Lakes in Tanzania

Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake and the world's second-largest freshwater lake, spans Tanzania, Uganda, and touches Kenya. Known as Victoria Nyanza, Ukerewe, and Nalubaale, it is renowned for abundant fish with over 200 species, making it a top fishing destination and a vital part of East Africa's natural beauty.

Area: 68,800 square kilometers
Activities: Fishing, bird watching, hiking, boat safaris, swimming
Facilities: Restroom
Best Time to Visit: July to February

Lake Tanganyika, a large freshwater lake bordering Tanzania and three other countries, is the world's second-oldest, second-largest, and second-deepest. Known for its clear waters and diverse fish, it's a fascinating natural wonder in East Africa.

Area: 32,900 sq.kilometres
Entry Fee: $100 for 24 hours
Getting Around: MV Liemba - world's oldest existing ferry
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, boat safaris, hiking, snorkelling,  and diving
Best Time to Visit: December to February

Lake Malawi, also called Lake Nyasa in Tanzania, is a major African lake, ranking third in Africa and ninth globally. Formed around 2 million years ago, it's home to the Lake Malawi National Park, known for diverse wildlife. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Malawi is a natural treasure supporting vibrant wildlife.

Area: 29,600 sq. kilometres
Activities: Safaris, birdwatching, hiking, snorkelling, and diving
Best Time to Visit: May to October

Lake Rukwa, found between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa in the Rukwa Valley, is known for its many birds and big crocodiles. The lake changes in size because of different streams, making it interesting for nature lovers. The northern part helps with conservation in the Rukwa Game Reserve.

Area: 5,760 sq. kilometers
Activities: Boat cruises, fishing, game viewing, walking safaris
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Parking: Available

Lake Natron in northern Tanzania is known for its salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. It's a breeding ground for many lesser flamingos, and its red color comes from high evaporation, giving it a copper-like appearance.

Area: 1040 sq. kilometres
Timing: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: $11.80 per person
Activities: Birdwatching and hiking
Best Time to Visit: May to November

Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania's Great Rift Valley covers 330 square kilometres. It's famous for diverse wildlife, including elephants and lions that climb trees. Four of the Big Five are here - lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, but not rhinoceros. It's a great place to see animals in their natural habitat.

Area: 330 sq. kilometres
Timing: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: EAC: Adult – TSH 10,000, Child – TSH 2000
Resident: Adult – $25, Child - $7.5
Non-EAC: Adult - $50, Child - $15
Activities: Game drive safari, birdwatching, canoeing, treetop walkway.
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Facilities: Restrooms and shower rooms available

Best Time: June - October

Lake Burigi, the third-largest lake in Tanzania, is in the Kagera Region within Burigi-Chato National Park. It's a key attraction known for diverse wildlife, including African birds like cranes and pelicans. You might also spot hippos, making it a delightful stop in the national park.

Area: 70 sq. kilometres
Entry Fee: $30 per person
Activities: Game drives, bird watching safaris, camping safaris, picnics, walking safaris, cultural safaris
Facilities: Restrooms available
Best Time to Visit: June to October

Lake Jipe is a small lake on the Kenya-Tanzania border, surrounded by Tsavo West National Park and Mkomazi Game Reserve. It's rich in biodiversity, hosting various birds and fish like cyprinoids and siluriforms. The serene lake and its surroundings are a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of diverse wildlife.

Area: 30 sq. kilometres
Activities: Bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking
Facilities: Restrooms available
Best Time to Visit: July to February

Lake Chala, on the Kenya-Tanzania border, is a beautiful crater lake. It's home to the endangered Lake Chala tilapia, and both countries are actively working to protect this species through conservation efforts.

Area: 4.2 sq. kilometres
Entry Fee: $8 per person
Activities: Hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and walking safari
Best Time to Visit: June to October

Lake Babati in northern Tanzania is a freshwater lake famous for its hippos. It's a great place to relax and spend a peaceful day. The lake's calm waters provide a perfect spot to observe the majestic hippos and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Area: 7 sq. kilometres
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: June to October