Lake Dzia Landze (sometimes written as Dzialandzé) is a beautiful freshwater crater lake located in the mountainous interior of Anjouan, the second-largest island in the Union of the Comoros. Nestled within the Mount Ntringui National Park, this serene and picturesque lake is the largest on the island and serves as its most important reservoir of fresh water. Surrounded by lush, remnant forest and the steep slopes of an ancient volcano, Lake Dzia Landze is a key ecological site, a place of local legend, and a stunning destination for hikers and nature lovers seeking to experience the wild, unspoiled heart of Anjouan.

Name and Address

• Name: Lake Dzia Landze.
• Address: Located in the central highlands of the island of Anjouan (Ndzuwani), within the Mount Ntringui National Park, Comoros.

How to Get There

Accessing Lake Dzia Landze requires a trek into the protected national park, making it a rewarding destination for the adventurous.

• Starting Point: The journey typically begins from a nearby village, with Dindri or the surrounding area often serving as a trailhead.
• By Car/Taxi: You will need to hire a 4×4 vehicle to navigate the rough roads leading from the coast into the island’s interior to get to the starting point of the hike.
• Guided Trek (Essential): The most practical and safest way to visit the lake is with a local guide. The trails can be difficult to follow, and a guide is crucial for navigation and for providing insight into the local flora, fauna, and culture. The hike is a challenging but beautiful part of the experience.
• Visitor Tip: The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to November) to avoid muddy and slippery trails. The lake is at an altitude of about 910 meters (2,986 feet), so the air is cooler than on the coast. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of Lake Dzia Landze is entirely natural, defined by its volcanic origins and the lush ecosystem it supports.

• Crater Lake: The lake fills a volcanic crater on the flank of Mount Ntringui. It is a stunning body of fresh water, approximately 280 meters long and 150 meters wide, surrounded by the steep, green walls of the crater.
• Pristine Montane Forest: The lake is enveloped by some of Anjouan’s last remaining native montane forest. This lush, green landscape is rich in biodiversity, including unique orchids, tree ferns, and Philippia tree heather.
• Vital Water Source: The lake is the primary water source for the island of Anjouan. Several small streams and rivers feed into it, and its outflow is critical for the island’s water supply.
• Serene and Untouched Atmosphere: Due to its remote location and protected status, the area around the lake retains a wild and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

What Makes It Famous

Lake Dzia Landze is famous for being the ecological heart of Anjouan and a place of immense natural beauty and spiritual significance.

• Anjouan’s Largest Lake: It is the largest and most important freshwater lake on the island, a vital resource for both the local population and the unique ecosystem.
• A Biodiversity Hotspot: The lake and its surrounding forest are part of the Mount Ntringui National Park and are recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The area is a sanctuary for endemic and endangered species, including the critically endangered Livingstone’s fruit bat and the Anjouan scops owl.
• Sacred and Legendary Site: Like many natural wonders in the Comoros, the lake is considered a sacred place in local folklore. It is believed to be inhabited by either guardian or evil spirits, and swimming in its waters is traditionally avoided.
• A Rewarding Hiking Destination: For hikers and ecotourists, reaching the lake is a key objective. The journey through the forest and the final reveal of the stunning crater lake make for an unforgettable adventure.

Differences from Other Wonders

Lake Dzia Landze provides a distinct experience compared to other well-known sites in the Comoros.

• Freshwater Crater Lake vs. Saltwater Crater Lake: Unlike Lac Niamawi (Lac Salé) on Grande Comore, which is a saltwater lake mysteriously connected to the ocean, Lake Dzia Landze is a freshwater lake that is the source of the island’s rivers. Its significance is primarily ecological and hydrological, rather than purely geological and legendary.
• A Lush, Forested Hike vs. a Barren Volcanic Trek: The journey to Lake Dzia Landze is through a dense, green forest, a stark contrast to the barren, rocky, and active volcanic landscape of Mount Karthala. The experience is about immersing oneself in a lush ecosystem rather than conquering a volcano.
• An Inland Highland Lake vs. a Coastal Feature: The lake is a high-altitude, inland attraction. This sets it apart from coastal wonders like the Dos du Dragon rock formation or the various beaches, offering a completely different environment and perspective on the Comoros’ natural beauty.