Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second largest lake (by volume) and the second deepest, after Russia's Lake Baikal. It contains 17 percent of the world’s surface freshwater. Lake Tanganyika is shared among four countries including Zambia, Tanzania, Congo DR, and Burundi. Zambia's side of the lake consists 7% of its water. The translucent waters host over 320 different species of fish of which 250 are cichlids and 70 species are non-cichlids. The Lake is well known for aquarium fish exports and fantastic angling opportunities.

Despite the ferocious surface storms that occur at times, driving waves up to six meters high (20 foot), no mixing of the lower relict waters occur. The bottom 1,200 meters of the lake remain 'dead' – either too high in hydrogen sulfide or too low in oxygen to support life. This ‘fossil water’ may be as old as 20 million years.

Sport fishing is very popular here and catches include the Goliath Tiger fish and Nile Perch. Crocodiles inhabit most of the shoreline, except around Mpulungu where there are high levels of human activities.

Diving, fishing, swimming, boating, sailing and game drives are thrilling and abundantly available. The beachline is spectacular and a source of relaxation.

Swimming in the lake, in the Mpulungu area is simply a delight as the waters are warm, clear and salt free with recurrent high waves that make for intense surfing. Pre-booking is required when planning a trip.