Lake Tanganyika

Introducing Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest (670km) and second-deepest (over 1400m) fresh-water lake. At somewhere between nine and 12 million years old, it is also one of the oldest lakes on the planet and, thanks to its age and ecological isolation, is home to an exceptional variety of fish. Most notable are its colourful cichlids, many of which are found nowhere else, and which make for some wonderful snorkelling in the lake’s clear waters.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries the lake was a major conduit for slaves and trade along the old caravan routes, while today its shores bustle with cross-border traders and refugees. The best way to get a feel for local life is to set off on the MV Liemba, which calls in at a string of small ports as it makes its way down the shoreline. There are few docking jetties, so at each place where the Liemba pulls in, it’s met by dozens of small boats racing out to the ferry, with boat owners and food vendors all jostling for custom from the passengers. At night the whole scene is lit up by the glow of dozens of tiny kerosene lamps, waving precariously in the wind and waves.

Besides Kigoma (the largest town on the Tanzanian lake shore), Ujiji (one of the oldest lake-shore settlements) and Lagosa (for Mahale Mountains National Park), ports of note include the village of Ikola, the old mission station of Kalema (Karema), about 15km further south, and – further south – the village and mission station of Kipili.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009