From the misty highlands around Gitega to the palm-lined shores of Lake Tanganyika, Burundi greets you with drumbeats, coffee aromas, and patterned walls glowing in red, black and white. Clay-tiled roofs, ruts of red earth and the luminous swirl of imigongo art give the country a textured, tactile feel — a place where everyday objects carry centuries of craft and story.

Whether you fall for a roadside café’s single-origin cup or a handwoven basket from a village co-op, there’s a souvenir to capture that memory. Here’s what to buy in Burundi to bring a piece of its warmth home with you — perfect picks for anyone hunting Burundian souvenirs.

1. Imigongo Panels

Why pick this up: Imigongo is Burundi’s signature art form: bold, swirling, geometric patterns made from cow dung mixed with natural pigments. The raised, glossy motifs and contrasting colors make for instantly recognizable wall art that tells of central Burundi’s cultural heartland.
What to look for: Smooth, well-defined ridges and stable wooden backing; traditional color palettes (black, white, red, sometimes ochre); signed or labeled pieces from artisan cooperatives in Gitega.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 20,000–250,000 (small 20×20 cm plaques to large wall panels)
Where to find it: Artisan centers and galleries in Gitega, stalls near the Royal Drums at Gishora, and cooperative shops in Bujumbura’s Marché Central.

2. Agaseke (Woven Gift Baskets)

Why pick this up: Agaseke baskets are finely coiled and dyed straw baskets used in weddings and ceremonies — elegant, practical, and deeply symbolic in Burundian hospitality.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving, bold geometrical patterns, a snug lid, and natural dye stability; fair-trade or cooperative-made tags are a bonus.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 5,000–40,000 depending on size and intricacy
Where to find it: Village cooperatives around Rumonge and Bubanza, craft stalls in Bujumbura, and markets in Gitega.

3. Burundian Coffee (Single-Origin Beans)

Why pick this up: Burundi’s highland Arabica coffees — bright, floral, often with citrus or red-fruit notes — are among Africa’s most refined. A bag of beans is a delicious way to relive mornings beside the lake.
What to look for: Recent roast date, single-origin or named washing station (Kayanza, Ngozi or Kirundo regions), and specialty-grade labels if available.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 8,000–30,000 per 250 g bag
Where to find it: Specialty coffee shops and cooperatives in Bujumbura; direct from cooperatives in Kayanza and Ngozi; airport shops sometimes carry sealed roasts.

4. Miniature Royal Drums (Ingoma) and Drum Decor

Why pick this up: The ingoma drum is central to Burundi’s historical ceremonies — miniature drums or carved drum-themed souvenirs make striking decor and a musical reminder of the Gishora royal drumming tradition.
What to look for: Real hide tops (or well-made synthetic), solid wood, and authentic decorative motifs; size-appropriate tensioning and a certificate if labeled as “traditional.”
Price bracket (2025): FBu 15,000–120,000 for decorative and small playable drums
Where to find it: Gishora royal drum sites near Gitega, artisan stalls around cultural centers, and markets in Bujumbura.

5. Kitenge/Pagne Fabrics

Why pick this up: Bright, patterned East African wax prints are used for dresses, headwraps and upholstery across Burundi. A bolt of kitenge is versatile and distinctly regional in flavor.
What to look for: Vibrant, well-fired wax prints with solid color saturation; one- or two-meter lengths for tailoring; ask vendors for pre-washed pieces.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 6,000–35,000 per meter depending on quality and print
Where to find it: Textile markets in Bujumbura (Marché Ruvubu area), fabric shops in Gitega and roadside tailors.

6. Handwoven Sisal Mats and Bags

Why pick this up: Practical, long-lasting and traditionally woven, sisal goods (mats, floor runners, handbags) show off natural fibers and local dyeing techniques.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving; sturdy handles on bags; vibrant natural dyes that don’t rub off.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 4,000–40,000
Where to find it: Rural craft cooperatives, markets in Rumonge, and craft shops in Bujumbura.

7. Beaded Jewelry and Traditional Necklaces

Why pick this up: Colorful beadwork — bracelets, choker-style necklaces and decorative belts — reflects community identity and makes lightweight, easy-to-pack gifts.
What to look for: Symmetrical patterns, secure stringing, and glass or local seed beads; ask about meaning behind colors or patterns.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 1,500–12,000
Where to find it: Street vendors in Bujumbura, Gitega craft stalls, and cooperative boutiques.

8. Wood Carvings and Animal Figurines

Why pick this up: Skilled carvers transform jacaranda, mahogany and other woods into animal figures, masks and household items rooted in local iconography.
What to look for: Smooth finishes, no cracks, well-defined carving lines and protective wax or oil; larger pieces should be kiln-dried to avoid cracking in transit.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 3,000–60,000
Where to find it: Artisan workshops in Bujumbura, roadside markets, and cooperatives in southern provinces.

9. Local Honey, Spices and Preserves

Why pick this up: Burundi’s mountain honey is fragrant and floral; local spice blends and banana preserves capture regional flavors that don’t travel easily in memory alone.
What to look for: Sealed jars, clear labeling with harvest dates, and documentation for customs if bringing large quantities home.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 2,500–12,000 per jar
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets in Bujumbura, village sellers near Lake Tanganyika, and cooperative stalls.

10. Traditional Textiles and Embroidered Table Runners

Why pick this up: Hand-embroidered table runners, cushion covers and ceremonial cloths blend European and African motifs unique to Burundian domestic craft — great for gifting or framing.
What to look for: Even stitches, natural fibers (cotton or linen), and motifs reflecting imigongo, drum patterns or local flora.
Price bracket (2025): FBu 5,000–45,000
Where to find it: Homecraft cooperatives in Gitega, boutiques in Bujumbura and artisan markets across the highlands.

Quick tip: haggle gently at markets (start about 20–30% below the asking price), ask for a receipt for packaged foodstuffs, and pack fragile items like imigongo and ceramics between clothing. Safe travels — and don’t forget that a little bag of Burundian souvenirs (like a 250 g coffee and a small agaseke) can transport you back to the lakeside sunset long after you’ve gone. 🌍

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!