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ONATEL Building

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ONATEL Building (Burundi)

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The ONATEL building in Bujumbura is a prominent administrative landmark and the headquarters of Burundi's national telecommunications company. Located in the heart of Bujumbura's city center, it represents the capital's modern functional architecture. As a central hub for the country's communication infrastructure, this building plays an essential role in Burundi's economic and social life. ONATEL (Office National des Télécommunications) was established in the 1970s to promote the expansion of the telephone network and, later, the internet. The multi-story building is easily recognizable by its characteristic facade and serves as a landmark in the busy commercial district. Despite political changes and technological leaps, the building remains a symbol of state involvement in technological development. Its immediate surroundings include banks, government offices, and markets, highlighting the location's importance as the economic heart of the country's largest city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212222212120202122222121
Rain mm2021682192139429154294172341219

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The ONATEL Building is the headquarters of the national telecommunications company of Burundi. It is not open to visitors, but the modern building is a landmark in Bujumbura's skyline. The exterior can be viewed from the street at any time.
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Typical hours
As the building is not open to the public, there are no opening hours. For exterior photos, the best time is late afternoon when the light illuminates the building beautifully.
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Photography
Photographing the exterior is allowed from public spaces. Avoid directly photographing security personnel or entrances, and use a telephoto lens if possible.
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Time needed
A quick photo stop takes about 10 minutes. If you explore central Bujumbura, allow at least 2 hours for the main sights.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Livingston Museum and Lake Tanganyika, just a 10-minute drive away. Bujumbura Central Market also gives a bustling experience.
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Getting there
The ONATEL Building is located on Avenue de la République in Bujumbura's business district. It is accessible on foot, by taxi, or bus (stop 'ONATEL').
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Insider tip
Take the opportunity for a memorable photo in front of the iconic building, especially during the blue hour. Watch out for traffic as the avenue is busy.

Geography

Coordinates
-3.38300, 29.36700

Facts

  • Headquarters of the Office National des Télécommunications (ONATEL).
  • The company was officially established in 1979.
  • The building is located in the Rohero district of Bujumbura.
  • It is a central hub for landline, mobile, and internet services.
  • The high-rise is one of the more prominent office buildings in the city.
  • Bujumbura served as the political capital of the country until 2018.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Grand Mosque of BujumburaGrand Mosque of Bujumbura<1 km · NWExplore →
Savonor Soap FactorySavonor Soap Factory2 km · EExplore →
Brarudi BreweryBrarudi Brewery2 km · SEExplore →
Campus MutangaCampus Mutanga2 km · NExplore →
Bujumbura LighthouseBujumbura Lighthouse2 km · SWExplore →
Kinindo Industrial ZoneKinindo Industrial Zone3 km · WExplore →
BUCECO Cement PlantBUCECO Cement Plant3 km · NEExplore →
Saga BeachSaga Beach6 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town ONATEL Building (9)

Palais des Arts et de la Culture

Arts and Culture Palace in Bujumbura, venue for theater performances and art exhibitions.

Monument du soldat inconu

Monument to the unknown soldier in Bujumbura, commemorates war casualties.

Regina Mundi Cathedral

Roman Catholic cathedral in Bujumbura, seat of the archdiocese, built in the 1950s.

Snakes

Snake exhibit at Musée Vivant in Bujumbura, displays local snake species.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees at Musée Vivant in Bujumbura, part of the zoo and museum.

Musée Vivant

Zoo and museum in Bujumbura, exhibits animals and cultural artifacts from Burundi.

Birds

Bird section at Musée Vivant in Bujumbura, houses native bird species.

Plage de Bujumbura

Beach on Lake Tanganyika in Bujumbura, popular for swimming and relaxation.

Monument de l'Unité Nationale

Monument in Bujumbura, symbolizes the national unity of Burundi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the ONATEL building?
It is the headquarters of the state-owned Burundian telecommunications company.
Can you buy SIM cards there?
Yes, there are customer centers offering services and SIM cards.
Is the building architecturally interesting?
It is a functional office building that serves as a local landmark.
Where is the ONATEL building located?
It is centrally located in Bujumbura, easily accessible by taxi.
Is there Wi-Fi there?
Wi-Fi is often available for customers in the service areas.
ONATEL Building: where is it located?
ONATEL Building is located in Burundi.
ONATEL Building: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palais des Arts et de la Culture, Monument du soldat inconu, Regina Mundi Cathedral.
ONATEL Building: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
ONATEL Building: why is it worth visiting?
The ONATEL building in Bujumbura is a prominent administrative landmark and the headquarters of Burundi's national telecommunications company.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Bujumbura — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Bujumbura
Burundi's largest city and the country's main port on Lake Tanganyika.

History & landmarks

Grand Mosque of Bujumbura — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Grand Mosque of Bujumbura
The most important Islamic place of worship in the city, recognizable by its prominent minarets.
Central Market of Bujumbura — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Central Market of Bujumbura
Bujumbura's central market is the city's main commercial hub.
Bujumbura Post Office Building — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Bujumbura Post Office Building
A prominent public building in the center, housing the headquarters of the national post office.
Independence Monument — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Independence Monument
The Independence Monument in Bujumbura marks Burundi's break from colonial rule.
Bujumbura City Hall — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Bujumbura City Hall
The administrative center of Bujumbura city, a functional building in the heart of the business district.
Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium
This stadium in Bujumbura is named after Prince Louis Rwagasore, a key figure in Burundi's independence history.
Palace of the Nation — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Palace of the Nation
The Palace of the Nation is an important state building in Bujumbura.
Hospital Prince Regent Charles — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Hospital Prince Regent Charles
One of the oldest and most important hospitals in the country, with historic buildings.

Nature

Ruzizi River — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Ruzizi River
The Ruzizi River links the lake country north of Burundi with Lake Tanganyika.

More places

Regina Mundi Cathedral — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Regina Mundi Cathedral
The main cathedral of Bujumbura, a significant religious and architectural monument of the city.
Colonial Quarter of Bujumbura — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Colonial Quarter of Bujumbura
The historic center of Bujumbura with buildings from the German and Belgian colonial eras.
Minoloc Flour Mill — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Minoloc Flour Mill
Minoloc is a grain-milling operation that supports Burundi's food supply chain.
Afritextile Factory — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Afritextile Factory
A major textile factory in Bujumbura that processes locally grown cotton.
Musée Vivant — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Musée Vivant
Musee Vivant in Bujumbura combines a small zoo with cultural displays.
Savonor Soap Factory — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Savonor Soap Factory
A leading manufacturer of soaps and edible oils in the capital, Bujumbura.
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Brarudi Brewery
Brarudi is Burundi's best-known brewery and a major beverage producer in Bujumbura.
Kinindo Industrial Zone — ONATEL Building (Burundi)
Kinindo Industrial Zone
Kinindo is an industrial zone in Bujumbura with workshops, storage sites, and small manufacturing activity.