Livingstone-Stanley Monument Burundi: A Brief History and Things to Do
Located in the heart of Burundi, the Livingstone-Stanley Monument is a national heritage site that honors the famous British explorers, Dr. David Livingstone and Sir Henry Morton Stanley. This monument was constructed in the late 19th century to commemorate the famous expedition of the two men, which led to the discovery of the source of the River Nile. It is now a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the history and culture of Burundi.
History of the Livingstone-Stanley Monument
The Livingstone-Stanley Monument was built in 1874 to commemorate the famous expedition of Dr. David Livingstone and Sir Henry Morton Stanley. The two men had set out to explore the African continent and to discover the source of the River Nile. After months of travelling, they eventually reached the source of the river in 1871. To celebrate their achievement, the Burundian government decided to construct a monument in their honor. The monument was built in the town of Gitega, which is located in the central part of the country.
The monument is made up of two statues, one of Dr. Livingstone and one of Sir Stanley. The statues are carved from a single piece of granite and stand at a height of 12 feet. The monument also features a large marble plaque, which has inscriptions in both English and French. The inscriptions commemorate the explorers’ historic journey and their contribution to the discovery of the source of the River Nile.
Amazing Facts about the Livingstone-Stanley Monument
The Livingstone-Stanley Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in Burundi. It is a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture, and it serves as a reminder of the great achievements of two of the world’s most famous explorers. Here are some interesting facts about the monument:
• The monument was built in 1874, making it one of the oldest monuments in Burundi.
• It is made up of two statues, one of Dr. Livingstone and one of Sir Stanley.
• The monument is located in the town of Gitega, which is the second-largest city in Burundi.
• The monument stands at a height of 12 feet and is made of a single piece of granite.
• The monument features a large marble plaque, which has inscriptions in both English and French.
• The monument was declared a national heritage site in 1998.
Things to Do at the Livingstone-Stanley Monument
The Livingstone-Stanley Monument is a popular tourist destination in Burundi, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the history and culture of the country. Here are some of the things you can do at the monument:
• Take a guided tour of the monument and learn about the history and significance of the two explorers.
• Explore the surrounding area and visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the Gitega Museum and the Burundi National Library.
• Take a boat ride along the River Nile and admire the stunning scenery.
• Visit the nearby markets and buy some souvenirs to take home.
• Enjoy a traditional Burundian meal at one of the local restaurants.
• Attend one of the many cultural events and festivals that take place in Gitega throughout the year.
The Livingstone-Stanley Monument is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the history and culture of Burundi. With its fascinating history and stunning scenery, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.