Information
City: KigomaCountry: Tanzania
Continent: Africa
Kigoma, Tanzania, Africa
Overview
Kigoma sits in western Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, perched on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika-the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake, where the water shifts from deep blue to silver in the afternoon light, as well as kigoma sits about 1,000 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam and 500 kilometers north of the Burundi border, known for its history as the area where, in the late 1800s, the famed explorer Dr.David Livingstone is believed to have stepped ashore, simultaneously here, Henry Morton Stanley met Livingstone and uttered the now-famous line, “Dr.Livingstone, I presume?” During the German colonial era, the town grew into a busy port, moving crates of goods across Lake Tanganyika-a legacy still visible in weathered buildings along its streets, in conjunction with today, about 200,000 people live in Kigoma, where the economy thrives on fishing, lake transport, and farming bananas, cassava, and maize.Kigoma’s port is a vital hub for regional trade and transport, its docks alive with the clatter of cargo and the hum of boat engines, then it’s also the gateway to Mahale Mountains National Park, where visitors trek to spot wild chimpanzees against a backdrop of misty peaks.Along Lake Tanganyika’s shore, the town offers sweeping blue-water views, boat rides to nearby islands, and time for fishing or swimming, then just outside lies Ujiji, steeped in history as the site of Dr, slightly often Livingstone’s famous meeting with Henry Stanley, simultaneously from here, travelers can reach Gombe Stream National Park by boat to watch more chimpanzees in their natural habitat, or venture to Rubondo Island National Park, known for its wildlife and untouched beaches.Getting to Kigoma is possible by air from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Mwanza; by road on a rugged 20–24-hour journey from Dar es Salaam; by train via the Tanzania Railways network; or by boat, linking the port to other towns along the lake, while you can catch a ferry or hop on a small boat to reach Mahale Mountains or Gombe Stream National Park.In Kigoma, places to stay range from simple guesthouses with creaky wooden floors to comfortable mid-range hotels, at the same time you’ll find plenty of places to stay in Kigoma, from the Kigoma Hilltop Hotel with its cozy rooms and sweeping lake views, to the Ujiji Heritage Hotel, a historic spot near cultural landmarks.Travelers on a budget can choose from simple guesthouses or local lodges, consequently the dry season, June to October, is ideal for trekking and exploring national parks, while the wet months from November to April bring bursts of greenery and excellent birdwatching.Most locals belong to the Kingwe, Nyamwezi, or Hehe ethnic groups, in turn many locals make their living from fishing, farming, or trading goods at the bustling market stalls.As it turns out, Visitors to Kigoma can dive into the region’s diverse traditions-listen to the rhythm of drums, watch dancers in bright woven cloth, or browse handmade crafts, to boot quiet and remote yet steeped in history, the town is a gateway for travelers heading to the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika and the parks that stretch beyond.
Landmarks in kigoma
