Although it's got nothing on nearby Kenya and Tanzania, Burundi's beaches along the coast of Lake Tanganyika are surprisingly attractive. The sand is white and powdery, and the waves should keep the Bilharzia at bay. Saga Beach, which is the most developed stretch of sand along the lake, lies about 5km (3mi) northwest of the capital.

Although it used to be known as Plage des Cocotiers (Coconut Beach), most locals now refer to the area as Saga Beach (pronounced Sagga) in honour of the Saga Beach Resort. This popular complex has several large restaurants and a brilliant beachfront bar that turns out cold Primus beers at bargain prices. It draws in huge crowds on the weekends, and the whole complex rocks on as a club by night.