Lake Mweru
Top 3 in Top 5 Most Beautiful Lakes in Zambia
Lake Mweru is one of the most beautiful lakes in Zambia. This stunning lake is located on Zambia's extreme northwestern border and is shared more or less evenly with Zaire/DRC. The Luapula River enters from the south, forming the official border between northern Zambia and Zaire. It also drains from the northern lake. From the east comes the Kalungwishi River. Both river mouths generate significant deltas that are major fish breeding sites.
Until the arrival of the tar road in Nchelenge in 1987, there were just a few settlements scattered around the lake. However, as people started to benefit from the bounty of the lake, the population grew. Animals that weren't poached migrated away to more peaceful locations as the once-wild area became peri-urban. Thousands of people now reside on the beaches of this vast body of water, which also serves as a source of food and a means of subsistence.
Lake Mweru, despite being off the usual path, is worth a visit. The lake has produced a vibrant populace that is rich in culture, passionate about trade, and colorful in nature. The place is almost a microcosm of what Tropical Africa could become if left alone.
Tourist amenities, on the other hand, are restricted to a few 'guesthouses' of various qualities. The temperature of the water ranges from 21℃ to 29℃. Temperatures in the air range from 27.5℃ to 35℃. The lake is chemically very fruitful and contributes significantly to Zambia's fishing economy.
The lake, which is located on the outskirts of Mweru Wantipa National Park, is only known to a small number of tourists. Although poaching has nearly completely wiped off the once-thriving crocodile and elephant populations that were once located within the National Park, the area is still a fantastic site to watch different waterbirds and a good place to camp. The Luapula River, which feeds the lake, has a number of beautiful waterfalls, and the numerous tiny villages you pass through add to the journey's charm.
With the exception of the occasional pothole, the road south from the lake is a decent tar road all the way back to Ndola, and the gravel road leading northeast toward Lake Tanganyika is likewise fairly comfortable.
Location: Central Africa, bordered to the east by Zambia and to the west by Congo (Kinshasa)
