Lake Tanganyika is an African Great Lake, situated in the Western Rift Valley, it is recognized as the world’s second longest freshwater lake at a distance of 673 km and second-deepest measuring 1,470 m deep after Lake Baikal in Russia. it covers about 12,700 square miles. Lake Tanganyika holds 17% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lake is shared by Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, and Zambia and it supports massive biodiversity, including over 250 endemic cichlid fish species. The Ruzizi River is the main inflow, which originates from the southern end of Lake Kivu. River Rusizi serves as the primary outlet for the lake, flowing southward along the borders of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Burundi before emptying its waters into Lake Tanganyika. Other inflow rivers include Malagarasi and Kalambo River Lukuga is the main outflow of Lake Tanganyika which joins the Congo river system.
Lake Tanganyika is situated on the line dividing the floral regions of eastern and western Africa, and oil palms, which are characteristic of the flora of western Africa, grow along the lake’s shores. Rice and subsistence crops are grown along the shores, and fishing is of some significance. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles abound, and the bird life is varied.
Many of the numerous peoples (predominantly Bantu-speaking) living on the lake’s eastern shores trace their origins to areas in the Congo River basin. The lake was first visited by Europeans in 1858, when the British explorers Sir Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke reached Ujiji, on the lake’s eastern shore, in their quest for the source of the Nile River. In 1871 Henry (later Sir Henry) Morton Stanley “found” David Livingstone at Ujiji. Important ports situated along Lake Tanganyika are Bujumbura in Burundi, Kalemie in the DRC, Mpulungu in Zambia, and Ujiji and Kigoma in Tanzania.
Tourist Activities to Do on Lake Tanganyika
Snorkelling & Scuba Diving:
The lake is famous for its crystal-clear water and colourful endemic cichlids.
The waters of Lake Tanganyika have a consistent temperature of 25 degrees Celsius all year-round, and the visibility of the lake in the dry season can go as deep as 20m. The lake is crowded with vibrant and colourful cichlids. 98% of the 250 known cichlid species are present in this lake.
Most diving takes place close to the shores, making it a great start for beginners and intermediate divers. You’re required to have PADI certification for you to go diving.
You are advised to go snorkelling with an expert. It’s important to note that there are crocodiles and hippos, as well as Bilharzia in some areas of the lake, so going with a local professional is very important.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding Along the Shoreline
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Tanganyika offer a unique, serene way to explore the world’s longest freshwater lake, characterized by crystal-clear, turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and dramatic mountain backdrops. The lake is generally calm, making it ideal for paddling, especially in the mornings.
You will be gliding silently over calm, clear waters, with only the sound of your paddle breaking the silence. Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Tanganyika provides a peaceful way to explore the lake. You gain an exceptional, low-angle viewpoint of the lush shoreline and distant mountains.
Fishing
Fishing and angling trips on Lake Tanganyika are very popular. There are 350 fish species recorded in the lake, giant Nile perch being the largest, weighing up to 80 kg. Other large fish include lake salmon and the goliath tiger fish.
There will be a small fee for fishing on Lake Tanganyika, and catch and release is the accord. Fishing is banned between months of December and February, for conservation purposes, so avoid these months if you plan to fish.
Sunset cruise
One of the most popular evening activities is climbing aboard a dhow (traditional boat) and joining the throng of lantern-laden dug-out canoes heading out to fish for the evening. Onboard, you can enjoy dreamy sundowners and watch the sunset over the lake
Village cultural visits
A number of community-based tourism projects across the region introduce visitors to the tradition and lore of the fisherfolk, the art of boat making that was passed down through several generations and various cooking techniques including grilling fresh Nile perch fish using local spices. The nearby Tongwe people enrich the Mahale experience with their vibrant culture. Engaging with the locals through traditional music, dance, and storytelling offers a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and traditions. This cultural immersion enhances your Tanzania wildlife adventure, making it not only about observing wildlife but also about connecting with the local community.
Chimpanzee tracking
Located along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika lies the spectacular Mahale Mountains and the Gombe Stream National parks. Both flourishing forest habitats making them the only national parks in Tanzania with chimpanzees, carrying approximately 1,000 chimpanzees. Many of the chimpanzee troops are habituated, thanks to Dr Jane Goodall’s pioneering research in the 1960s in this area.
You will need a permit for chimpanzee tracking. A chimpanzee permit in Mahale Mountains National Park costs USD $150, and in Gombe National Park a chimpanzee permit is slightly cheaper at $100.
Best Tourist Attractions Near Lake Tanganyika
Gombe Stream National Park
Just next to Mahale Mountains National Park lies Gombe Stream National Park, a smaller yet equally captivating destination that promises incredible wildlife experiences. Although it is Tanzania’s smallest national park, Gombe is well-known for its momentous population of chimpanzees and its historical reputation, largely due to the revolutionary research directed by Dr. Jane Goodall. This legacy boosts the park’s allure for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Ruaha National Park
The park is located northeast of Katavi, Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s second-largest national park, showcasing an impressive display of wildlife and landscapes. Known for its rugged terrain and vast savannahs, Ruaha is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a less-traveled path.
Ujiji Historical Site
This is located near the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Ujiji is historically important as the site where explorers Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke met Henry Morton Stanley in 1871. This encounter marked a pivotal moment in the exploration of Africa. The site features a dedicated museum, monuments, and iconic mango trees commemorating this historic encounter.
Visiting Ujiji allows you to investigate into the rich history of exploration in Africa. The memorial museum offers insights into the expeditions that sought the source of the Nile and showcases artifacts from that era.
The Rukwa Valley
Further inland from Lake Tanganyika, the Rukwa Valley offers a unique combination of landscapes and wildlife experiences. This region is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from wetlands to savannahs, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Best time to visit Lake Tanganyika
The best time for a Tanzania wildlife adventure around Lake Tanganyika and its national parks generally falls between the months of June and October, overlapping with the dry season. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making wildlife sightings more frequent and easier to spot. The weather is typically dry and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities like game drives and trekking. However, visiting during the months of April and May can also be rewarding, as the landscapes are lush and vibrant, and visitor numbers are lower, offering a more tranquil experience.
Where to stay around Lake Tanganyika
Accommodations around Lake Tanganyika range from luxury island resorts to rustic safari lodges, primarily located in Tanzania, Zambia, and Burundi. Top choices include Lupita Island Resort, Greystoke Mahale, and Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge in Tanzania for chimpanzee trekking, as well as Ndole Bay Lodge in Zambia and Tanganyika Blue Bay Resort in Burundi.
Lake Shore Lodge: Burrowed on a white sandy bay on Lake Tanganyika’s southern Tanzanian shores, Lake Shore Lodge is a beautiful privately owned lodge that offers accommodation to suit all budgets.
Lupita Island: Snuggled in a cluster of small islands on Lake Tanganyika, Lupita Island is a remote, untouched private island on 110 acres of uninhabited space.
Ndole Bay Lodge: Located on a golden sand beach at Nsumbu National Park, offering fishing and snorkelling experiences.
The lodge is perched atop a hill and boasts panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
How to get to Lake Tanganyika
Reaching Lake Tanganyika requires a bit of planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. Knowing your options for transportation helps ensure a smooth trip. Once you are there, getting around is also straightforward.
Getting to Lake Tanganyika is mainly done via Kigoma, Tanzania, which is accessible by daily domestic flights from Dar El Salaam or Arusha. Other access points include Bujumbura in Burundi, Kalemie in DRC, and Mpulungu in Zambia. The lake is also reachable by a 36-hour train from Dar es Salaam or via the historic MV Liemba ferry, which travels between Zambia and Tanzania.