Ujiji- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Ujiji, one of western Tanzania's oldest towns, holds a pivotal place in African exploration history. Located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, it was a key Swahili and Arab trading center, deeply tied to the 19th-century East African slave trade under the Zanzibar Sultanate. The town gained global fame in 1871 when journalist Henry Morton Stanley encountered the presumed-lost missionary David Livingstone near its market—an event immortalized by the iconic phrase, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" Today, the Dr. Livingstone Memorial and a small museum commemorate this encounter, while remnants of the slave trade era linger near the bustling market. Beyond its historical significance, Ujiji offers a glimpse into the cultural connections between Tanzania and neighboring Burundi, particularly through the legacy of the Jiji people and the Swahili community of Buyenzi. The town's lakeside setting provides serene views of Tanganyika, Africa's deepest lake, with opportunities to explore its shores or visit the nearby London Missionary Society post, established in 1878. Though modest in size, Ujiji's layered past—from its Arab-Omani influences to its role in European exploration—makes it a compelling stop for history enthusiasts. For travelers venturing to Kigoma Region, Ujiji serves as a quiet yet historically rich counterpart to the larger port city of Kigoma. Its unassuming streets, dotted with echoes of the 19th century, provide a tangible link to the era of transcontinental expeditions and East Africa's complex trade networks. The town's designation as a National Historic Site ensures its stories endure, offering a deeper understanding of Tanzania's pre-colonial and colonial past.