Lake Victoria is Africa's largest inland lake and the world's largest tropical lake. This Great African Lake is located in East Central Africa and is situated in an ancient basin on the boundaries of three countries: Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The two most beautiful sights in the Lake Victoria Basin are Rubondo Island National Park, Africa's biggest island park, and the Ssese Islands, a breathtaking archipelago of 84 islands.

This article will let you explore various sights and things to do that make Victoria Lake a must-see place in Uganda. We'll take you on a tour of this special place, showing you everything you need to know to organize your vacation to Victoria Lake, from the bustling fishing settlements to the verdant hills. This article will help you understand what makes Victoria Lake an essential stop in East Africa.

Lake Victoria is Africa's largest inland lake and the world's largest tropical lake. This Great African Lake is located in East Central Africa and is situated in an ancient basin on the boundaries of three countries: Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The two most beautiful sights in the Lake Victoria Basin are Rubondo Island National Park, Africa's biggest island park, and the Ssese Islands, a breathtaking archipelago of 84 islands.

This article will let you explore various sights and things to do that make Victoria Lake a must-see place in Uganda. We'll take you on a tour of this special place, showing you everything you need to know to organize your vacation to Victoria Lake, from the bustling fishing settlements to the verdant hills. This article will help you understand what makes Victoria Lake an essential stop in East Africa.

·        responsible for up to 85% of the water that fills Lake Victoria, with evaporation taking care of the remaining 15%.

·        The largest river that empties into Lake Victoria is the Kagera River. The White Nile, sometimes known as Victoria Nile, and the Katonga River emerge from the large lake.

·        The Victoria Nile travels 500 kilometers north after leaving the lake at Ripon Falls, close to Jinja. It runs into Lake Albert and then onto the Albert Nile after passing over the Murchison Falls. The river ends here in Uganda before flowing into Sudan.

·        The renowned Nile River is the only river that emerges from Lake Victoria. The longest branch of the Nile River receives its water primarily from Lake Victoria.

·        Lake Victoria is thought to have been created more than 400,000 years ago.

·        Lake Victoria has a surface area of around 800 square kilometers and a shoreline that stretches about 3,440 kilometers.

·        In total, Lake Victoria contains more than 3000 inhabited islets.

·        By volume, Lake Victoria is the 9th continental lake on earth. It has a volume of water of about 2,424 cubic kilometers.

·        The average depth of Lake Victoria is 40 meters, with a maximum depth of between 80 and 84 meters.

·        Three nations share the lake's surface: Kenya (6%) Tanzania (49%), Uganda (45%), and Uganda.

·        In North America, Lake Superior is the only freshwater lake bigger than Lake Victoria.

·        Geological research indicates that Lake Victoria has occasionally entirely dried up. It hasn't happened in more than 17,300 years.

·        Uganda produces hydroelectricity from two significant dams on Lake Victoria.

·        The largest inland fishing sector in Africa is based around Lake Victoria. The Lake has 500 known fish species, including the famed Nile Perch, an invasive species introduced in the 1950s.

·        Other names for Lake Victoria include Lake Nyanza, Nam Lolwe (Luo), and Nnalubaale (Luganda). In Africa, there is a growing movement to return to the great lake's original name.

·        The Lake Victoria Basin is home to about 30 million people. The great lake is facing a number of serious environmental problems, including an overgrowth of water hyacinth, overfishing, deforestation of the island forests, and water pollution. This has caused tremendous concern throughout the world.

Lake Victoria: History

Lake Victoria was founded in 1858 by John Hanning Speke and his trip partner Richard Francis Burton on their renowned expedition to identify the source of the Nile. Lake Victoria was named after the ruling Queen of England by Speke. Speke sparked a heated dispute in the scientific world at the time when he claimed Lake Victoria was the source of the Nile River.

Its presence was verified by the Welsh-American explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who circumnavigated the lake at the time and said the largest outflow was at Ripon Falls on Lake Victoria's northern coast.

Previous to Speke's arrival, Arab traders who traveled the inland routes in quest of gold and ivory as well as procured slaves from the region were well aware of Lake Victoria. An antique chart of the lake, originating from about 1160 AD, has been discovered.

Activities to do at Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, located in Uganda, is Africa's largest lake and a famous tourist spot. While visiting Lake Victoria, you can engage in the following activities:

1.     Fishing: It is a popular sport for both locals and tourists because Lake Victoria is noted for having a large fish population. To capture fish like tilapia, Nile perch, and catfish, you can go fishing with a guide on the lake on a boat.

