Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika, the second largest in eastern Africa, borders Tanzania and the Congo, flowing into the Lulaaba River. The Mahale Mountains and Lulaaba River share a unique ecosystem.
Where Does Lake Tanganyika Fit in Your Tanzanian Adventure?
Lake Tanganyika sits on the western safari circuit, which consists of Katavi National Park, the Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park. This circuit is seldom visited due to its remote location and high expense. However, visitors are rewarded by untouched wilderness, great wildlife densities and a secluded safari experience away from Tanzania’s busier parks. Gombe Stream and the Mahale Mountains are two of only three locations where chimpanzees are found in Tanzania.
The Western Safari Circuit
Katavi National Park, a 4,000-sq-km unspoiled wilderness, is home to a high concentration of large mammals, including hippo, elephant, and lion. It also serves as a refuge for endangered wild dogs. The Mahale Mountains National Park, bordering Lake Tanganyika, is a primate paradise with over 1,000 chimpanzees and colorful bird species. The Mahale Mountains National Park, located in Arusha, offers a stunning forest habitat with steep valleys, streams, and rivers, attracting visitors from far-flung cities due to its challenging driving distances.
Things to do
Lake Tanganyika is a great spot for diving and snorkelling, with a consistent 25°C water temperature and visibility up to 20m. The lake is home to 98% of the 250 known cichlid species. PADI certification is required for snorkelling, and other water sports activities include kayaking, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.
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 consensus. Fishing is banned between December and February, for conservation purposes, so avoid these months if you plan to fish.
Sunset dhow 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 romantic sundowners and watch the sunset over the lake on a 1.5 hour tour.
Primate experiences
Lake Tanganyika’s eastern shores are home to the Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks, home to around 1,000 chimpanzees. Dr. Jane Goodall’s research in the 1960s led to their habituated populations. Guided forest walks offer opportunities to observe these elusive species, with permits required for chimpanzee tracking.
Places to Stay
Lake Shore Lodge, located on Lake Tanganyika’s southern Tanzanian shores, offers a beautiful, privately owned lodge with a DIY tent setup beneath a mango tree. The lodge features luxury chalets, en suites, and a honeymoon suite. Lake Shore Lodge offers a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly stay, with lawn bandas providing uninterrupted views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The lodge offers a fantastic menu and various activities for relaxation.
Lupita Island
Nestled in a cluster of small islands on Lake Tanganyika, Lupita Island is a remote, untouched private island on 110 acres of uninhabited space. The lodge is perched atop a hill and boasts panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The resort offers luxurious, comfortable and secluded accommodation in the form of 10 beautiful cottages. The lodge offers a good range of facilities and amenities, including fine dining, a spa, a swimming pool, a games room, a bar & lounge, and a gym.
Getting to Lake Tanganyika
Located in the South West of Tanzania on the DRC border, Lake Tanganyika is quite far from the normal safari and beach circuits in Tanzania. However, it can be reached by a short flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma. For something a bit different, The MV Liemba, a 100-year-old ‘indestructible warship’, travels between Tanzania and Zambia as a passenger ferry ever other Wednesday on a five-day trip.
