AN IN-DEPTH GUIDE TO LAKES IN TANZANIA
On the sandy shores of Malawi. Boats, kayaks and people enjoys its idyllic prescence / Image: maria-zardoya
One thing you can't take away from Tanzania is its exceptional nature, and when it comes to lakes, it doesn’t disappoint. From big-name spots like Lake Manyara to less-known hidden gems like Lake Tanganyika, the country is packed with jaw-dropping stretches of water.
We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best lakes in Tanzania, including sparkling blue giants and serene little beauties you might not have heard of. Not sure which ones are worth heading to? These are our favorites worth checking out.
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The extraordinarily beautiful Lake Manyara. Witness the pink hue of flamingos and mountains in the background and a safari vehicle roaming in the forefront
LAKE MANYARA
Set inside the stunning Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara stretches out for about 50 km and has long been a go-to stop for anyone venturing the Northern Circuit. One of the things that makes it stand out is that it’s an alkaline lake rich in carbonate salts, due to Rift Valley's tectonic activity.
Lake Manyara is loved by bird-watchers, too, as it's home to some highly sought-after species like storks, pelicans, and flamingos. But a visit to Lake Manyara isn’t just about birding. Because the park has five different vegetation zones, it means an array of animals live here, too, including the famous tree-climbing lions.
LAKE MALAWAI (LAKE NYASA)
What you call this lake really depends on where you're coming from. Some know it as Lake Malawi. In Tanzania, it’s Lake Nyasa, and down in Mozambique, they go with Lake Niassa. Either way, this tremendous lake shared by all three countries is anything but tiny; it’s the fourth largest lake in the world by area, covering a whopping 29,600 km².
Formed by volcanic activity around 2 million years ago, it lies in southeastern Tanzania and gets a lot of praise for its mix of fish species. We’re talking over 1,000, including the unique, colorful Cichlids, but there are also some fish within the lake you've likely never heard of, such as the Dimidiochromis kiwinge.
A fishing boat floating along Lake Victoria’s calm waters / Image: evans-dims
LAKE VICTORIA
You can’t talk about the lakes of Tanzania without bringing up the biggest and most famous of them all, Lake Victoria. It’s Africa’s and Tanzania's largest lake, covering a massive 59,947 km² and shared between Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Named after Queen Victoria by explorer John Hanning Speke in 1858, this renowned lake has since become a top tourist hotspot across all three countries, especially Tanzania. You’ll find all kinds of wildlife here, like Nile crocodiles, as well as loads of swimming spots, and steamers where you can cruise to different parts of the lake.
LAKE RUKWA
Lake Rukwa is an endorheic lake tucked away in southwestern Tanzania. Many people haven’t heard of this lake, but it’s actually pretty sizable, spanning around 2,600 square km. You would imagine a lake of this size wouldnt dry out, but it can depending on the weather, so be sure to do your research beforehand if you're thinking of visiting.
When Lake Rukwa is full, you'll be able to spot locals using it for fishing. It’s also possible to rent a boat and spot some of the resident hippos and crocodiles.
LAKE NATRON
Bordering Kenya in Northern Tanzania, Lake Natron is a salt-and-soda lake tucked beneath the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. It’s not particularly deep, but it stretches around 57 kilometers in length. What really grabs the attention of many tourists is its bright pink color, caused by red pigments in cyanobacteria, making it a prime spot travelers far and wide.
The area around Lake Natron can get extremely hot, which tends to deter most animals. Flamingos are the exception; there's a big chance you'll see large flocks within the water despite the heat.
A tribesman looking out at Lake Natron with the mountains in the background. Lake Natron is one of the most popular lakes to visit in Tanzania
LAKE CHALA
Another lake that sits on the border between Tanzania and Kenya is the beautiful crater lake, Lake Chala. Created around 250,000 years ago, it's regarded as the deepest inland lake in all of Africa. Half the magic of Lake Chala lies in its rich biodiversity, with dense rainforest wrapped around the rim and dramatic volcanic savannah stretching beyond.
One of the most fascinating facts about this lake is that it's fed by groundwater flowing from nearby Mount Kilimanjaro. It's also known for changing colors depending on the season. One month, it might be blue; the next, it’s glowing turquoise.
LAKE BABATI
If you would like to observe hippos without the large crowds, Lake Babati is the place to go. Positioned west of Tarangire National Park, Lake Babati is around 60 square kilometers in size and has long been a popular location for tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of these grey beasts.
In the past, it was relatively easy to see hippos, but recently, an increase in droughts has caused them to appear less frequently. Unfortunately, this has raised concerns among many locals who heavily rely on tourism.
LAKE BALANGIDA
Those who prefer to travel off the beaten path in north-central Tanzania should visit the alkaline Lake Balangida. Compared to other lakes within this article, it’s quite shallow with little depth, however villagers in the area use it for agriculture and grazing. When you visit this lake, one of the first things you'll notice is the locals harvesting salt, which is a dream for photographers who love capturing elements of day-to-day life.
A hippo’s face emerging from the waters. Lake Babati is famous for its regular hippo sightings / Image: michael-starkie
LAKE BURIGI
Most people have never heard of the Burigi Game Reserve in northwestern Tanzania, even though it's home to several natural wonders. One of which is the endorheic Lake Burigi, which runs 18 km through the park with its unusual shape. While you won’t find much documented about this lake, it's still Tanzania's third largest and provides some brilliant wildlife spotting opportunities, as you can see the likes of African jacanas and pelicans feeding from the shorelines.
LAKE EYASI
Deep within the Arusha region, beside the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi is an awe-inspiring 1,050 square kilometer lake perched at an altitude of 1,040 meters. As the homeland of the Hadzabe and Datoga people, it’s also an ideal spot for tourists to connect with Tanzania’s rich tribal heritage and experience their unique traditions.
Not only can you observe the tribespeople, but the lake is also packed with flamingos that can easily be seen. As an alkaline lake, one of its standout features is the shoreline, where the surrounding walls are strikingly purple, owing to the volcanic lava they're made from.
LAKE JIPE
Adding to the list of lakes shared by Tanzania and Kenya, Lake Jipe is a small body of water located in the Kilimanjaro region, with a depth of just under 3 meters. Like many of the lakes in the area, much of Jipe’s inflow comes from the giant Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite its modest size, the area has quite some wildlife; hippos and crocodiles are the most common species, but don’t be surprised if you spot a few zebras wandering nearby. If you have the time, be sure to visit some of the surrounding villages to get a taste of local life and watch the fishermen head out for their daily catch.
The sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake on the planet / Image: guy-basabose
LAKE DULUTI
Peaceful as they come, the volcanic crater of Lake Duluti is little in the grand scheme of things, just 0.66 km² in size, but that's part of its allure. Standing strong in the distance is the mighty Mount Meru, a challenge only the bold would dare to face. However, if you prefer laid-back adventures, there’s still plenty to enjoy on a visit to Lake Duluti. Hop in a canoe or kayak, and soak up the surrounding nature, or join a local guide for a relaxed walk and keep your eyes on the treetops; you might just encounter a blue monkey or two.
LAKE TANGANYIKA
Part of the African Great Lakes, Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake on the planet, extending about 660 km through not only Tanzania but also the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Zambia. In addition to being the longest freshwater lake, it’s also the second deepest, due to its location in the Great Rift Valley.
From a bird’s-eye view, you’d notice Lake Tanganyika's strikingly long and narrow shape, winding along majestic shorelines and rugged mountain slopes. Beyond its fantastic scenery, Lake Tanganyika supports an incredible ecosystem with roughly 350 fish species, like the Tanganyika lates and Luciolates stappersii.
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