 'Cafe de la Paix'. it's worth the hunt."
and honestly, the sunsets over Lake Tanganyika*? worth the mosquito bites alone.
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