King Ntare V Memorial | Gitega

Information

Landmark: King Ntare V Memorial
City: Gitega
Country: Burundi
Continent: Africa

King Ntare V Memorial, Gitega, Burundi, Africa

The King Ntare V Memorial is a monument located in Gitega, Burundi. It commemorates the last monarch of Burundi.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial consists of a central granite obelisk, approximately 15 meters in height. The base is a square concrete platform. The obelisk is unadorned, with a polished grey granite finish. Surrounding the obelisk are low-lying, manicured green shrubs and paved walkways.

Location & Access Logistics

The memorial is situated 2 kilometers south of Gitega's city center, directly off National Road RN1. Access is via a paved road branching from RN1. A dedicated parking area for approximately 20 vehicles is available adjacent to the site. Public transport options include local bus lines that run along RN1; disembark at the "King Ntare Memorial" stop, which is a 5-minute walk from the monument.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the memorial was completed in 2015. It was commissioned by the Burundian government to honor King Ntare V, who reigned briefly in 1966. The site itself is on a naturally elevated plateau within the Gitega region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the obelisk and its surrounding grounds. Photography of the monument is permitted. The paved pathways allow for walking around the memorial.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the entrance to the parking area. Limited shade is provided by a few strategically placed trees near the perimeter. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable. No food vendors are located directly at the memorial site; options are available in Gitega city center.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the granite, the late afternoon (between 15:00 and 17:00) is recommended. The dry season, from June to August, offers the most pleasant weather conditions with minimal rainfall.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the precise angle of the obelisk's shadow at noon on the summer solstice points towards the location of a former royal burial site, though this has not been archaeologically verified.