The lakes of Tanzania are as dramatic as they are varied. On soda lakes like Lake Manyara and Lake Natron, wildlife gathers on the desolate salt flats and shimmering views take on a lunar landscape which at sunset descends into shades of various pastels.
The soda lakes are alkaline and blackish, home to large populations of flamingoes, storks and herons. Bird watching and game viewing are popular activities, but must be seen from a distance as the soda flats along the lake shore are difficult to drive or walk upon. Still, a visit to the soda lakes in Tanzania is an unforgettable experience. Game still thrive along their un populated shores and the sheer ethereal beauty of the water colored silver and white by the mineral deposits, is an unforgettable part of the African experience.
Towns and industry take full advantage of the fresh water in the region, the largest of which is lake Victoria in the North-West of the country. Fishing has long been a main stay of residents who live the natural resources, and transport along Tanzania’s many African borders is also an economically profitable activity. Because of the easy supply of fresh water irrigation, Tanzania also farm the areas around fresh water lakes extensively, and both subsistence and cash crops are grown around their shores. Visitors to the fresh water lakes can embark on fresh water trips, hikes and swimming, and enjoy the rich bird and fish life that surrounds the water. In many populated areas, cultural tourism programs are also popular.
LAKE EYASI
A salt lake situated between the rift valley’s Eyasi’s escarpment and the Kidero mountains, the area around lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe bush men, some of the last remaining hunter-gatherers on the continent. The Hadzabe have inhabited the acacia forests and scrub land around Eyasi for 10,000 years and visits to nearby clans can be arranged through local guides in the area.
LAKE MANYARA
Situated inside Lake Manyara National Park, the lake is home to large numbers of flamingoes, pelicans, storks and other plentiful birdlife, as well as hippos that can be observed at close range. Hot springs trickle into the shallow waters and during the dry season the lake shore retreats to leave striking white soda deposits in its wake.
LAKE NATRON
A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Donyo Lengai volcano, the area around lake natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Walks around the lake, and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment, make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track.
LAKE NYASA
Also known as lake Malawi, the Tanzanian side of Lake Nyasa borders the Livingstone mountains and stretches out towards Malawi and Mozambique. The towns of Kyela, Itungi, and Matema make good bases from which to visit the lake, which contains almost a third of the known Cichlids ( a species of fresh water tropical fish) in the world.
LAKE TANGANYIKA
Travel to Lake Tanganyika is most centered on visiting Gombe stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. The lake’s dark waters form the world’s largest and second deepest fresh water lake, and the area is a regional centre for building dhow-fishing boats.
Lake Manyara
Situated inside Lake Manyara National Park, the lake is home to large numbers of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and other plentiful birdlife, as well as hippos that can be observed at close range. Hot springs trickle into the shallow waters and during the dry season the lakeshore retreats to leave striking white soda deposits in its wake.
Lake Natron
A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Donyo Lengai volcano, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track.
Lake Nyasa
Also known as Lake Malawi, the Tanzanian side of Lake Nyasa borders the Livingstone Mountains and stretches out towards Malawi and Mozambique. The towns of Kyela, Itungi, and Matema make good bases from which to visit the lake, which contains almost a third of the known cichlids (a species of freshwater tropical fish) in the world.
Lake Tanganyika
Travel to Lake Tanganyika is mostly centered around visiting Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. The lake’s dark waters form the world’s largest and second deepest freshwater lake, and the area is a regional center for building dhow-fishing boats that sail through its rugged waters.
Lake Victoria
By far the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria’s fishing industries and the agricultural land around its shores has made the area an economic center of Tanzania. Although fishing is a traditional mainstay of the region, coffee and cotton production is increasing the economic importance of the area, especially in Mwanza.