Lake Tanganyika holds 16% of the World’s Fresh Water

Lake Tanganyika flows through 4 African countries: a little in each of Burundi & Zambia, & more than 40% in each of the Democratic Republic of Congo & Tanzania, making this the second largest (& second deepest) lake in the world.

The lake holds 16% of the world’s available freshwater & this biologically rich habitat is home to around 500 fish species that stay within 20 meters of its warm, well-oxygenated surface.

Two beautiful rain-forests border the lake: the spectacular Mahale Mountains National Park & the Gombe Stream National Park. Both parks are known to offer excellent chimpanzee trekking safaris & are also home to a variety of other primates, forest birds & butterflies.

Mahale Mountains National Park is home to the world’s largest population of chimpanzees & is – without a doubt – one of the most beautiful national parks in Tanzania.

Visitors to Lake Tanganyika are spoils for choice! They can choose between water activities such as diving, snorkeling & sailing or land-based activities such as forest hikes or excursions to local fishing villages.

Of course, the highlight of Mahale Mountains National Park is exciting chimpanzee trekking safaris through the rain forest – most definitely one for the bucket list!

Tanzania was colonized in a process parallel to many other African settlements. The Europeans took over the native’s land which caused trouble and resistance. Ultimately, it was a long and strenuous process for the proud people of Tanzania to gain their independence. 

Tanzania was under German rule from 1880 to 1919 and was occupied by the British from 1919 to 1961. Germany came to power through their trade and establishment of the land and crops.

As the Germans colonized, they produced crops such as sisal, cotton, and plantation-grown rubber.

They also profited and sold items like coffee, copra, sesame, and peanuts. Germany’s aggressive actions caused resistance by the Arabs along the coast. The people of Tanzania were treated poorly; moreover, 75,000 Africans were killed due to German military action or lack of food.

During World War I British and Belgian forces occupied Tanzania. The British developed the territories economy, giving Africans the opportunity work for wages on plantations.

Tanganyika gained its independence from Britain in 1961 and Zanzibar gained its freedom in 1963. In 1964 The Republic of Tanzania was formed by the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. 

In conclusion, the Tanzanians overcame the obstacles the Germans put forth. The Republic of Tanzania proudly gained its independence at the same time as many of its neighboring countries. These breakthroughs in Africa history were signs for civil right movements to come. 

Africa Unwind Company / Crickey Conservation Society 2022.