Lake Tanganyika Adventure Safaris: Magic of the lake

The magic of the lake...

Lake Tanganyika is found on the western border of Tanzania, in East Africa. This massive expanse of water is the longest lake in Africa (720 km long) and is the second deepest lake in the world (1,470m). Because it lies on the Great African Rift, the Lake’s temperature is typically 23 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round.

The Lake boasts visibilities of up to 20m with massive boulders, spectacular drop offs and a shell covered bottom. It is thought to date back 9 to 20 million years and is one of the richest aqueous environments in the world, supporting at least 250 varieties of fish. Most of the 200 and more types of cichlid fish found here are endemic to the Lake. These small, colourful fish are exported for aquariums and fish tanks around the world.

Because of their unique feeding techniques, Tanganyika cichlids prefer different habitats. This means that by going only a few hundred meters or kilometres, you are able to view totally different species, making your diving and snorkeling trips very exciting. Apart from cichlids you could also catch a glimpse of otters, speckled eels, catfish, burrowing clams and freshwater crabs. In the deeper water you may well spot the Lake Tanganyika jellyfish, a nearly transparent, pulsating disc about 2 cm in diameter. Freshwater jellyfish are unusual as most species are found in the ocean. This species is completely harmless to swimmers and does not sting like those found in the sea. Remember to keep a watch out for some of the large fish as well – Nile perch, tigerfish, yellowbellies and others.

We hope that you will find the underwater world of Lake Tanganyika as exciting and special as we do.