LAKE TANGANYIKA, TANZANIA
7°29′S · 30°36′EOn the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika
An owner-run lodge where crystal-clear water, extraordinary wildlife and genuine adventure come together.
Lake Shore is more than a fantastic and remote place to stay. It is a place to experience Lake Tanganyika — to swim in crystal-clear water, discover extraordinary wildlife, explore remote islands and slow down to the rhythm of life on the lake.
For nearly two decades, this has been our home. We built Lake Shore around the things we love about living here, and we invite our guests to experience them with us.
Stay on the Shores of Lake Tanganyika
Experience Lake Tanganyika
Beneath the Surface
SNORKELLING • CICHLIDS • SCUBA DIVING
Lake Tanganyika hides an extraordinary world beneath its surface. Slip into warm, crystal-clear water and discover colourful cichlids found nowhere else on Earth, just metres from the shore.
Snorkel straight from Lake Shore, explore rocky reefs by boat, or go deeper with a scuba dive into one of the world's oldest and most remarkable lakes.
Into the Wild
KAYAKING • ISLANDS • EXPLORATION
Paddle out from Lake Shore into the Kipili Archipelago, where rocky islands, hidden bays and empty stretches of coastline turn a simple kayak trip into a proper daily adventure.
Explore for an hour or spend the day island-hopping, or head further afield on one of our supported kayak day trips to a beautiful bay down south.
Life on the Lake
SUNSETS • ISLANDS • SLOW LIVING
Some of the best moments at Lake Shore require very little effort. Watch the sun disappear across the lake, cruise between the islands, share a drink around the fire, or simply find a quiet place and do absolutely nothing.
Life here moves at the pace of the lake. After years, we still haven't tired of watching another Tanganyika day come to an end.
Soul Food by the Lake
THE FUNKY MANGO
Food is a big part of life at Lake Shore. At the Funky Mango, we keep things fresh, generous and full of flavour — good food made from scratch and enjoyed with one of the finest views on Lake Tanganyika.
From relaxed, casual lunches to sometimes romantic, sometimes rowdy candlelit dinners, meals are unhurried, sociable and designed around what is fresh and available. Come hungry.
GUEST REVIEWS[ FAQ ]Frequently Asked Questions
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Lake Shore Lodge is on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika at Kipili in western Tanzania. The easiest route is via Sumbawanga, with scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and a road transfer of approximately three hours to the lodge. It is also possible to reach us via Mpanda and Katavi National Park, making Lake Shore a natural addition to a western Tanzania safari.
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Yes. We can help arrange road transfers to Lake Shore Lodge from both Sumbawanga and Mpanda. Sumbawanga is our closest air connection, with the journey to Lake Shore taking approximately three hours. Transfers from Mpanda take longer, but work particularly well for guests combining Lake Tanganyika with a safari in Katavi National Park.
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Lake Shore offers four ways to stay: Luxury Bandas, Garden Bandas, Studio Rooms and Campsites. Each offers a different way to experience the lake, from spacious private Bandas to simple, comfortable rooms and shaded camping beneath the trees. Visit our Stay page to compare the options and find the one that suits you best.
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As much — or as little — as you like. Snorkel among Lake Tanganyika’s extraordinary cichlids, scuba dive, kayak through the Kipili Archipelago, explore the islands, take a sunset cruise, swim, walk, watch birds or simply find a quiet spot beside the lake and do absolutely nothing.
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Absolutely. Food is a big part of life at Lake Shore. Meals are served at the Funky Mango, where we prepare fresh, generous food from scratch using the best ingredients available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, with vegetarian options always catered for. And everything tastes better with Lake Tanganyika as the view.
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Very much so. Lake Shore is a wonderfully relaxed place for families, with plenty of space, a safe natural environment and activities that children and adults can enjoy together. Swim, snorkel, kayak, explore the shoreline and islands, or simply spend the day by the lake. Our Bandas can accommodate families, and we’re always happy to help plan activities around different ages and interests.
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You can check live availability and book your stay directly with us online. Choose your dates, select the accommodation that suits you and complete your reservation securely. If you’re planning something a little different — a group stay, research visit, expedition or special itinerary — just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.