Moba is situated on the western shore of the southern part of Lake Tanganyika, 140 kilometres (87 mi) south-east of Kalemie, to which it is linked by regular boat services.

The city was created in 1893 by White Fathers who established a post at nearby Kirungu which they called Baudoinville/Boudewijnstad after Prince Baudouin of Belgium.

They captured positions held by the Congolese Rally for Democracy-Goma (RCD-Goma), such as Pweto, Pepa, and attacked Moba port.

[4] On 1 August 2007 a mob of demonstrators assaulted United Nations military observers and damaged offices belonging to the UNHCR and sister agencies.

Two dirt roads, frequently impassable in the rainy season, are the only access by land from the west and south.