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Ujiji Historical Site

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Historical site
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Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)

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Ujiji is one of the oldest settlements in Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The site achieved international fame due to the historic meeting between journalist Henry Morton Stanley and the long-lost explorer David Livingstone on November 10, 1871. A monument now marks the spot under a mango tree where Stanley famously uttered the words, 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?' Before this iconic episode, Ujiji was already a prominent center for the Arab slave and ivory trade, connecting the coast with the African interior. The settlement served as a vital base for caravan routes stretching from Zanzibar deep into the Congo Basin. Earlier, in 1858, Richard Burton and John Speke used Ujiji as a jumping-off point for their expedition to find the source of the Nile. Today, the Livingstone Museum in Ujiji preserves artifacts and documents from this era of exploration. The town remains a living example of Swahili culture and the profound historical influence of Omani Arab traders on Tanzania's past.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242525252524242627262524
Rain mm1661321561484283143696209173

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historic site of Ujiji near Kigoma is famous for the meeting of Stanley and Livingstone. It includes a museum with memorabilia and an outdoor monument.
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Typical hours
The museum typically opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is advisable to call ahead to check if hours differ on holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the museum and at the monument, but may be restricted in some exhibit areas. Please do not use flash to protect the exhibits.
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Time needed
A visit to the site typically takes about one to two hours. Combining it with a walk along Lake Tanganyika extends the stay.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a boat ride on Lake Tanganyika or a trip to Kigoma. The region also features chimpanzee tracking in Gombe National Park.
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Getting there
Ujiji is about 11 kilometers southeast of Kigoma, easily reachable by car or taxi. The road is paved and well signposted.
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Insider tip
Also visit the nearby monument at the meeting place of Stanley and Livingstone. Bring cash as the museum only accepts small entrance fees.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.90830, 29.67500

Facts

  • The famous meeting between Stanley and Livingstone occurred on Nov 10, 1871.
  • Ujiji is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Africa's deepest lake.
  • Explorers Richard Burton and John Speke reached the town earlier in 1858.
  • The settlement acted as a major crossroads for Arab-led caravan trade routes.
  • A commemorative monument marks the site of the original historic mango tree.
  • The local museum houses replicas of the vessels used by 19th-century explorers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KigomaKigoma5 km · SEExplore →
Gombe ForestGombe Forest17 km · SEExplore →
Gombe National ParkGombe National Park24 km · EExplore →
Gombe ParkGombe Park31 km · EExplore →
Port of Nyanza-LacPort of Nyanza-Lac54 km · EExplore →
Nyanza-LacNyanza-Lac55 km · EExplore →
KasuluKasulu57 km · NEExplore →
MabandaMabanda58 km · EExplore →

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 Ujiji Historical Site (1)

Livingstone Museum🏛 museum

The Livingstone Museum in Ujiji documents the rich regional history, specifically focusing on the famous 19th-century encounter between explorers Livingstone and Stanley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it known?
Stanley and Livingstone met here.
Is there a museum?
Yes, a small memorial museum.
Is Ujiji worth visiting?
Yes, especially for history buffs.
How to get to Ujiji?
Very easy from Kigoma.
How much time to plan?
One to two hours are enough.
Ujiji Historical Site: where is it located?
Ujiji Historical Site is located in Tanzania.
Ujiji Historical Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ujiji Historical Site: why is it worth visiting?
Ujiji is one of the oldest settlements in Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Kibaha — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Kibaha
An educational center and satellite city near Dar es Salaam with growing industry.
Bagamoyo — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Bagamoyo
An ancient slave trade center whose historical ruins now attract many tourists.
🗺️
Saadani National Park
Tanzania's only coastal national park, where the African wilderness directly meets the Indian Ocean.
Kigoma — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Kigoma
The most important port city on Lake Tanganyika and terminus of the Central Railway.
Nyanza-Lac — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Nyanza-Lac
Nyanza-Lac is a lakeside town in southern Burundi.
Kasulu — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Kasulu
A bustling town near the Burundian border, heavily influenced by regional trade.
Mabanda — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Mabanda
Mabanda is a southern Burundi town near the Tanzanian side of the country.
Makamba — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Makamba
A southern city close to the Tanzanian border.

History & landmarks

Gombe National Park — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Gombe National Park
Tanzania's smallest park gained world fame through Jane Goodall's groundbreaking chimpanzee research.

More places

Wanyamwezi Forest — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Wanyamwezi Forest
A large forest area in central Tanzania.
Uluguru Mountains — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Uluguru Mountains
A mountain range that is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Gombe Forest — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Gombe Forest
A famous forest for chimpanzees.
Gombe Park — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Gombe Park
Famous for chimpanzee research.
Port of Nyanza-Lac — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Port of Nyanza-Lac
A strategic port at the southern end of Lake Tanganyika for trade with Tanzania.
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Mount Inanzerwe
The highest point in the southern province of Makamba, located close to Lake Tanganyika.
Sahara Camel Habitat — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Sahara Camel Habitat
An area where camels traditionally live.
Makamba Maize Fields — Ujiji Historical Site (Tanzania)
Makamba Maize Fields
The fertile soils in the south of Makamba are a hub for maize and bean cultivation.