Also known as “Victoria Nyanza,” Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Baikal the lake was renamed Lake Victoria after Queen Victoria by the explorer John Hanning Speke, the first British to document it. The lake borders Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, this expansive body of water stretches into the horizon and appears more like a sea than a lake.

The lake is characterized by calm waves punctuated by many small, lush islands that play host to a rich variety of wildlife. A perfect place to while away relaxed evenings as the red African sun sinks out of view, Lake Victoria is as interesting as it is healing. Lake Victoria covers a huge area of 26,600 square miles and has a shoreline that runs for over 18000 around three countries.

Lake Victoria is a haven for wildlife. Alongside a spectacular collection of birdlife and wetland animals, such as the clawless otter and sitatunga, the lake hosts a number of native species such as cichlid, Lake Victoria deep water catfish dwelling at the bottom of the lake which is 80 meters as it is deep. The introduction of the Nile perch to the lake leads to the near extinction of the catfish.

Did you know?

The longest river on earth, river Niles begins at Lake Victoria.

WHY VISIT LAKE VICTORIA?

The following factors are what make Lake Victoria so special and worth a visit. History of the place, cultural wealth, and spectacular wildlife. Also, Lake Victoria is special for being one of only two places in East Africa where it’s possible to watch the sunset over water without being on the coast! Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya is the other.

THINGS TO DO IN LAKE VICTORIA.

Lake Victoria has three island shores (Ukerewe, Rubondo, and Ukara) which they worth a visit. Different activities can be done in the area.

• Bird Watching.

This lake has a variety of bird species, which makes it a great place to go for bird watching. Many tourists visit Lake Victoria to see birds such as the Shoebill Stork. You can also just grab a pair of binoculars and look out from one of the beaches. Since the lake has tropical highlands above it.

• Visiting Rubondo island National park for chimpanzees.

Did you know that chimpanzees are found on one of Victoria’s islands? Yep, Rubondo Island is home to these stunning primates, the chimpanzees. The park is known for its rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life. All of which are easily viewed from this relaxing lakeshore setting. It is also known for the rare and highly endangered Sitatunga, an amphibious antelope that hides and camouflages itself in the lakeshore swamps. Other animal species found in the area include elephants, giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees, pythons, bushbucks, crocodiles, bush pigs, and Suni.

• Mwanza City.

Lake Victoria borders Tanzania’s East African neighbors Uganda to the northwest, and Kenya to the northeast. Mwanza is the canter of the Sukuma, the largest tribe in Tanzania. They have inhabited and farmed the region for many centuries and cultural tourism programs to their local villages and farms are available through local centers. The city also makes a good starting point from which to explore nearby Rubondo Island, National Park.

• Fishing safaris at Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria offers the opportunity for hooking one of the world’s largest freshwater fish the Nile Perch. anyone with some free time and interest can enjoy this day out. You can do a full-day excursion for “catch and release” of Nile Perch for over 12 years.

• Ukerewe Island.

It is the largest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa, with an area of approximately 530 km². This Island is situated in the Ukerewe District, nearly 50 km north of Mwanza to which it is linked by ferry, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to travel.

• Kayaking.

Doing kayaking on the largest lake in Africa is something not to miss out on. Spend your time paddling across Lake Victoria and experiencing the stunning shoreline with amazing abundant bird species and amazing landscapes.

• Sunset tour.

Lake Victoria is among the only two places in East Africa where you will get a chance to view a stunning sunset. Cruise on the largest lake in Africa. Lake Victoria offers a sunset cruise for guests from 4 p.m. daily and lasts for at least an hour and a half.

• Village visits.

Join in the daily rhythm of local life as villagers perform a colorful local dance or simply absorb the lush landscapes. Experience local life by visiting villages that are found on the shores of Lake Victoria, and the daily activities include fishing and trading in Nile Perch and Tilapia.

• Engage yourself in the forest on a guided walk or hike.

Get more connected to nature by venturing yourself on a nature-guided walk. Here you will get more chances to explore the area. Learn more about the birds and plants of the area.