What to see in the Kigoma Region of Tanzania?
Kigoma is a region found in western Tanzania, bordering three countries: Rwanda, Burundi, and the DR Congo. Kigoma is very rich in culture and has many fun activities that tourists can do. In this article, we discuss some of the best places to visit while you’re in this remote region.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe is also famous for the incredible work by the British primatologist, Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking research redefined what we think of chimpanzees. Other activities include hiking, birdwatching, sport fishing, and boat cruising on this majestic lake.
Although it’s Tanzania’s smallest park, Gombe has a unique wildlife species, the endangered chimpanzees. The park spans 52 sq kilometers (20 sq miles) and is dominated by Congolese forests. That said, these forests host chimpanzees and other primates, such as baboons and colobus monkeys.
There are other animals, such as leopards (occasionally), pythons, bush vipers, and honey badgers, not to mention over 200 bird species and a variety of butterflies. About places, Mbali Mbali Gombe and Kasekela Luxury Tented Camp are the best options.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale is another home for the endangered chimpanzees. Estimates suggest a healthy population of around 1,000 eastern chimpanzees. And they’re the main reason for this 1,613-sq-km park to be established in 1968. This wildlife expanse comprises the Mahale Mountains range.
Only one chimpanzee troop is habituated, but habituation is still ongoing thanks to a Japanese research team. You can only go to Mahale on foot, not by vehicle. And chimpanzee trekking is the main activity to do in Mahale. This experience involves a forest walk (or hike) through the mountain forests searching for a chimpanzee territory. Once found, you’ll spend an hour watching them. On top of forest walks, you can go for a hike.
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is considered to be one of the oldest freshwater lakes in the world. It is also the second deepest freshwater lake in the whole world, with more than 1,470 meters (4,823 feet) of depth. This beautiful lake is found on the border between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You can visit the lake to explore the different flora and fauna inhabiting the lake; this includes primates and endemic fish with species not found anywhere else on the planet.
Lake Tanganyika features some beautiful sandy beaches, with wonderful breezes that will give you a nice sense of relaxation. These quiet sandy shores have clear and calm waters, making walks along the shores and under the tropical trees very peaceful and calming. For the best diving experience, be sure to go with our expert local guide, as they will take you to a safe place to avoid dangerous animals. The visibility of the water goes as deep as 20 meters (65 feet), making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling.
The lake offers wonderful boat safari trips, and on a clear day, you can set off for a boat trip into the depths of the lake and enjoy the views of the deep blue waters. Our local guide will take you to wonderful spots that are rich in biodiversity that you just must see! If you also like fishing, Lake Tanganyika will give you an opportunity to fish for different kinds of species, including the Nile perch and the tigerfish, and you can also get a chance to capture some aquarium fish found in the lake.
Ujiji Town and Dr. Livingstone Memorial Museum
Ujiji Town is a prominent historical town located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is found just a few meters from the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is mostly famous for being the meeting point of Dr. Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. The town was a critical meeting point for explorers looking to explore Central Africa during the 19th century. Its strategic location made it a good hub for linking trade routes and allowing different explorers to document their findings in this region. Among these explorers was Dr. David Livingstone, who was a Scottish missionary.
The Livingstone Memorial Museum was officially built and opened to the public in 1927. The British administration in Tanganyika erected the monument in memory of Dr. Livingstone due to his heroic ambition of abolishing slavery and spreading Christianity. Dr. Livingstone was initially obsessed with finding out more about the origin of the River Nile and ended up spending a long time in Kigoma, Ujiji. You can visit this memorial museum when in Kigoma and learn much more about the history of the famous explorer and his expeditions while on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
The Ha People
The Ha tribe, which the Swahili people call “Waha,” is one of the many ethnic groups in Tanzania that are predominantly located in the Kigoma region. The Ha tribe is the third largest population by number in the country. These people have their unique traditions, customs, arts, crafts, beliefs, music, and dance. The Ha are also farmers and livestock keepers, so you get the chance to understand how they graze cattle and cultivate crops.
At Achieve Global Safaris, we organize Tanzania safaris and other East African countries. Simply contact our expert planners to plan something unforgettable.
