Things to Do Around Lake Tanganyika, Burundi

Fishing boats float on Lake Tanganyika, Burundi
Fishing boats float on Lake Tanganyika, Burundi | © Emesik / WikiCommons
Desire Nimubona

Lake Tanganyika is one of the world’s most outstanding freshwater reserves offering visitors the amazing opportunity to see Burundi’s incredible nature and culture.

Other countries that border the lake are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. The lake offers opportunities to contemplate the beauty of Burundi through its men and women, its nature, its animals, and its infrastructures. Here are the great things that can be done or seen around Lake Tanganyika in Burundi.

Sunbathe with hippos

Lake Tanganyika is home to an amazing variety of animals that attract tourists throughout the year. The lake is home to animals that live both in the lake and along its banks. It’s a great viewing spot for crocodiles, but espeically hippos that, from time to time, leave the lake to tan on the beaches and offer a unique spectacle to tourists and admirers of nature.

Hippos suntanning

Have a beer on Lake Tanganyika

The Lake Tanganyika area boasts some renowned bars. Yucca Beach Restaurant and bar, with its array of imported, as well as locally-crafted beers, is the most popular spot among tourists. Other great places to relax with an ice-cold drink are Nyabugete Beach and the newly-established Zion Beach.

At the edge of Lake Tanganyika, we dance!

Imagine yourself dancing all night to traditional music, rumba and reggae along the lake shore. Take part in karaoke or dance parties thrown at La Costa Beach, Yucca Beach, Zion Beach, Nyabugete Beach, Club du Lac, Tanganyika Club, Cape Town Beach, Nonara Beach, Saga Plage, Saga Vodo, Karera Beach, and Black and White Beach. If you think Bujumbura is noisy over the weekend then get ready for the parties on the lake. A cool evening breeze carries the sounds of celebration across the water and well into the night.

Fishing boats float on Lake Tanganyika, Burundi

Visit tourist squares on the shores of Lake Tanganyika

Burton and Speake square near Nyanza Lac in southern Burundi, is one of the most monumental squares in which visitors can learn about the history of the two explorers who spent some time on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The Stanley and Livingston Stone south of the capital Bujumbura and about 15 kilometers from the lake is the place to learn about the history of foreign exploration on the African continent between the 17th and 18th centuries. The Rumonge Moss Castle, one of the infrastructures built on Lake Tanganyika, is classified as a historical monument from the colonial era. It serves traditional Burundian food and has become a popular bar in the area.

Try Mukeke, found only in Lake Tanganyika

On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, fresh Mukeke is served. It is a special fish found only in Lake Tanganyika that is typically grilled or fried. It has a unique yet delicious flavour. Served fresh on the shores of the lake, in bars or restaurants, Mukeke is a most coveted delicacy. There are also other forms of fish that a tourist can enjoy from the region, including Ndagala, captain fish (sanagala) and Inonzi, ibisaya.

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