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Lake Tshangalele

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Tshangalele is an artificial reservoir in the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, located about 20 kilometers east of the city of Likasi. It was created by the construction of the Mwadingusha Dam on the Lufira River, a tributary of the Lualaba River. The dam was originally built in the 1920s to generate hydroelectric power for the mining industry in the nearby Copperbelt. The lake covers an area of approximately 410 square kilometers and is an important component of the regional ecosystem. It was designated as a Ramsar site in 2006, as it is a significant wetland for waterbirds, including many migratory species. The lake is also of great importance for local fisheries and provides recreational opportunities. The water from the lake is used for agricultural irrigation and continues to be used for electricity generation. The surroundings of the lake are characterized by Miombo woodland and savanna and are home to a diverse, albeit threatened by human activities, wildlife.

Location: Congo - Kinshasa
Nearby: Likasi (31 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	22	22	21	20	18	18	21	25	26	24	22
Rain mm	217	172	168	56	4	1	0	1	5	42	138	249

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Lake Tshangalele is best reached from the town of Likasi via local roads leading toward the Lufira dam. As road conditions can vary significantly, a vehicle with high ground clearance is usually highly recommended for the approach journey.

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Best season

The most pleasant time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when humidity is lower and roads around the lake are passable. During the rainy season, heavy downpours can turn the shoreline areas into difficult marshland.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain along the lakeshore is largely flat but can be very muddy or overgrown depending on the reservoir's water level. There are wide open water surfaces surrounded by reed beds and flat, often agriculturally used zones.

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What to bring

Visitors should bring sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy, water-resistant footwear. Typically, a pair of binoculars is also very useful for birdwatching, as the lake is an important habitat for numerous species of waterfowl.

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Parking

Parking options are limited and found near the dam or within the adjacent small fishing villages. It is recommended to park vehicles only in busy areas and to never leave any valuables visible inside the car while you are away.

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Safety

Caution is advised along the often slippery shorelines, and one should be mindful of currents near the dam structure. There is typically a malaria risk in the region, so appropriate mosquito protection is important for any outdoor activities.

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Time needed

A visit to Lake Tshangalele can last from a few hours to an entire day, depending on planned activities like fishing or nature observation. Many visitors travel to the lake for a day trip from the nearby city of Likasi.

Geography

Coordinates

-10.90000, 27.00000

Facts

The lake was created by the Mwadingusha Dam on the Lufira River.
The dam was constructed between 1926 and 1930.
The surface area of the lake is approximately 410 square kilometers.
The lake is situated at an altitude of 1,120 meters.
It was declared a Ramsar site in 2006.
The Mwadingusha hydroelectric power station has an installed capacity of 71 megawatts.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Likasi31 km · SExplore →

Lufira Valley Cattle Ranching40 km · EExplore →

Kambove45 km · SExplore →

Bunkeya (Yeke Kingdom Capital)50 km · EExplore →

Historic Shinkolobwe Mine52 km · SExplore →

Shinkolobwe Uranium Mine52 km · SExplore →

Lofoi Falls63 km · EExplore →

Kundelungu National Park68 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Tshangalele a natural lake?

No, it is a reservoir created by a dam.

What is the water used for?

Primarily for power generation for mining in Katanga.

Can you observe birds at the lake?

Yes, the lake is an important habitat for migratory birds.

Is there fishing there?

Yes, the lake is an important source of edible fish in the region.

Where exactly is the lake located?

Near the city of Likasi in the southeast of the country.

Lake Tshangalele: where is it located?

Lake Tshangalele is located in Congo - Kinshasa.

Lake Tshangalele: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul, Aug.

Lake Tshangalele: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Tshangalele is an artificial reservoir in the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, located about 20 kilometers east of the city of Likasi.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →