Lake Tanganyika Tanzania

Lake Tanganyika is arguably the most beautiful Great Lake in Africa, formed in the Great African Rift Valley, with long, deserted beaches of silver sand backed by tropical forest on blue mountain ridges down which lacy waterfalls cascade hundreds of meters through lush ravines, home to many primates including Gombe and Mahale wild chimpanzees and a rich variety of mammals, birds and butterflies. It is the ultimate destination for an off-beat, alternate beach holiday in Africa. Lake Tanganyika is filled by the Ruzizi River, Kalambo River, and the Malagarasi River. The latter flowed directly into the Congo River millions of years ago before Lake Tanganyika was formed as part of the Great African Rift Valley. Steep escarpments surrounding the lake rise to almost 2000 meters, falling sharply into the lake to an equal depth, making it the deepest lake in Africa and also the second largest freshwater lake in the world, three-quarters of which is filled with undisturbed anoxic silt below 500 meters of blue waters. Above the silt are found jellyfish, crabs and sardines which convinced scientists that the lake was once connected to the sea. But later it was proved that a parallel evolution had occurred during more than 10 million years since the lake was formed.

Highlights

• Snorkeling and diving on Lake Tanganyika.
• Fishing for Nile perch.
• Dhow sunset cruise.
• Primate trekking experiences

Climate

Lake Tanganyika’s wet season is from October to April and the dry season is from May to September.

When to go

Lake Tanganyika is an enchanting place to visit almost all year round since it has a moderate equatorial climate. June to September is the best time to go on safari perfect for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale and Gombe national parks.

Where to stay

• Lakeshore lodge
• Kigoma hilltop hotel
• Lupita island lodge
• Gombe forest lodge
• Mbali mbali Gombe Lodge
• Nomad safari luxury tented camp
• Nkugwe Luxury Tented Camp
• Flycatcher safari camp