Standing as the second largest Crater Lake in Africa, Ngosi Lake is the top tourist attraction in the Rungwe district pulling hundreds of visitors each year. The lake is located about 38 kilometers south of Mbeya city, near the sprawling Tukuyu Township. It is located on Ngosi peak in the Uporoto Mountains which makes up part of the Eastern Arc ranges.
It is located at an uplift of 2,600 meters above sea level in a thick, natural forest of the Uporoto nature reserve, covering some 9,332 hectares of land. It has a length of 2.5 kilometers and width of 1.5 kilometers and is 75 meters deep. This lake is one of the top places to get away and reconnect with nature if you are in Mbeya city, in southern Tanzania.
Things to do at lake Ngosi:
- Canoeing and boat safaris:
If it is your pride to canoe in the second-largest crater lake in Africa. You will experience how it feels to do a catch-and-release on a speedboat. On your safari, you will be lucky to meet various aquatic animals like fish and large reptiles like snakes.
- Cultural visits:
Ngosi crater is surrounded by the Safwa and Nyakyusa tribes. These communities are very charming to new visitors and would be happier to have you in their village. You will taste their sweet local food and try their dressings.
- Camping:
Lake Ngosi is found in the deep African forest which surrounds it. If camping is your funny thing, the tourist companies are excellent at providing you with superb services at their mobile and permanent camps.
- Trekking:
This crater lake is surrounded by a natural forest that covers about 9332 hectares. Apart from this forest, Ngosi crater is part of the Uporoto Mountains range which is a thrilling place for mountain trekking. The crater itself is found on the Ngosi peak which is about 2600 meters above sea level.
Getting to Lake Ngozi
You can hire a private vehicle or Transfer from Mbeya to lake Ngosi.