The Most Beautiful Lakes Worth Visiting In Tanzania : Despite being known as the best destination for hiking safari in mount Kilimanjaro, Beach vocation in Zanzibar island and Wildlife safari in Serengeti national park, and Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania is also home to a fascinating complexity of lakes that are as varied as they are beautiful, from crater lakes surrounded by lush forests to clear blue water that laps onto sandy shores resembling a beach. The area is home to some of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes, as well as incredible ecological diversity and stunning natural landmarks. Continue reading to add these travel gems to your Africa bucket list.
LAKE MANYARA
This magnificent body of water, where picturesque beauty abounds and wildlife is abundant, might be regarded as the jewel in Tanzania’s lake system. It occupies roughly two-thirds of Lake Manyara National Park and is home to a staggering variety of lush habitats. The serene alkaline water, which is frequently adorned with flocks of pelicans and flamingos, is complemented by wetlands, grassland, and acacia forests, all of which are contrasted by the breathtaking Rift Valley Escarpment. The sound of hornbills and guinea fowl is audible throughout the evergreen forests that surround the lake. While in a safari here, keep an eye out for the unusual tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.
LAKE EYASI
The stunning birdlife and opportunities for cultural exchange with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes at Lake Eyasi draw most visitors. It is located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Highlands and has purple volcanic walls surrounding a sizable area of white, alkaline shallows. Eyasi’s shores are lined with tall palm trees, in contrast to the more arid northern regions, which draw colorful and abundant birdlife like Fischer’s lovebird, flamingo, pelican, spurfowl, and stork. The lake’s size changes depending on the amount of rain, and it is particularly picturesque from June to November when flocks of breeding pelicans and flamingos arrive.
LAKE RUKWA
Travelers will enjoy Lake Rukwa’s beauty and solitude despite the effort required to reach it because so few people travel to this isolated, far-western region. A large number of crocodiles and hippos can be found in Rukwa, which is part of the Katavi National Park. There are also a wide variety of water birds there, such as the glossy ibis, white pelican, lesser flamingo, and African skimmer. The lake, which is the fourth-largest in Tanzania and has no outlet, experiences significant seasonal variations in water levels because of this. Grazers enjoy the lush grasslands in the valley that surrounds the lake, and rare birds like the Tanzanian masked weaver and the shoebill stork live in papyrus swamps.
LAKE VICTORIA
Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya surround the largest tropical lake in the world, Lake Victoria. Over 300 kilometers (186 miles) of its shores are indented, and the lake is home to numerous archipelagos and shallow reefs. There are many beautiful islands, including Rubondo Island, which is home to Africa’s largest island national park. Villages that are close to the shoreline have a tranquil waterside charm and lead visitors off the beaten path, where they can interact with the locals and take in the peaceful seclusion. The Speke Gulf is named in honor of John Hanning Speke, who was the first to describe the lake and identify the Nile River as its source.
LAKE CHALA
On the eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, this Crater Lake is situated in a stunning volcanic area. Its hues can range from a vivid turquoise to a rich emerald green depending on the season, reflecting a timeless beauty that is engraved in Tanzania’s soul. Underground springs coming from Mount Kilimanjaro provide the lake with its water, as do the lush, green forests that brush the lake’s shoreline. A variety of wildlife can be found among the beautiful volcanic savanna grasslands, flowers, and shrubs, and birding is excellent. Swimming is permitted here, and walking paths wind up to the Chala Hills around the water’s edge.
LAKE NYASA
This charming, undeveloped body of water, also known as Lake Malawi, is bordered by the misty green Livingstone Mountains, which provide an inspiring backdrop to the silvery lake. The Kitulo Plateau and Kitulo National Park, a protected region of lovely montane grassland often referred to by botanists as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” are to the north and east. Along the banks, you can see crocodiles, hippos, and different kinds of monkeys, and the nearby residents benefit greatly from the marine life-rich waters. The lake’s calm surface is perfect for water sports like sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking, and the air is filled with the exotic scent of mango and cherry trees. This scenic gem is completed by easy-going, laid-back locals who are happy to stop and chat.
LAKE NATRON
Lake Natron, thought to be the most caustic body of water in the world and located at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, offers some of Tanzania’s most unusual and dramatic scenery. There isn’t much wildlife in the isolated, hot area at the foothills of the smoldering, active volcano Oldoinyo Lengai. The lake is home to a fascinating ecosystem of microorganisms that give the water its unusual pinky-red tint despite the hostile environment and extremely alkaline water. Flamingos enjoy eating the organisms, and Natron is famous for being the only area in East Africa where Lesser Flamingos regularly breed. Natron’s distinctive beauty should not be missed during your African safari Tour, despite being hot and desolate.
