It was created by a dam built on the Lufira River near Mwadingusha in 1926 to provide hydro-electric power.

During the wettest months of February and March, the area flooded reaches a maximum of 440 km2.

It supports an important commercial fishery with the tilapias the main species caught.

The region is rich in birdlife such as the Lake Lufira weaver (Ploceus ruweti) which is endemic to the area.

The lake was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1982 and is classed as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.