Lake Tanganyika forms much of Tanzania's western border, a long, deep ribbon of water between steep green hills. At about 673 kilometres it is the longest freshwater lake in the world, and at around 1,470 metres at its deepest point, the second deepest. Tanzania holds roughly 46 per cent of it, and Kigoma is the main town on the Tanzanian shore. A few days here suit travellers who want a quieter, far-western Tanzania of fishing villages, clear water and chimpanzees.

What you will see

The water is remarkably clear, and below the surface live more than 250 species of cichlid fish found only in this lake, many of them brightly coloured and easy to watch with a mask and snorkel. On land, the forests of Gombe and Mahale shelter wild chimpanzees. Close to Kigoma, Ujiji is where Henry Morton Stanley met David Livingstone in 1871, and a memorial and small museum mark the spot.

Snorkelling and kayaking in calm bays
Sunset dhow trips along the shore
Ujiji heritage visits with a local guide
Chimpanzee trekking at Gombe, a boat ride north

The MV Liemba

The MV Liemba is one of the lake's best-known sights. Built in 1913 as the German Graf von Götzen, she returned to service in October 2026 on trial trips. Schedules are still settling, so check with us before planning around a sailing.

When to go

June to October is the time to aim for, with calmer water and drier trails at Gombe and Mahale. The rest of the year brings rain, which can make hiking harder and boat trips bumpier. See our Tanzania weather guide for more.

Getting there

Air Tanzania flies from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, which is by far the easiest way in. The Central Line train from Dar es Salaam also reaches Kigoma for those with time to spare, while the road journey is very long.

How it fits your trip

Kigoma is the natural base for Gombe, and the lake shore leads south to Mahale, so Lake Tanganyika ties the western parks together. Many travellers come after a Kilimanjaro climb and a northern safari, flying west via Dar es Salaam for something completely different. Arriving by train, or one day on the Liemba, makes the journey part of the adventure, though both need flexible plans. A few nights let you pair a chimp trek with a slower day on the water and a visit to Ujiji.

Where to stay

Kigoma has hotels and lodges on the lake shore, and simple accommodation is available at Gombe itself. Evenings by the water, watching the light fade over the far hills, are a highlight wherever you stay. Send us your dates and we will work out how to reach the lake around your other plans.