Lake Tanganyika

Western Tanzania · altitude 773 m · best time: May–October

Lake Tanganyika is a natural wonder — the longest freshwater lake on earth and the second-deepest, holding nearly a fifth of the world's available fresh water. Its clear, fish-rich waters are home to hundreds of endemic cichlid species prized by aquarists worldwide. The lake forms the backdrop to the remote chimpanzee parks of Mahale and Gombe, and its shoreline town of Kigoma is the springboard for western Tanzania adventures, including the historic port of Ujiji where Stanley met Livingstone.

FAQs

Why is Lake Tanganyika famous?
It is the world's longest and second-deepest freshwater lake, home to hundreds of endemic fish species and the gateway to the Mahale and Gombe chimpanzee parks.
What can you do at Lake Tanganyika?
Visitors combine chimpanzee trekking at Mahale or Gombe with snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the historic lakeside town of Kigoma.

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