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Sumbu Island, Lake Tanganyika, Zambia

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Zambia, Northern, Sumbu

Sumbu Island is a small island in Lake Tanganyika, located in Sumbu Bay in Nsumbu National Park, Zambia. Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second largest and second deepest freshwater lake. The underwater world surrounding Sumbu Island is equally fascinating. Lake Tanganyika is known for its exceptional clarity and biodiversity, home to hundreds of fish species, many of which are endemic to its waters.

In addition to its natural splendor, Sumbu Island has cultural significance, with local communities preserving traditional practices and a way of life closely linked to the lake’s resources. The island is a living example of sustainable coexistence between human communities and the natural environment.

Whether exploring the rugged coastline, diving into the lake’s depths, or simply enjoying the tranquility of its shores, Nsumbu Island promises an enriching experience for those seeking to connect with the wonders of nature in a remote and virtually untouched environment.

Submitted by
Vinícius Costa Santos
Approved by
Ad Konings & Anton Lamboj
GPS
-8.5031719, 30.4710579
Geographical region
Eastern Africa
Drainage Basin
River catchment
Water body type
Lake
Water body name
Lake Tanganyika
Water body part
Open water
Water body course
Water body: tributary of
Tributary name

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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
26,41 ± 0,64 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
9.16
Conductivity
661
GH
220 mg/l
dGH
KH
316 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Substrate in nature

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
Grey
Stone
Grey
Stone form
Irregular
Silt/Mud
Beige
Leaves
Few
Driftwood
Few
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes

Aquatic Biotope

Date of collecting
Collecting area
Edge of reservoir
Water depth
Air temperature
Sunlight

Environment

Environment
Affected by human activity
Affected by human activity
Pollution
Pollution
Moderate
Surrounding area

The island is located within Sumbu Bay in Nsumbu National Park, Zambia, on Lake Tanganyika.

Underwater landscape

Fishes:

  • Altolamprologus calvus (Cichlidae)
  • Altolamprologus sp. ‘compressiceps shell’ (Cichlidae)
  • Cyathopharynx foae (Cichlidae)
  • Cyphotilapia gibberosa (Cichlidae)
  • Ectodus descampsii Boulenger (Cichlidae)
  • Julidochromis sp. ‘regani south’ (Cichlidae)
  • Lamprologus sp. ‘ornatipinnis zambia’ (Cichlidae)
  • Lepidiolamprologus nkambae (Cichlidae)
  • Lestradea perspicax (Cichlidae)
  • Neolamprologus brevis (Cichlidae)
  • Neolamprologus brichardi (Cichlidae)

Wetland plant:

  • Typha capensis (Typhaceae)
  • Typha domingensis (Typhaceae)
  • Cyperus papyrus (Cyperaceae)
  • Vossia cuspidata (Poaceae)
  • Phragmites australis (Poaceae)

Aquatic plants:

  • Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae)
  • Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae)
  • Potamogeton spp. (Potamogetonaceae)
Threats to ecology

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat
None -

Bibliography

Sitography

→ Nsumbu National Park

Comment by the expert

Ad Konings: The information given relates to Sumbu Village, not to Sumbu Island which is uninhabited. No description of the underwater habitat is given, but a partial list of species not all of which have been reported from Sumbu Island. Most of the references relate to the water chemistry and none of them mention Sumbu Island.

Anton Lamboj: Could be much better.