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The capital port-city of Bujumbura, situated on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, is a bustling town with a population of some 300,000 inhabitants. The area was colonised by Germany at the end of the 19th century, and there is still architecture dating from that period of Burundi’s history, including the Postmaster’s House. Other attractions include three museums and the Islamic Cultural Centre. Various cafes and restaurants line the lake, where (in normal circumstances) there are some opportunities for watersports, including sailing, water-skiing and fishing. There is an excellent market. Around 10km (6.2 miles) south of the city, a stone marks the historic meeting-place of Stanley and Livingstone.
Other points of interest in the country include the former royal cities of Muramvya and Gitega (with its Chutes de la Kagera waterfall and its recently renovated National Museum), and the monument near Rutovu, in Bururi Province, which marks Burundi’s claim to the source of the Nile.