2.     Island-hopping: There are several islands in Lake Victoria, some of that are populated and others which are not. A chimpanzee sanctuary is located on Ngamba Island, which is one of the islands you can visit on a boat excursion.

3.     Bird watching: Many different bird species, such as African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers, can be found around Lake Victoria. A bird-watching tour can be taken to see the various species and to learn more about them.

4.     Water sports: Activities including kayaking, sailing, and jet skiing are available on Lake Victoria. One of the many water sports businesses positioned around the lake offers rentals and instruction.

5.     Sunset cruise: Take a boat tour at sunset to observe the sun setting over the lake. Many boat cruises provide refreshments and snacks so you can take in the scenery.

6.     Visit a fishing village: Lake Victoria is a significant source of revenue for many Ugandan villages, and you can learn about the way of life there by going to a fishing village. You can meet the people, sample some fresh fish, and learn about the fishing process.

7.     Relaxing on the Beach: There are many beaches near Lake Victoria where you may unwind and take in the sunshine. Lutoboka Beach, Gaba Beach, and Munyonyo Beach are a few of the well-known beaches.

Lake Victoria Attractions

1.     Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island

One of Lake Victoria's most popular islands is Ngamba Island, which is located about 27 kilometers southeast of Entebbe. It has a Chimpanzee Sanctuary caring for 50 orphaned chimpanzees which have been rescued around East Africa. The sanctuary is maintained by The Chimpanzee Trust, an Organisation that works to conserve chimps in the wild while also providing captive care for chimps that cannot thrive in the open. There are half-day and full-day visits to the refuge available, and chimp fans may even spend the night at Ngamba Lakeside resort.

2.     Wetlands of Mabamba

This wetland is located on the northern side of Lake Victoria. It is Uganda's most significant birding destination. Almost 300 bird species live in Mabamba, including the enigmatic Shoebill. Birding in Mabamba is an unforgettable experience. You'll board a traditional boat, and a local guide will lead you through the maze of waterways, informing you about the local environment and the best shooting opportunities. The Shoebill is more likely to be seen in the early morning, but you may also expect to see other fascinating species such as the African marsh harrier.

3.     Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands are a hidden paradise of white sandy beaches and turquoise seas in Lake Victoria's northwestern corner. This one-of-a-kind archipelago of 84 islands is a must-see for explorers looking to unwind in a distant nirvana. Bugala Island is the most developed of the Ssese Islands and is easily accessible by ferry from Entebbe. It offers a variety of activities, including quad riding, fishing, and bird watching. Banda Island is more distant, and it has a lovely simplicity to it. Get away from other tourists and enjoy a contemplative stroll along the beach, immersed in your gorgeous surroundings.

4.     Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel

In close proximity to Kalangala, on the island of Bugala, is the Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel. The resort's name, Mirembe, is taken from the Luganda word for 'peace,' and the accommodations are meant to blend in with the natural beauty of the area. Mirembe offers a range of lodging alternatives, including luxurious rooms, cottages, block homes, and tents.

The Best Way to Get to Lake Victoria

Ferries on Lake Victoria have been an essential mode of transportation between Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. Kisumu, Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Port Bell, and Jinja are the lake's major ports.

Although there is no direct connection between Uganda and Lake Victoria, however, you may fly to Entebbe and then go to Lake Victoria. You can also drive to Mbarara airport, then fly to Entebbe, and then travel to Lake Victoria.

Best time to visit Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria has a tropical environment that is generally warm and pleasant all year. As a result, Lake Victoria is an all-year attraction. Lake Victoria has a short-wet season in November and December, followed by a long rainy season from the middle of March to the beginning of June.

The main tourist season lasts from July to February. During the busy tourist season, beach resorts and hotels on Lake Victoria offer higher rates, and flights to and from international airports around Lake Victoria are more expensive.

From March through June, the tourist season is at its lowest. This is when you may get fairly priced Lake Victoria hotels and airfares to the Lake Victoria region are often less costly.

Conclusion

If you are a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, then you will surely enjoy the blue waves softly washing across the marble-white dunes. A distant melody of tropical birdsongs jolts you out of your reverie. The golden sunset mesmerizes you with how you ended here hundreds of kilometers from Africa's shore on a trip to Lake Victoria.

It's also an opportunity to learn more about Lake Victoria's people. The vast lake is ideally positioned near the major safari game reserves in Tanzania and Uganda, making it an ideal add-on destination for visitors who come to see the gorillas or the annual wildebeest migration.