Lake Tanganyika is Africa’s deepest and longest fresh water lake in Africa. The lake is shared among African countries of Burundi, Democratic republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia with Tanzania holding the largest part. The lake is one of Tanzania’s greatest natural treasures as it is filled with beautiful aquatic life and bird species that make it indeed an attractive place to Visit and explore. Lake Tanganyika is approximately 689km by road from Dodoma the capital city of Tanzania. The shimmering and beautiful waters of this lake offer one of the best boat safaris and fishing safari destinations in Tanzania.
Tourist activities at Lake Tanganyika
Boat cruises; Lake Tanganyika offers a beautiful opportunity for Taking boat cruises that can be relaxing and yet thrilling. A tourist can be able to view the beautiful sceneries around and in the lake for example the hills, islands, green trees, birds among others, the different wildlife species in water and also be able to take beautiful pictures. Boat cruises at Lake Tanganyika however comes at a cost that can be determined by a trusted tour operator like Focus East Africa safaris.
Wildlife viewing; There are numerous wildlife species that are around and within the lake that give a good opportunity to tourists to satisfy their wildlife viewing interest. wildlife species at Lake Tanganyika include; Nile crocodiles, Zambian hinged terrapins, serrated hinged terrapins to mention but few. These shall indeed make one’s safari at Lake Tanganyika interesting. To have a greater wildlife viewing opportunity one can visit the near by national parks of Katavi national park, Gombe stream national park and Mahale mountains national park. These national parks are indeed filled with numerous wildlife species and have animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, impalas, chetahs, monkeys, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, Zebras to mention but a few and are also filled with numerous bird species which shall indeed make ones’ safari at Lake Tanganyika incredible.
Sport Fishing; The fresh waters of Lake Tanganyika are filled with a variety of fish species that include; Tanganyika kill fish, sleek lates, Lake Tanganyika prat, tilapia, Tiger fish, Lung fish, cat fish, among others. Fishing at the lake can however can be done when one acquires a fishing permit from the local fish or tour authorities and use different fishing methods such as fish nets, baskets and fish rods. Sport fishing activities are indeed fun and thrilling and gives one the opportunity to relax and even grab what to eat for dinner. Spot fishing can be done in a group or individually and can also be done while at the shores of the lake or while boat cruising. It is however important to note that Lake Tanganyika is a deep lake and activities such as fishing must be done in the presence of a trained and experience local tour guide for tourists’ safety.
Cultural experience; While on a Lake Tanganyika tour, one can visit the local community that’s around the shores of the lake and meet with residents around the lake’s shores, learn about their ways of day-to-day living, the fishing methods they use and ancient day stories and myths about the lake’s since its existence, the different fishing techniques they use and other economic activities to mention but a few.
Water Tours; This involves one taking a guided tour on the waters of Lake Tanganyika usually on a boat or canoe and be able to explore the different wildlife species on the lake like crocodiles, hippopotamus, snakes, elephants to mention but a few. Tourist while on a water tour can be able to view the surrounding beautiful landscapes of the lake such as; the beautiful Hills, the trees, rolling plains to mention but are few that are indeed gorgeous and through make water tours relaxing and refreshing.
Bird watching; Lake Tanganyika is filled with numerous birds that are nestled around the shores of the lake and these species of birds include; the papyrus yellow warbler, shoe bill, African skimmer, papyrus gonolek, pallid harrier to mention but a few. These numerous species make the lake a number one birders choice especially while on a Lake Tanganyika safari.
Scuba Diving; Right from the word Scuba that stands for self -contained Under water breathing apparatus tourists who have the above-mentioned skills can explore the underwater aquatic life, the lake is definitely the place to visit as it has diverse under water species like Helmeted Turtles, African clawless otter, Hippopotamus, crocodiles, fish, cichlids, Mud turtles to mention but a few.
The best time to visit Lake Tanganyika is during the dry seasons/months of the year that include the months of January, February, June, July, August, November, September and December to mention but a few. This is because there is minimal down pour that does not interfere with tourists’ activities at the Lake.
