LAKES

The lakes of Tanzania 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.

Main Lakes

Lake Manyara

Situated inside Lake Manyara National Park, the lake is home to large numbers of flamnigos, pelicans, storks and other plentiful bird life, as well as hippos that can be observed at close range. Hot springs trickle into the shallow waters and during the dry season the lakeshore retreats to leave striking white soda deposits in its wake.

Lake Natron

A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Donyo 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 Tanganyika

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

Lake Victoria

By far the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria’s fishing industries and agricultural land around its shores has made the area an economic center of Tanzania. Although fishing is a traditional mainstay of the region, coffee and cotton production are increasingly the economic importance of the area especially in Mwanza.

For visitors, attractions include trips to Rubondo Island National Park and participating in various cultural tourism programmes on offer around the area. The lake has spectacular varieries of fresh water tropical fish. Its shores are peaceful and pristine and offer a quiet alternative to the constant movement and bustle of a safari itinerary.

Other Lakes

•    Lake Eyasi
•    Lake Nyasa