Kigoma is a historic town and regional capital in western Tanzania, located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, the longest and second-deepest freshwater lake in the world. It serves as a major transportation hub, connecting remote western Tanzania to the rest of the country by road, rail, air, and boat.
Kigoma’s history is tied to its strategic position on Lake Tanganyika, which made it a vital point for trade and colonial expansion. In the 19th century, the region was a centre for Arab trade routes, including the ivory and slave trades, and attracted European explorers, missionaries, and colonizers.
One of the most famous events linked to Kigoma’s past is the meeting between explorers Henry Morton Stanley and Dr. David Livingstone in nearby Ujiji, a small town just south of Kigoma. In 1871, Stanley greeted Livingstone with the famous words, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”. A legendary moment in the history of African exploration.
During the German colonial era (the late 1800s to early 1900s), Kigoma was developed as a transport and administrative centre. The Central Line railway, which still connects Kigoma to Dar es Salaam, was built during this time, and a large port was constructed to support steamship transport on the lake.
Under British rule after World War I, Kigoma continued to grow, maintaining its role as a key port and rail terminal. Even today, you can find remnants of both German and British colonial influence in the town’s architecture and infrastructure.
Modern Kigoma is a laid-back lakeside town, known for its vibrant local markets, friendly atmosphere, and access to incredible natural and cultural sites like Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains.
How to get there?
By Plane:
There are domestic flights available from major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Dodoma to Kigoma Airport. Flights are operated by local airlines such as Air Tanzania, and the flight usually takes around 2–3 hours, depending on the route.
By Train:
The train from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma offers a scenic journey across the country, taking about 2–3 days. It’s a slower, more immersive way to travel — ideal for those who enjoy overland adventures and watching Tanzania’s diverse landscapes.
By Bus or Car:
Travelling by bus or private vehicle from Dar es Salaam is possible, but the trip is very long (over 1,200 km) and can take 30+ hours, depending on road conditions. From Mwanza, it is about 8-10 hours by bus.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Kigoma is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This is when the weather is most pleasant with sunny days, cooler temperatures, and minimal rain, making it ideal for exploring the town, taking boat trips on Lake Tanganyika, and trekking in nearby parks like Gombe or Mahale.
I wouldn’t demonise the rainy season too much, though. I visited Gombe National Park at the end of February, and the weather was just fine, with short rains only in the afternoons.
Where to stay?
I can fully recommend LEADERS LODGE. The room was clean and quite spacious. They can also prepare food and help you with arranging the trip to Gombe or any other place on your onward travel. Room prices vary so expect to pay about 30.000 – 50.000 TZS, depending on the size of the room and if it comes with AC or not.
My experience
Livingstone Museum
I started my exploration of Kigoma by… visiting nearby Ujiji and the Livingstone Museum. It marks the place where Dr David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer, met Henry Morton Stanley, a journalist and explorer, in 1871 after years of Livingstone being out of contact with the outside world.
There is not much to see inside, and limited displays tell the story of the two explorers, the significance of their meeting, and the broader context of exploration and colonialism in East Africa. However, I had the feeling that it was written from the perspective of a white person.
One of the main highlights is a memorial monument marking the exact spot where Stanley is believed to have met Livingstone. The surrounding grounds are peaceful, with views of the lake, giving a sense of the journey and isolation that characterised exploration during that time.
The museum is located just a short distance from Lake Tanganyika and around 7 kilometres from the centre of Kigoma. You can easily get a tuk-tuk to get there. Upon arrival, you will get an introduction from the guide, and then you will be free to walk around by yourself.
Train Station
The old train station in Kigoma is a historic building and one of the most significant colonial-era landmarks in western Tanzania. It serves as the western end of the Central Railway Line, which connects Kigoma with Dar es Salaam across the entire country.
Built during the German colonial period, before World War I, the station reflects a unique architectural style influenced by European design, particularly featuring arched entryways and a columned façade that resembles elements of North Italian architecture. Its location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika gave it strategic importance as a gateway for transporting goods and passengers between inland Tanzania and the coastal regions.
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Great location with an expansive view of the lake, and a private beach where you can spend a few hours. They charge for the entrance to the terrace, but they have decent food options, so you can just eat something and then enjoy the view for free.
Beaches
Kigoma is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, but sometimes it’s not that easy to get to the water. The best places to admire the view and have a sunset drink are Katabe Beach, Paradise Beach or Kidyama Beach.
Out of Town
Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is a small but world-famous national park in western Tanzania, best known for its chimpanzees and the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jane Goodall. It’s located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near the town of Kigoma, and offers a rare chance to see wild chimpanzees up close in their natural forest habitat. It was established in 1968 and has about 52 square kilometres. In addition to chimps, the park is home to olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and over 200 species of birds. Dense forests, waterfalls, and stunning views of Lake Tanganyika add to the park’s beauty.
Read more about my visit to the park in a separate post HERE.
Mahale Mountains National Park
One of Tanzania’s most remote and breathtaking protected areas, located along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in the far west of the country. It’s best known for its wild chimpanzee population, crystal-clear waters, densely forested mountains, and the feeling of complete isolation.
Visiting Mahale is an incredible experience, especially for those wanting to see chimpanzees in the wild, but it’s not a budget destination. The costs add up quickly due to its remoteness, lack of road access, and reliance on boats or small aircraft.
