Overview
Kigoma is a sleepy lakeside city on the Tanzanian shore of Lake Tanganyika, serving as the terminus of the Central Line railway from Dar es Salaam. It is the gateway to Gombe Stream National Park, the smallest and most accessible of Tanzania's chimpanzee sanctuaries, and Mahale Mountains National Park, accessible only by boat.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Activities
Gombe Stream National Park requires USD 100 entry plus USD 250 for boat transfer. Mahale Mountains is accessible by boat from Kigoma.
Infrastructure
Roads are mostly unpaved. Electricity and water supply are erratic throughout Kigoma. Be prepared for occasional outages.
Money
ATMs available at CRDB Bank, Exim Bank, and NMB Bank, all charging TSh 15,000 per withdrawal. Cards accepted: Mastercard and Visa.
Transport
Kigoma is the terminus of Tanzania's Central Line railway. Motorcycle taxis cost TSh 1,500-3,000 within the city. Buses go to Mpanda (6h), Sumbawanga (10h), and Bukoba (20h).
