Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAKE TANGANYIKA
Spreading over a massive 34,000 sq km, and reaching 4700ft deep, cavernous Lake Tanganyika is the second-
deepest lake in the world and contains about 15% of the earth's freshwater. Believed to be up to 15 million years
old and lying in the Great Rift Valley, the shores of the lake reach Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of
the Congo and Zambia. The climate here is always very hot, especially at the end of the dry season. This makes a
swim very tempting, but there are a few crocodiles and hippos around, as well as the poisonous Tanganyika water
cobra, so seek local advice before plunging in.
Other notable inhabitants of Lake Tanganyika are the many species of colourful cichlid fish (
Click here
)
,
which specialist operators catch and breed for export to aquariums all over the world. There are more than 350
species here, most of which are endemic and many are similar to those found in Lake Malawi. Snorkelling and
diving can be good here because of the plentiful brightly coloured fish; for professional scuba equipment and les-
sons contact Ndole Bay Lodge (
Click here
)
.
Fishing is also popular on the lake, especially around Nsumbu National Park, which is well-known for its ex-
cellent angling. The best time of year to get a good catch is November to March, and Zambia's annual National
Fishing Competition is held every Spring.
For more on the lake and its inhabitants, visit the Conservation Lake Tanganyika website
Sleeping
LODGE
Ndole Bay Lodge $$
( 088-2165 2077;
www.ndolebaylodge.com
;
campsite per person US$11, chalets with
full board per person from US$100; )
Set on a pretty beach just outside Nsumbu Na-
tional Park, this lodge has several spacious chalets dotted around the grounds, all made
from natural local materials. The newest rooms are stunning and include beautiful furnish-
ings and a huge attached bathroom with Balinese-style outdoor showers. There is also a
campsite right under the trees on the sandy beach and a large communal area right by the
beach with plenty of comfy chairs and hammocks. The restaurant includes plenty of fresh
Lake Tanganyika fish on the menu.
All kinds of activities are on offer here including snorkelling, water-skiing, bush walks
and fishing trips. Ndole Bay also has a PADI dive centre where you can take half-day dis-
cover scuba diving courses as well as a PADI open-water course. For trips further afield
try a sailing trip up Lake Tanganyika in a wooden dhow, including fishing and diving on
the side. The friendly hosts also offer rainforest and waterfall walking safaris in Nsumbu
