Stanley’s Baobab in Boma: a place rich in stories and visitors
Located in the town of Boma, in the Kongo Central province, the Stanley Baobab continues to attract many visitors who come to discover this emblematic tourist site. According to a recent report from the National Tourism Office (ONT), this baobab welcomed no less than 5,046 visitors in 2023, testifying to its growing attractiveness.
Among these visitors, there are 4,920 national tourists and 126 expatriates, who came from different regions of the country and even from abroad to discover this place steeped in history. The Stanley Baobab owes its importance and fame to the British explorer Henri Morton Stanley, who found refuge there during his journey in 1877.
Having left Zanzibar three years previously, Stanley arrived in Boma on August 9, 1877 and discovered this hollow baobab which would become his shelter for him and his bearers. This discovery helped to immortalize the baobab and make it a must-see during trips to Boma.
Besides the Stanley Baobab, the ONT manages other tourist sites in the region, such as the first car in Congo, the pioneer cemetery and the first cathedral. However, these sites struggle to attract as many visitors as the baobab. To remedy this, local authorities are called upon to rehabilitate these sites and make them more attractive in order to contribute to the promotion of the tourism sector in Boma.
Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic development of a region. In addition to promoting cultural and natural heritage, it generates revenue that can be reinvested in local infrastructure, improved visitor services and job creation. It is therefore essential to highlight all the tourist sites of Boma in order to stimulate tourist activity and take advantage of its potential.
In conclusion, Stanley’s Baobab in Boma continues to fascinate and attract many visitors, both national and international, with its captivating history and natural beauty. It is time for the authorities to seize this opportunity and fully develop the region’s tourism potential, highlighting all sites of interest to provide an enriching experience for visitors and contribute to local development.