Our Widely Varied Lakes

Tanganyika boat

Traveling on Lake Tanganyika on our way to Gombe Stream National Park to see chimpanzees.

The lakes of Tanzania

They are as dramatic as they are varied. On soda lakes like Lake Manyara and Lake Natron, wildlife gathers on the desolate salt flats and shimmering views take on a lunar landscape which at sunset descends into shades of various pastels.

The soda lakes are alkaline and brackish, home to large populations of flamingos, storks and herons. Bird-watching and game viewing are popular activities. Game still thrive along their unpopulated shores and the sheer ethereal beauty of the water, colored silver and white by the mineral deposits, is unforgettable part of the African experience

Lake Eyasi

As salt lake situated between the Rift Valley’s Eyasi escarpment and the Kidero Mountains, the area around Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe Bushmen, some of the last remaining hunter-gathers on the continent. The Hadzabe have inhabited the acacia forests and scrubland around Eyasi for over 10,000 years and visits to nearby clans can be arranged.

Lake Natron

A soda lake at the base of active Oldonyo Lengai volcano, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track.

Lake Nyasa

Also known as Lake Malawi, the Tanzanian side of Lake Nyasa borders the Livingstone Mountains and stretches out towards Malawi and Mozambique. The towns of Kyela, Matema and Itungi make good bases from which to visit the lake, which contains almost a third of known cichlids (species of freshwater tropical fish) in the world.

Lake Tanganyika

Travel to Lake Tanganyika is mostly centered around visiting Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. The lake’s dark waters form the world’s largest and second deepest freshwater lake, and the area is regional center for building dhow-fishing boats.

Lake Victoria

LakeVictoria

By far the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria’s attractions include trips to Rubondo Island National Park and touring this beautiful area. The lake has some spectacular varieties of freshwater tropical fish, many of which are exported to aquariums all over the world. Its shores are peaceful and pristine, and offer a quiet alternative to the constant movement and bustle of safari itinerary. Gently sloping hills lead to the soft blue waters of the lake, as fish eagles swoop at dawn and dusk eager for the small fish that swim in Victoria’s rich waters. Bird watching and fishing trips make popular excursions, as well as boating trips and hikes.