Five men, over 700 km, 22 days. That’s what it took to kayak the longest and second deepest river in the world, Lake Tanganyika. As they camped on the shore and survived off the river, these adventurers were raising money for their chosen charity Dolam Children’s Home in the township of Katutura in Namibia.
They kayaked unsupported from the lake’s southern tip in Zambia (Mpulungu) to the northern tip in Burundi (Bujumburu), and had to deal with factors such as weather, large swell (up to 6ft) and hippos and crocs around the lake. The journey took the team around the Mahale Mountains, which is home to over 700 naturally occurring Chimpanzees as well as past the Malagarasi Delta, a complex and relatively unexplored wildlife wetland area.
From palm nut vultures, hyraxes, blue monkeys, green backed herons, yellow-vented bulbul, giant and pied kingfishers and African hawk eagles, these guys saw it all. Not only did they paddled with little breaks, but they engaged in a variety of activities along their way such as rock jumping, spear fishing, swimming with otters, hunting and exploring breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Inspired by a friend, Victory Amutenya, who tragically passed away in 2009, this group of men with various backgrounds have come together to pay tribute to Victory’s exuberance for life and to celebrate a man who once lived in the township of Katutura himself. The Dolam Children’s Home (in Katutura) offers shelter for vulnerable children orphaned by AIDS. The house currently caters for 24 children who live together and to date has managed to support and ensure the education of 55 children both living in the house and with other families.
How you can help?
While paddling, the team hoped to secure sponsorship for the chosen charity through a pledge system of one financial unit per km completed. (i.e. total km paddle = 780 km x 50p/km = ₤390), or simply by a financial donation regardless of the distance paddled. Now that they have completed the journey they are still looking for support and funds.
If you are interested in supporting this cause, please contact the team on [email protected] or alternatively just message them on their Facebook group.
Facts about Lake Tanganyika
- It is the longest lake in the world – 676 km (direct route) (420 mi)
- It is the second deepest lake in the world – 1,470m (4,820 ft)
- It makes up 18% of the world’s fresh water
- It has a shoreline measuring 1,828km (1,136 mi)
