Monuments and museums
The Stanley and Livingstone Site
The two famous explorers Stanley and Livingstone of English nationality passed on the banks of Lake Tanganyika on the eastern facade (Burundian side) in 1871. In memory of this event, a monolith was erected on the banks of the Mugere River 14 km from the city of Bujumbura. Two small houses serving as refreshment stands exist at this location. From this place, one can observe the calm waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Living Museum of Bujumbura
The living museum is both a space for leisure, conservation of nature and culture as well as craft production. It includes four pavilions including a pottery pavilion, another for forging, a third for basketwork and that of traditional musical instruments. A reptilarium housing a variety of snakes listed in Burundi and an aquarium with some species of fish living in Lake Tanganyika as well as the pools where crocodiles relax are the basic attraction of the place. There are also two antelopes, monkeys and a young leopard. A reconstructed royal enclosure has been built including a palisade with two entrances, a main hut with traditional household utensils in their usual place; a hut for the following, a granary and a hut intended for worship. An open-air theater intended for cultural events and meetings has been set up with an arena and stands in the surroundings. Finally, a large space for permanent exhibition also exists. The general state of maintenance leaves something to be desired and some species should be renewed.
National Museum of Gitega
A colonial-style building located at the entrance to the city of Gitega coming from Bujumbura, the National Museum, also called the Mwami National Museum, covers an area of 500 m² consisting of 168 m² of exhibition space, 64 m² of reserves, 30 m² of offices, 97.12 m² of patio, 25.14 m² of terrace at the back of the Museum, 9 m² of vestibules and 5 m² of toilets. It is surrounded by a eucalyptus plantation.
Created in 1955, the National Museum of Gitega has a collection of ethnographic and archaeological art objects. Currently, there are 416 objects and 96 photos. Apart from the archaeological collection, objects and photos are exposed to the open air, which exposes them to falls and breakages. The photographic material includes former dignitaries, including the Kings: Mwezi III, Mutaga III, Mwambutsa IV and Ntare V. The reserve room accommodates 800 neatly arranged objects.
The National Museum of Gitega receives foreign visitors, mainly residents, but also nationals coming from Bujumbura and elsewhere.
The Mausoleum of Prince Louis RWAGASORE
The mausoleum of Prince Louis RWAGASORE is one of the great historical monuments of Burundi where the hero of independence assassinated on October 13, 1961 was buried. It is built on the height of Mount Vugizo, located in the Rohero commune of the city of Bujumbura. The building includes a block bearing inscriptions including the national motto (Unity, Work and Progress) as well as the names of the 18 provinces of Burundi in 1961. On the tomb are inscribed these words “Here lies Prince Louis RWAGASORE, Prime Minister of Burundi, born October 10, 1932; died for the fatherland October 13, 1961”. The Mausoleum of Prince Louis RWAGASORE is the subject of a pilgrimage of senior political figures of Burundi on October 13 of each year.
The Southernmost Source of the Nile
The southernmost source of the Nile is called Gasumo which flows into the Gasenyi River then Kigira, before joining Ruvyironza, the tributary of the Ruvubu. The latter joins the Kagera River which passes through Lake Victoria before taking the name of Blue Nile in Uganda.
Discovered in 1934 by the German explorer, Burkhart WALDEKER, the southernmost source of the Nile is symbolized by a small pyramid built in 1938. The notch of the pyramid indicates the north which recalls the direction of the Nile River towards the Mediterranean Sea. The site of the Source of the Nile is a well-known tourist attraction among the public.