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 136,000 (2007).

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

Get in

By train

The railway station in Kigoma.

National operator TRC runs a twice-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.

• 🌍 Kigoma railway station, Kiezya Rd (Directly north of city centre). An impressive colonial building, but there are very limited service available. (updated May 2023)

By ferry

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

By foot, taxi, or little motorcycle taxis (TSh 1000-2000 in 2014) for an inner city ride.

See

• Ujiji, the nearby former Arab slave trading settlement, the famous meeting place of Stanley and Livingstone.
• Lake Tanganyika
• Mahale Mountains National Park. (updated Apr 2015)

Do

• 🌍 Gombe Stream National Park. (updated May 2023)

Buy

• National Bank of Commerce. Has a Visa Card ATM. (updated Oct 2015)

Eat

• Leaders Lodge. (updated Apr 2020)

Drink

Sleep

• Diocese of Kigoma Community Centre (On Kiezya Rd), ☏ +255 28-280-2520. Single/double rooms with common bathroom. Basic accommodation but good value for the money. Not far from the railway station and the post office. TSh 2500/3500. 
• 🌍 Lake Tanganyika Hotel (Just off Stanley Rd), ☏ +255 282803052, fax: +255 282803051, info@laketanganyikahotel.com. A modern hotel on the shore of Lake Tanganyika at the southern outskirts of Kigoma. Clean, comfortable with a lively bar that also serves simple but good food. (updated Feb 2017)
• 🌍 Aqua Lodge, Katonga road, ☏ +255 764-980788. Fan rooms From TSh 10,000. (updated Feb 2017)
• Poyongo Lodge, Uiji road. From TSh 10,000. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Leaders Lodge (Leaders), Kigoma,Tanzania, ☏ +255 687331343. Bed and Breakfast & Free Fast Internet access (Wi-Fi). 20000 - 50000. (updated Jul 2023)
• 🌍 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. 

Connect

The post office.

Go next

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

Buses go as far as Bukoba (about 20 hours) although for points south such as Mpanda and Sumbawanga you must change in Kasulu, at least in the rainy season.