Lake Tanganyika Burundi

Lake Tanganyika is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and the second deepest lake after Lake Baikal in Siberia. Its volume measures approx. 18,880 cubic kilometres and its maximum depth lie at 1,470 m. With a maximum length of 673 km and a maximum width of 72 km, Lake Tanganyika covers a surface of 32,893 sq. km.

The lake is shared among four countries namely Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Zambia, with RDC holding 45 % and Tanzania 41 %. The major outflow is the Lukuga River, which empties into the Congo River system. The major inflow is the Ruzizi River, entering the north of Lake Tanganyika and coming from Lake Kivu. Further inflows are the Kalambo River and the Malagarasi River, which is Tanzania´s second-largest river.

Underneath a depth of 200 m, the water of Lake Tanganyika is nearly anaerobic and without upper existence, because of the missing water recirculation. In the deepest thicknesses, the water has a fossil characteristic.

Lake Tanganyika is home to 300 fish species, 95 % of them are endemic, and Fish is the most important food source for the people, living in the lake area.

How to get to Lake Tanganyika

The lake borders the city so it’s very easy to travel between the city and the lake and travelling by road is the only option or by walking so it’s really accessible.

Things to do on Lake Tanganyika Burundi

One of the main features is the blue waters of Lake Tanganyika providing some idle and spectacular boat safaris for travellers to enjoy.

Boat safaris to see wildlife

Hippos can be seen on the boat excursions and quite some nice and beautiful birds can also be recorded on the boat tour.

Sunset cruise

Extraordinary sunset cruises with a cold drink and snacks are what every traveller should do while in Bujumbura and our clients highly recommend it.

Fishing on Lake Tanganyika

Local fishing trips can be arranged in search of the Nile perch that exists in the lake and it’s the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Beach holidays

For those that love sunbathing one place, you shouldn’t miss is the lake shores of Lake Tanganyika on a warm day you can have really spectacular experience.

When to visit Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika can be visited all year but the windy months of October and November can be avoided if need be.

Where to stay in Lake Tanganyika

There are quite a lot of places to stay along the lakeshore and some of the favourites include Hotel Belair residence, Kangaroo hotel, Hotel club du lac Tanganyika and Tanganyika blue bay resort.