Lake Tanganyika (Africa) - a unique freshwater reservoir

Lake Tanganyika was discovered in the middle of the XIX century by English travelers Richard Burton and John Spic in Central Africa. Later, many famous travelers, such as David Livingston and Henry Stanley, took up research on this unique natural freshwater pond.

The area around the lake is inhabited by the Ha tribe, who migrated here several centuries ago from the western African regions and settled on the shores and outskirts of the lake - in Gombe.

Lake Tanganyika was formed on the line of the East African fault, which is one of the most unique geological forms on our planet. It stretches from the Middle East to Mozambique.

This large water space is considered the second on the Earth after Baikal in its deep water: its depth is almost 1500 meters. It, like its older brother, is distinguished by its amazingly transparent water, which allows you to see the bottom at 33 meters of depth.

At the same time Lake Tanganyika is also considered the longest in the world. Its length is 708 kilometers with a width of 80 kilometers.

Geologists believe that it was formed seven to ten million years ago. The huge water mass, concentrated in the deepest reservoir in Africa, is on the border of four states at once: Burundi, Tanzania, and also Zambia and Congo.

In general, Lake Tanganyika is considered a unique biological habitat on our planet, the so-called peculiar evolutionary "showcase". For example, ninety-seven percent of all lake fish-cichlids on Earth live only in its waters. Here live seven species of crab, five species of mollusks, etc.

In the waters of the lake you can find about 350 species of exotic fish. It is from these places that they are exported to the most prestigious aquariums in many cities on the planet, as the cichlids of Lake Tanganyika are very popular, especially in Europe.

Around the lake are two national parks: the Gombe Stream reserves and the Mahale, in very fragile ecosystems which are home to about a thousand chimpanzees. It is in these places that unique fishing is possible, as well as an unforgettable safari with observation of the life of these primates. On the territory of these two reserves there are camps and safari-lodges, in which many tourists come to rest. Accommodation in these places is an excellent opportunity to spend time enjoying the beautiful views of the lake far from the city fuss, as well as getting acquainted with many African animals.

Tanganyika is a lake on which sports fishing of Nile perch, Goliath fish and many other unusual breeds is extremely popular. Every year in the beginning of spring there is organized a fishing championship, which gathers lovers of fishing from all over the world.

The ichthyofauna of Tanganyika is exceptionally rich in its species composition. Many of the species show a striking resemblance to similar marine ones, although fresh water in the lake . And the explanation of this specificity lies in the peculiarities caused by the geological history of the lake.

Aborigines call it a "water reservoir full of fish." It is said that the name given to the lake was Swahili, which then went deep into the continent.