Bujumbura's favourite Sunday afternoon activity is lazing around at the beach on the north shore of Lake Tanganyika. There are three places, all slightly different.
Petit Bassam has a nice pool and is popular with families with children. It has a replica of a traditional hut of Burundian kings. The owner, a retired Burundian UN-official who has lived in Ivory Coast, will be happy to guide you, when he's around.
Next door is Karera Beach, a large stretch of fine sand with enough place for beach volleyball and a good restaurant. There's music on the premises and a cold beer is always within reach.
The most famous beach is the next one, Saga Plage. It attracts a young crowd, has a noisy "day-"club with hot swahili music and has several bars. Occasionally there are concerts going on.
Only some expats or local kids go swimming in the lake, but on windy afternoons you can watch some people busy kite-surfing.
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