Kigoma



Kigoma is a city in Tanzania. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Capital of the Western Region. Main railway terminus on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Important harbour. Population of 232,000 (2022).

The city has little infrastructure. Its roads are still mostly unpaved, electricity and water supply are erratic.

Get in[edit]

By plane[edit]

The small Kigoma Airport is in the eastern suburbs and has services from Dar es Salaam and Bujumbura, organization at the airport is very simple.

  • 1 Kigoma Airport. Kigoma Airport (Q3366020) on Wikidata Kigoma Airport on Wikipedia

By train[edit]

The railway station in Kigoma.

National operator TRC runs a 3x-weekly overnight sleeper service from Dar es Salaam via Dodoma and Tabora, the journey takes two nights from Dar es Salaam and one night from cities further inland. A ticket for second class sleepers costs TSh 39,700, while first class tickets start at TSh 54,900.

  • 2 Kigoma railway station, Kiezya Rd (Directly north of city centre). An impressive colonial building, but there are very limited service available. Kigoma station (Q110204068) on Wikidata

Road bus[edit]

Kigoma is at the end of road B381, leaving the national road B8 at Kasulu. Roads are passable and steadily being improved. Traversing the country takes 3-4 days. the bus from Kigoma to Mpanda takes 6 hours a long a good road.

A daily International bus (Luba express) goes to/from Kigoma to Bujumbura Burundi.

By ferry[edit]

See also: MV Liemba
The legendary MV Liemba, oldest operating passenger ship in the world.

There are a few ferries that plys up and down Lake Tanganyika. Most famous is the MV Liemba, first built as an German war ship in 1913. This ferry still operates between Kigoma and Mpulungu on the southern shores of the lake in Zambia, stopping at several places along the coast. Nowadays the modern MV Amani Kigoma also runs between Kalemie, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kigoma and Bujumbura in Burundi. Additionally, there are small ships that operates to and from minor towns.

Notice that while much improved, safety standards are still not up to international standards. Departures are generally a few times per month but schedules are erratic, it's usually best to inquire at the port directly.

Get around[edit]

Map
Map of Kigoma

By foot, taxi, or little motorcycle taxis (TSh 1500-3000 in 2023) for an inner city ride.

See[edit]

  • Ujiji, 5 km from Kigoma (motorbike taxi USD1), a former Arab slave trading settlement, was the famous meeting place of Stanley and Livingstone.
  • (Dr Livingstone Museum) is a total waste of USD10 Entrance fee. unless your a East African citizen is which case you only pay one USD
  • Mahale Mountains National Park.

Do[edit]

  • 1 Gombe Stream National Park. a boat from Kigoma to Gobe National Park cost USD 250. entry fee usd100 per person. Gombe National Park (Q856665) on Wikidata Gombe Stream National Park on Wikipedia

Buy[edit]

  • CRDB Bank. 24 hours atm.. Has a mastercard visa card atm. 15.000 Tsh.
  • Exim bank. 24 hours atm.. mastercard visa card atm. 15.000 Tsh.
  • NMB bank. 24 hours atm.. mastercard visa card atm. 15.000 Tsh.

Eat[edit]

  • Leaders Lodge.

Drink[edit]

Sleep[edit]

Budget[edit]

  • 1 Aqua Lodge, Katonga road, +255 764-980788. Fan rooms From TSh 20,000.
  • 2 Leaders Lodge (Leaders), Kigoma,Tanzania, +255 687331343. Bed and Breakfast & Free Fast Internet access (Wi-Fi). 20,000.
  • 3 Jakobsen Beach Guest House. Some 5 km from the town center, Jakobsen Beach offers various different accommodation options. The houses and tents are scattered over a vast area, connected with dirt tracks. The coastline is wonderful, and Zebras come for a visit regularly. Food is not offered, but kitchens are available. from TSh 40,000.

Mid Range[edit]

Connect[edit]

The post office.
  • Airtel internet. sim card - easy-cheap to buy Data.

Go next[edit]

The MV Liemba sails in direction Mpulungu (Zambia) and has a very erratic schedule.

Buses go as far as Bukoba (about 20 hours) Mpanda (six hours) and Sumbawanga (ten hours).



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