Lake Tanganyika is the world's second largest and deepest freshwater lake, after Lake Baikal in Siberia. Spanning approximately 32,900 km² and reaching depths of nearly 1,470 metres, it occupies the southern end of the Western Rift Valley. Shared between four countries — Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia — its Tanzanian shore offers a relatively undiscovered lakeside experience, punctuated by the port town of Kigoma and the forested parks of Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream.

Why visit Lake Tanganyika

Tanganyika stands out for three rare characteristics in East Africa: freshwater of remarkable clarity, aquatic biodiversity among the continent's richest, and a shoreline still largely untouched by mass tourism. The lake is home to over 250 species of endemic cichlid fish and approximately 80 species of non-cichlid fish, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth.

On its Tanzanian shore, the lake also frames two national parks dedicated to observing wild chimpanzees. This combination — lake, primate forest — is unique in the region.

History and exploration

Lake Tanganyika was reached by British explorers Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke in February 1858, during their expedition in search of the Nile's sources. They were the first Europeans to describe it, though it had long been known and exploited by local populations. The Ruzizi River, which feeds the lake from the north, was documented during this same period.

The town of Ujiji, on the Tanzanian shore near Kigoma, entered history in 1871 as the meeting place between explorer Henry Morton Stanley and missionary David Livingstone, after years of lost contact with the latter. A small museum commemorates the event.

What to see and do on the Tanzanian side

Kigoma and Ujiji

Kigoma is the main Tanzanian town on the lake and the logical entry point for the region. Its port sees the passage of the MV Liemba, a century-old ferry that connects riverside villages. Ujiji, a few kilometres to the south, preserves an old Swahili atmosphere and houses the Livingstone-Stanley memorial.

Mahale Mountains National Park

About 130 km south of Kigoma, Mahale Mountains Park protects one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees habituated to human presence. The mountains, covered in forest, plunge directly into the lake's waters. Access is only by boat or plane, making it a confidential destination.

Gombe Stream National Park

Smaller in size (52 km²), Gombe is renowned for Jane Goodall's chimpanzee research, which began in 1960 and remains active. The park can be visited in one to two days from Kigoma.

Water activities

• Diving and snorkelling to observe cichlids (genera Bathybatini, Benthochromini, Boulengerochromini, Cyphotilapiini, Ectodini, Neolamprologus cylindricus)
• Traditional night torch fishing, practised by local fishermen
• Kayaking along rocky coves
• Dhow or motorboat crossings between coastal villages

When to visit

The dry season, from June to September, is the most favourable period. Trails are passable, skies are clear, and underwater visibility is optimal for observing cichlids. October and November remain pleasant but mark the gradual return of rains. The heavy rainy season (March-May) complicates access to Mahale and Gombe.

Practical information

• Accommodation: Kigoma offers several mid-range hotels; Mahale and Gombe have upmarket lodges integrated into the parks, in limited numbers.
• Permits: visiting the national parks requires an entrance fee payable on site or through an operator; budget significantly for Mahale.
• Health: antimalarial prophylaxis recommended, water treatment essential outside lodges.
• Safety: the Tanzanian shore is calm; however, crossing to the Congolese shore without guidance is inadvisable.

How to get there

The main entry point is Kigoma, accessible via:

• Flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha (daily services, approximately 2 to 3 hours)
• The Central Line train from Dar es Salaam (lengthy, economical, several days)
• By road, though journeys are challenging during the rainy season

From Kigoma, Mahale and Gombe are reached by private boat organised by the lodges, or via the MV Liemba for flexible travellers.

Nearby attractions

The Lake Tanganyika region is part of the geological structure of the Great Rift Valley, of which it forms the western branch. Travellers combining wide spaces and culture can extend their stay towards the Arusha National Park, the starting point for most northern circuits, or explore the Amboni Caves near the coast.

FAQ

Plan your journey

Lake Tanganyika fits into an off-the-beaten-path circuit in western Tanzanie. To build an itinerary combining Kigoma, Mahale and other highlights of the country, consult our Tanzanie journeys.