Lake Tanganyika is second largest of the lakes of Easter Africa. It is the longest freshwater lake in the world and the second deepest after Lake Baikal in Russia. Comparatively narrow, varying in width from 10 to 45 miles, Lake Tanganyika covers about 12,700 square miles and forms the boundary between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo and part of the boundary between Burundi and the DRC as well as part of the boundary between Tanzania and Zambia.
Lake Tanganyika occupies the southern end of the Western Rift Valley, and for most of its length the land rises steeply from its shores. Its waters tend to be brackish. Though fed by a number of rivers, the lake is not the center of an extensive drainage area. The largest rivers discharging into the lake are the Malagarasi, theRuzizi , and the Kalambo, which has one of the highest waterfalls in the world . Its outlet is the Lukuga River, which flows into the Lualaba River.
Lake Tanganyika is situated on the line dividing the floral regions of eastern and Western Africa,and oil palms, which are characteristic of the flora of western Africa, grows along the lake’s shores. Rice and subsistence crops are grown along the shores, and fishing is of some significance. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles abound, and the bird life is varied.
Underneath a depth of 200 m, the water of Lake Tanganyika is nearly anaerobic and without upper existence, because of the missing water recirculation. In the deepest thicknesses, the water has a fossil characteristic.
Lake Tanganyika is home to 300 fish species, 95 % of them are endemic. The chilid species dominate. Fish is the most important food source for the people, living in the lake area. More than 45,000 people work in the fish industries.
Bujumbura’s Lake Tanganyika beaches are some of the best urban beaches of any landlocked country in Africa. The sand, though not exactly pristine white and clean, is still an inviting place to drop a towel, the swimming is safe and the water warm.
All year long, the lake Tanganika remains attractive for all kind of fantastic fans: skiing water, sailing, fishing and many other activities which usually imply strolls along the lake. And beside the private swimming pools in some hotels or at the “Entente Sprotive Restaurant'” there are many beautiful places along the lake which are convenient for swimming, especially the public beach of KAJAGA, near the Hotel “Club du Lac Tanganika.”
The stretch of beach that lies about 5km northwest of the capital is the most beautiful and used to be known as Plage des Cocotiers (Coconut Beach). However, a number of resorts are located along the road and most locals now call it Saga Plage (pronounced Sagga), in honour of what was once the most popular restaurant and bar here. It’s at its liveliest best at the weekend.
Saga Beach
The warm waters of the beach makes it a must visit spot for visitors. The beach is not that beautiful but the natural surrounding that engulfs it increase the attractive nature of the beach. During weekends, locals surround the beach and the atmosphere becomes fun and lively.
Let’s explore this deepest lake, enjoy the lovely pristine beaches are hot spots for relaxation and adventure with Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
