Places worth visiting
conflict and genocide.
The Gitega National Museum,
located at the entry into Gitega city
is one of the best places you could
go to for archival information about
the history of the country. Like the
old woman of the clan who knows
all the old stories but neglects her
appearance, the general aesthetics
of the structure leave a lot to be
desired, but once you engage with
her, the information you gain is
well worth the effort.
On display are photographs
explaining Burundi’s rich cultural
past, ancient monarchies and
architecture. There is also
information about the country’s
more recent turbulent history,
including tragic tales of ethnic
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A Gishora is one of the Burundi’s
most famous drum sites. It is about
5km from Gitega town and 200m
off the Gitega-Ngozi route. It was
founded by King Mwezi Gisabo
and placed under the care of a
local community called ‘Abatimbo’,
descendants of the ancient lineage
of ‘Abanyigisaka’. The site of Gishora
also houses two ritual drums that
were never beaten: Ruciteme and
Murimirwa. A guide stationed at
the site will share their fascinating
story. The site also recreates an
architectural complex of a Royal
palace, rarely found elsewhere in the
country.