Kigoma

Kigoma is known for:

• Lake Tanganyika: Its prime location on the eastern shore of this enormous and ancient lake, which is a major draw for tourism and trade.
• Historical Significance (Livingstone & Stanley): It’s famous as the near-by meeting point of explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley in Ujiji, just south of Kigoma, in 1871, where the famous line “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” was uttered.
• Port Town: It’s a crucial port for ferry services across Lake Tanganyika to various towns in Tanzania (e.g., Mahale Mountains National Park), Zambia, and Burundi.
• Gateway to Chimpanzee Parks: It’s the primary access point for visiting Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, both renowned for their chimpanzee tracking experiences.
• Cassava Cultivation: The surrounding region is a major producer of cassava, a staple crop in the area.

While Kigoma itself is a bustling town, its main attractions are often found in its immediate vicinity and via the lake:

• Ujiji: Just 6 km (4 miles) south of Kigoma. This historic village is where Henry Morton Stanley finally found Dr. David Livingstone. You can visit the Livingstone-Stanley Memorial and the Old Slave Market Tree, remnants of a darker history.
• Port of Kigoma: Experience the lively atmosphere of the port, observing the loading and unloading of goods, and watching the traditional dhows and the historic MV Liemba ferry.
• Mahale Mountains National Park:ss=”citation-1306 citation-end-1306″> (Accessible by boat from Kigoma) One of Africa’s premier chimpanzee tracking destinations, known for its pristine natural beauty and the opportunity to see chimps in a truly wild setting.
• Gombe Stream National Park: (Accessible by boat from Kigoma) The smaller and more famous of the two chimpanzee parks, renowned for Dr. Jane Goodall’s long-term research.
• Lake Tanganyika: Enjoy activities on the lake, such as swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on its sandy shores. The lake is home to incredible biodiversity, particularly its endemic cichlid fish.
• Kigoma Market: Explore the local market to experience daily life, find fresh produce, and perhaps pick up some local crafts.

class=”citation-1302″>Kigoma has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

• Dry Season (May to October): This is generally considered the best time to visit. The weather is more pleasant, less humid, and the lake waters are typically calmer for boat transfers to the chimpanzee parks. It’s also the peak season for chimpanzee tracking as the chimps tend to stay on lower slopes.
• Wet Season (November to April): The landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. -1300″>However, the weather can be hot and humid, and heavy rains can make roads difficult and lake conditions choppier for transfers.</span> This period can still be good for birdwatching.
  

• <l

i>B

• y Air: The most convenient way to reach

Kigoma

• is by domestic flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.

Kigoma Airport (TKQ) is served by airlines like Precision Air and Coastal Aviation.

• By Rail: The historic Central Line railway connects Kigoma to Dar es Salaam. This is a very long journey (2-3 days) but offers a unique, adventurous way to travel and see the Tanzanian landscape. Services can be infrequent and prone to delays.
• By Road: Driving to Kigoma is possible from various parts of Tanzania, but roads can be challenging, especially during the wet season. It’s a very long and often rough journey, best undertaken with a robust 4×4 vehicle and experienced drivers.
• By Ferry: The MV Liemba, a historic ferry built in 1913, operates a weekly service along Lake Tanganyika, connecting Kigoma with Mpulungu in Zambia and various points along the Tanzanian coast, including Mahale Mountains National Park. This is a journey for the adventurous and those with flexible schedules.

Kigoma is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any town, it’s advisable to take precautions:

• • Petty Crime: Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas like the market or port.
  • Nighttime: Avoid walking alone after dark. Use reputable taxis for transport.
  • Local Transport: If using local transport (daladalas or bajajis), be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
  • Health: Malaria is present, so consult your doctor about antimalarials. Use insect repellent, especially at dusk. Drink bottled or treated water.

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• <l

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• urrency:

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).</span> While some larger hotels might accept US Dollars, it’s essential to have shillings for local purchases and smaller transactions. ATMs are available in town.

• Languages: Swahili is the main language spoken. English is understood by many people involved in tourism.

class=”citation-1294″>Kigoma offers a range of accommodation options, from basic guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Most travelers flying to the chimpanzee parks will spend one night in Kigoma before or after their park visit.

• Mid-range hotels: Such as the Kibirizi Lodge or Leaders Lodge, offering comfortable rooms and amenities.
• Guesthouses: Numerous local guesthouses provide more budget-friendly options.
• No luxury hotels: High-end safari lodges are found within Gombe and Mahale National Parks, not in Kigoma town itself.

<span class=”citation-1291″>Yes, it’s possible to take a public dhow (local wooden boat) from Kigoma to Mahale Mountains National Park. This is a long, often crowded, and adventurous journey that can take 6-10 hours or more, depending on conditions and stops. It’s significantly cheaper than private charters but less comfortable and reliable. Many visitors opt for private boat transfers arranged by their safari operator for direct access to Mahale.