Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is one of Africa’s great lakes and is Africa’s most stunning landmark shared by three East African countries that’s Tanzania with the largest potion of 49% 33700 km²( 13000 sq. mi) followed by with 45% 31000 km² (12000 sq. mi),and then Kenya with 6% 4100 km² (1600 sq. mi) making a total surface area coverage of approximately 59947 sq. km² (23,146 sq. mi). the lake is irregular quadrilateral in shape.

Lake Victoria boasts being Africa’s largest lake and the world’s largest tropical lake by surface area, it is also the world’s second largest freshwater lake after Lake Superior of North America by surface area. When measured by volume Victoria is the 9th largest continental lake with 2424 km³ ( 1.965 x 109 acres. Ft) of water which implies that it occupies a shallow depression of Africa with an average depth of 40m (130 ft) and maximum depth of 80- 81m ( 262 -266 ft), the lake’s catchment has a coverage of 169, 858 km2 (65583 sq. mi) and a shoreline of 7142 km( 4438 mi) with islands occupying 3.7% of the length.

Lake Victoria is home to over 985 islands some with settlement, some with wildlife, bird species, primates and others with no settlement at all. The lake is home to more than 200 species of fish especially the cichlids, invasive fish like Nile Perch which have led many endemic species go extinct and the Tilapia is the most important fish.

Lake Victoria is the source of the longest river in the world and one of the most important rivers. The source of River Nile was discovered in 1858 by John Speke. The river makes its way from lake Victoria in Jinja, flowing in the northern direction passing through a narrow gorge that forms the Mighty Murchison Falls in Murchison Fall in Murchison Falls National Park and continues into Lake Albert and flows through Lake Albert Nile to Sudan and Finds its way to Egypt and finally pours its waters in the Mediterranean Sea.

Lake Victoria was name after Queen Victoria by the explorer John Hanning Speke though it has a number of local names like Nnalubaale a Luganda word in Uganda, Ukerewe a Swahili name, Kinyarwanda a Nyanza name, Dholuo a Nam Lolwe name, the lake was first documented by Richard Francis Burton on his expedition in 1858.

Lake Victoria has many tributary streams but the most important one of Kagera River which enters it from the western side of Victoria and Katonga entering from west and north of Kagera. The lake has only one outlet: the Victoria Nile exiting from the northern coast. The shores of Lake Victoria are the most densely populated in Africa with several million people living with in 50miles (80 km) of its shores almost all the Bantu specking people live around the lake.

ATTRACTIONS AND TOURIST ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching

Lake Victoria is home to a 300 different bird species, making it a great birding destination. Bird species on the can be spotted at Mabamba swamp where the rare Shoebill Stork can be spotted, other species to spot on the lake include Great White Pelican, Green Cuckoo, Grey-crowned crane, Pied Wagtail, Swamp Flycatcher, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Black-crowned waxbill, African Marsh Harrier, African Pigmy Goose etc.

Chimpanzee Island

Nyamba island, commonly known as Chimpanzee Island, is a chimpanzee sanctuary located on Lake Victoria in Uganda, its home to over 49 chimpanzee.

Islands

Lake Victoria has over 985 islands that can be visited on boat cruise, 70% are inhabited by people some of the islands on the Lake include Ssese island( Uganda), Ukerewe island ( Tanzania) , Rubondo island, Ukora island, Maboko Island (Kenya) Karangara island, Bugala Island (Kenya), Bukasa Island ( Kenya) among other. The islands offers honey moon stays, Island Cycling, Nature Walks, Cultural Encounter, chimpanzee Trekking among others.

Visit the Source of the Nile.

The source of the Nile can be visited on a boat cruise in Jinja Uganda most satisfaction of the river is found here, tourist from all over the world visit Lake Victoria to gaze at the source of the longest river in the world. Tourists can engage in a number of tourist activities like white water rafting, Kayaking, bungee jumping, Nile Cruises among others.

Wildlife Viewing.

Lake Victoria and the area surrounding it are habitant to a number of wildlife species like Hippos, Crocodiles, Otters, primates and bird species. these species can be visited in their natural habitat on a boat cruise.

Fishing

Lake Victoria is a fresh water lake famously known for its fishing ground that favors both commercial and recreational fishing, tourists can try their chances to fish. The most valuable fish species is the Tilapia and other catch include Nile perch, catfish, silverfish among others.

Beach

Lake Victoria has a number of beaches tourists can rest on after their Safaris for swimming, sun bathing, sunset viewing, birdwatching, stroll etc. some the beaches include like Lutemba Beach, Kankobe Beach, One love beach, Kalangala Beach, Aero Beach, Munonyo Beach, Imperial Beach among others.

Hydro power generation sites.

The Nile on Lake Victoria has supported the development and generation of hydro-power generation in Uganda at the Bujagali dam, Karuma dam, Kira Nalubaale dam. A visit at these dams can be generated.

Lake Victoria Equator Island.

Lake Victoria Equatorial Island also known as Lwaji Island is crossed the imaginary line that divides the world into two hemispheres the northern and southern. Tourists get a chance to cross the equator on water through a boat cruise enjoying the mild blowing winds, pleasant and refreshing atmosphere, tranquil blue waters, bird watching getting a glimpse on species like flying egret, kingfishers. Enjoy watching giant tree species that grown on the surface of the island rocks.

WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR VIST AT LAKE VICTORIA

Lake Victoria has a number of lake side resorts and hotels in the neighboring villages ranging from budget, mid-range and Luxury like Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Imperial Beach Hotel, 2 Friends Hotel Beach Hotel, Munyonyo Hotel, Protea Hotel. You chose your best choice depending on your budget.

BEST TIME TO VIST LAKE VICTORIA

Lake Victoria is open to visitors all year round though the best time to visit this African Lake is in the cooler season of June through August, this is the most preferred season for most tourists, these months offer the best birding and other activities experience.

GETTING TO LAKE VICTORIA

Lake Victoria can be accessed from any of the three East African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The same visa can be used to access in all countries, the East African Community Visa ( EAC).