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Lake Tanganyika

The world’s longest freshwater lake, on Tanzania’s western border, backed by the forests of Gombe and Mahale.

Lake Tanganyika runs for about 670 km along Tanzania’s western border. It is the longest freshwater lake in the world and the second deepest, with clear water and a shoreline of forested hills.

The forests above the lake belong to a different world from the northern savannah. Western species such as Ross’s Turaco and Crowned Hornbill turn up here, and Palm-nut Vultures patrol the oil palms along the shore.

Most visitors come for the chimpanzees of Gombe and Mahale, both reached by boat along the lake. We combine the trekking with forest birding and boat trips on the water.

Getting there

Fly to Kigoma, then travel by boat along the lake to Gombe (one to two hours) or Mahale (several hours, or a charter flight).

Where to stay

Hotels in Kigoma on the lake shore, and tented camps and bandas at Gombe and Mahale.

Our guides’ tips

  • Visit in the dry season, from May to October, when trails are easier and chimps often come lower.
  • Bird the forest edge along the shore early, before the heat.
  • Take a boat trip at sunset for fish eagles and kingfishers.
  • Pack light. Luggage limits on small planes and boats are strict.

Common questions

Is Lake Tanganyika good for birding?

Yes. It adds western forest species that you will not see in the northern parks.

Can I combine it with chimpanzee trekking?

Yes. Gombe and Mahale are both on the lake shore and are reached by boat.

How long should I spend there?

Three to four nights lets you combine trekking, forest birding and time on the water.

Safaris that visit Lake Tanganyika

No set itinerary here yet. Ask us for a custom trip and we’ll plan one around your dates.

Wildlife

Iconic wildlife of Lake Tanganyika

The animals, trees and reptiles our guides look for here, with the best season and where to find them. See the full wildlife guide.

Birding

Birds to look for in Lake Tanganyika

Specialities, endemics and the birds that make this place different, chosen by our birding guides. Browse all birds.

Activities

Things to do in Lake Tanganyika

How a day here is spent, from game drives to walks and boat trips. All safari activities.

Hartlaub’s Turaco in Arusha National Park
Any length, from a morning walk to a 27-day expedition

Birdwatching

More than 1,100 species, dozens of endemics, and guides who find most birds by ear. Our speciality.

Chimpanzee in the forest at Mahale
Two to six hours of walking

Chimpanzee trekking

Follow trackers into the forest above Lake Tanganyika and spend an hour with wild chimpanzees.

Visitors on a boat trip on Lake Tanganyika
One to three hours

Boat trips on Lake Tanganyika

Fish eagles, fishing villages and sunsets over the Congo hills on the world’s longest freshwater lake.

Explore other Tanzania destinations

More parks, plains and forests our safaris visit, each with its own wildlife, birds and best season.

Waterfall in the montane forest of Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park

Montane forest, the Momella Lakes and Hartlaub’s Turaco, just 45 minutes from Arusha.

Flamingos on the shore of Lake Manyara

Lake Natron

The Rift Valley soda lake where East Africa’s Lesser Flamingos breed.

Black-winged Stilt wading in shallow water

Lake Eyasi

Seasonal soda lake with flamingos, waterbirds and quiet dry bush.

Grey-headed Gull on a Rift Valley lake, Tanzania

Lake Victoria

Africa’s largest lake, with papyrus specialists and lakeshore birds.

Bird singing on an acacia branch, northern Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro

Montane forest birding on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain.

Beesley’s Lark on the Lark Plains near Arusha

Lark Plains

The only place on earth to see the critically endangered Beesley’s Lark.

View over the Ngorongoro Crater floor

Ngorongoro Crater

A volcanic caldera with black rhino, lions and big grassland birds.

Eastern Arc forest in the Usambara Mountains

Usambara Mountains

Ancient Eastern Arc forests holding Tanzania’s rarest endemic birds.

Baobab country in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

Tanzania’s largest park: big predators, baobab plains and 570+ bird species.

Start planning your safari

Tell us your dates and the birds or animals you most want to see. We’ll reply within 24 hours with a route and a full quote.

Send an enquiryWhatsApp +255 627 415 415