Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake on the African continent and one of the largest and most renowned in the world. It flows into the Congo River system, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
It lies within the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. The Ruzizi River is the main source of its drainage basin, which spans 231,000 square kilometers.
Discover five interesting facts about this lake:
It is the second largest in Africa
Lake Tanganyika holds a volume of 4,500 cubic miles, making it the second largest lake in Africa, after Lake Victoria. Its waters cover an area of 12,700 square miles and reach an average depth of 1,870 feet. The lake is extremely clear, allowing visibility up to 20 meters from the surface. Lake Tanganyika maintains a consistent temperature and still holds the record as the longest and oldest freshwater lake in the world.
It is shared by four countries
Covering an area of 32,893 km², Lake Tanganyika is shared by four East African countries. Tanzania holds 46% of the lake, while the Democratic Republic of Congo owns 40%. Burundi and Zambia share the remaining portion. Its waters flow into the Congo River system, ending in the Atlantic Ocean.
It is home to more than 350 fish species
More than 350 different fish species can be found in the lake, as it is a freshwater body. There are also numerous species of plants, birds, and crustaceans.
It was discovered by British explorers
The deepest lake in East Africa first caught the world’s attention in the mid-19th century. British explorers John Speke and Richard Burton discovered the lake while searching for the source of the Nile River.
Battles took place there during World War I
British and German forces fought on Lake Tanganyika between December 1915 and July 1916. German units, which had dominated the lake since the beginning of the war, were reluctant to let the British take control. Subsequent developments in the conflict led the Germans to withdraw from the lake. Belgian and British forces then took control of Lake Tanganyika’s surface.
Source: See Africa Today
