Explore Five Famous Lakes of Tanzania
If you’re going for a Tanzania safari, chances are, you are going to see wildlife in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. Or maybe you’re going for a mountain climb (up Kilimanjaro or Meru). But Tanzania is more than that: we mean there are countless things worth knowing in this fabulous country. Lakes are no exception. From seasonal lakes and inland freshwater to hostile soda lakes, there’s something unique you should uncover during your Tanzania safari. In this article, we feature five famous lakes in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara
A soda lake on the Western Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a mirror-like water body in the Northern Circuit. Its location is at the premier entrance of most wildlife safaris in the North and makes a surprise package before you head to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
By size, Lake Manyara spans 230 square kilometers: that’s two-thirds of the total area of Lake Manyara National Park. This lake’s surface often shrinks drastically during the dry season as it loses more water due to evaporation. Therefore, activities, such as canoe riding or boat safari, may not be possible.
One of the striking features of this lake includes large flocks of lesser flamingos on the shallow waters. These pink birds make the lake appear pink from a distance as they gather in large flocks from November to May. This time, algae and mollusks are highly concentrated in water enough to support the growth of their chicks.
What can you do on this lake? The possibilities are endless. You can explore it on a boat or canoe, or just watch from a vantage point. In addition to the soda lake, you can explore wildlife, such as the tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebras. Other activities include a night game drive, treetop canopy walk, and walking safari. No swimming in the main lake except in Maji Moto hot springs.
Lake Tanganyika
Nestled to the remote western corner of Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika is truly an often-overlooked treasure. However, it’s a natural feature that stands out not only in Tanzania but also in the world. The world has not seen a freshwater lake longer than Tanganyika. This majestic lake shared by four nations (Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the DR Congo) is the world’s second-largest lake by volume. And when it comes to depth, Lake Tanganyika holds the second position in the world.
It may be challenging (and of course, a trip in itself) to reach this wonderful lake, but you’ll enjoy doing a lot of things to justify the effort. Flying is the best, and there are daily flights to Kigoma Airport from Arusha and Dar es Salaam. And if you’re combining the south and west, then two flights from Ruaha to Kigoma would be a great option.
There’s much to do on this lake, including a dhow cruise with the local sailors. Lake Tanganyika plays home to over 250 species, so congratulate yourself on the nice catch on your fishing trip. Cichlid fish species are extremely abundant. Diving and snorkeling are two booming activities growing on this wonderful lake. If you are a beginner with a dire interest in diving, make Lake Tanganyika your training center before you head into the tidal waters of the Indian Ocean.
Gombe and Mahale are on the eastern shore of this lake; therefore, it would be a shame to visit Lake Tanganyika without stopping at any of these parks. After all, an hour spent with chimpanzees, our closer cousins, is worth every price.
Lake Victoria
Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, lies in the northwest of Tanzania. Three countries share it: Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, with Tanzania taking the largest part. And the name? In 1858, John Hanning Speke, the English explorer, came across this lake on his search for the source of the Nile River. He named it after Queen Elizabeth of England.
Lake Victoria receives a small volume of visitors compared to its rivals in the northeast, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Natron. It’s famous for iconic fish species, including tilapia and Nile perch. Add large crowds of birds that decorate the shore.
Several islands are inhabited, while others are protected areas. Ukerewe is the largest; feel free to go there to explore the culture. Rubondo is protected, holding a national park status. Animals found here include buffalo, elephants, zebras, and chimpanzees. Sanane Island is also a national park within easy reach of Mwanza.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a lake so alkaline enough to calcify animals falling within its range. Its depth never exceeds 6 meters. During the dry season, this lake loses much water, shrinks, and turns red or pink due to high concentrations of algae and molluscs. The pH may exceed 11, and temperatures often rise to 60 degrees Celsius, making it hostile to nearly every life form.
This lake draws water from streams and hot springs in the Rift Valley and Ol Doinyo. There are no outlets. Surprisingly, some organisms can survive in such hostile environments. Lesser flamingos, however, find it a safer place for breeding. Why? Because no predator can eat their eggs or chicks. Popular activities include flamingo watching, walking tours, hiking Ol Doinyo, and visiting Maasai villages.
Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is another soda lake in northern Tanzania. This isn’t hostile like Lake Natron, so you can see animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, on the shore. We don’t recommend swimming here.
The main drawcard may not be the lake itself, but local communities living on the shore. At the heart of the forest are the Hadzabe (Hadza). This tribe still hunts and gathers for a living. They don’t school, grow food, or keep animals. You can go there to meet them. On top of that, the Datoga live alongside the Hadzabe.
Tanzania’s lakes offer an incredible experience, something to add to your memory. So, you can treat yourself with a visit to one of these lakes (or many other unmentioned) after your safari or mountain climb.
