Burundi
Lake Tanganyika Tours
The world's second-deepest lake — hippo safaris, endemic snorkeling, sunset cruises, and empty beaches. All 20 minutes from Bujumbura city centre.
1,470 m
Maximum depth
Second deepest lake on Earth
673 km
Length
Africa's longest lake
350+
Endemic fish species
More than any other freshwater lake
4 countries
Shared by
Burundi, DRC, Tanzania, Zambia
180 km
Burundi's shoreline
From Bujumbura to Nyanza-Lac
9 million yrs
Age of the lake
One of the oldest lakes in the world
Why Lake Tanganyika?
Lake Tanganyika is one of Africa's most extraordinary natural features — and one of its best-kept travel secrets. While the world queues for Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, the 673-kilometre-long rift valley lake that borders Burundi, DRC, Tanzania, and Zambia receives a fraction of the visitors it deserves.
From Bujumbura, the lake is your doorstep. The city's northern quay is a 10-minute taxi from the hotel district, and the best snorkeling bays are 20 minutes up the lake road. The Rusizi National Park delta — arguably East Africa's finest hippo boat experience — is 15 km north of the city centre.
East Africa Bridge Tours is the only operator that combines Lake Tanganyika water activities (boat safaris, snorkeling, cruises) with Burundi's highland national parks (Kibira, Ruvubu) and cultural experiences (Gishora Drummers, Source of the Nile) in a single itinerary.
Lake Tanganyika Activities
Half day
From USD 65 pp
Hippo Boat Safari (Rusizi Delta)
A 90-minute open boat trip on the Rusizi River channels, 15 km north of Bujumbura. The Rusizi delta is the most reliable spot in Burundi for close-range hippo sightings — pod sizes of 15–30 individuals are common. Crocodiles and papyrus birds complete an extraordinary morning.
2–3 hours
From USD 45 pp
Snorkeling — Endemic Cichlids
Lake Tanganyika's crystal-clear, 70-metre visibility water at the sandy bays north of Bujumbura (Kigobe, Saga Beach area) supports extraordinary cichlid fish diversity. Snorkeling here feels more like the ocean than a freshwater lake. Equipment provided.
2–3 hours
From USD 55 pp
Sundowner Dhow Cruise
An evening dhow cruise departing from Bujumbura's main jetty as the Congo mountains turn amber. The sunset over Lake Tanganyika with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Blue Mountains as a backdrop is one of the great African sunset scenes.
Full day
From USD 120/day
Sport Fishing — Nile Perch & Tigerfish
Lake Tanganyika's open water holds large Nile Perch, yellowbelly tigerfish, and the famous Tanganyika sardine (ndagala). East Africa Bridge Tours arranges fishing charters for dedicated anglers — both catch-and-release and live fire (traditional) options are possible.
1–2 hours
From USD 25 pp
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The glassy calm of early morning Lake Tanganyika is ideal for paddle boarding. Several small beach hotels on the Bujumbura shore offer board hire, and East Africa Bridge Tours can combine a beach morning with an afternoon city or park activity.
Half day
From USD 40 pp
Kivyuka & Resha Beach Walk
North of Bujumbura, the long sandy beaches of Kivyuka and Resha are almost entirely empty of other foreigners. East Africa Bridge Tours offers guided walks combining the beach, local fishing villages, and optional swimming — a raw, authentic East African coastal experience.
Lake Tanganyika Tour Packages
Burundi
1-Day Teza Tea & Gishora Royal Drummers
1 days
Burundi
2-Day Birding at Lake Rwihinda (Kirundo)
2 days
Uganda · Rwanda · Congo (DRC) · Burundi · Tanzania
11-Day Five Countries of the East African Community from Entebbe
11 days
Burundi
3-Day Bujumbura City & Rusizi Wetlands
3 days
Burundi
3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Burundi
3 days
Burundi
3-Day Discover Burundi’s Beauty
3 days
Guides & Inspiration
THE 10 BEST Burundi Cultural Tours (with Prices) - East Africa Bridge Tours
Our favorite culture-forward experiences in Burundi—what they include and typica…
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Burundi (2025) - Must-See Attractions
A curated 2025 checklist covering culture, nature, and lakeside life across Buru…
4WD Tours in Burundi
Road-trip the highlands and lakeshore on flexible 4x4 itineraries built for view…
Ready to Explore Lake Tanganyika?
Private departures, experienced guides, and activities tailored to your pace. Tell us when you're coming.
