Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is a lake in East Africa.

With an area of ​​68,870 km², Lake Victoria is the largest inland lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world.

Lake Victoria impresses with its fascinating nature, its rich wildlife, its cultural diversity, its historical significance and its wide range of leisure activities such as boat trips, fishing and island exploration. However, swimming in the lake is life-threatening. There are parasites and crocodiles.

Towns

Lake Victoria is bordered by the states of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Uganda

• 1 Kampala. The capital of Uganda is located near the lake and is a central access point. The city offers cultural attractions such as the Kasubi Tombs, interesting museums, a lively atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife. From here, visitors can take boat trips to the lake.  

• 2 Entebbe. former capital of Uganda with 70,000 inhabitants. A city on the north shore, known for its international airport, its botanical garden, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the relaxing beaches on the lake. Here is also the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, which offers an insight into the wildlife of the region.  

• 3 Jinja. With 76,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in Uganda on Lake Victoria. Famous as the source of the Nile, located just east of the lake and the starting point for boat tours, whitewater rafting and spectacular waterfalls.  

Kenya

• 4 Kisumu. With 323,000 inhabitants, it is located on the northeast shore of the lake. One of the largest cities on the lake, with a port and cultural attractions such as the Kisumu Museum.  

• 5 Mbita. A gateway to the islands in the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria.  

• 6 Homa Bay. A small but important centre on the southern shore of the Kenyan section.  

Tanzania

• 7 Mwanza. With its 1.1 million inhabitants, it is the largest port city on the lake and is located on its southern shore.  

Islands

Ssese Islands

Buvuma Island pier

Kenya

• 1 Rusinga Island. Historically significant, known for prehistoric finds and natural attractions.  

• 2 Mfangano Island. Home of the Abasuba culture with ancient rock paintings and a relaxed atmosphere.  

• 3 Takawiri Island. Famous for its white sandy beaches and clear water, an insider tip for peace and relaxation.  

Uganda

• 4 Ssese Islands. A group of about 84 islands known for their sandy beaches, tropical vegetation and tranquility. The most popular island is Bugala, with hotels and activities such as hiking, fishing and bird watching.  

• 5 Ngamba-Island. Home to a chimpanzee conservation project where visitors can experience the primates up close.  

• 6 Buvuma-Islands. Less developed, ideal for adventure and peace away from the crowds.  

• 7 Bukasa-Island. One of the larger islands, popular with nature lovers and for cultural encounters.  

Tanzania

• 8 Rubondo Island. An island with a national park with untouched nature, chimpanzees, elephants and bird species. Perfect for safaris on water and land.  

• 9 Ukerewe Island. The largest island in Lake Victoria, known for its friendly local population, rural way of life.  

• 10 Saanane Island. This small island, which is designated as a national park, is located near Mwanza and is easily accessible. On scenic hiking trails you can see zebras, baboons and exotic birds. Ideal for day trips and nature experiences near Mwanza.  

National parks

view of Lake Victoria

Understand

History

Lake Victoria was rediscovered for the Western world on August 3, 1858 by the British explorer John Hanning Speke and named after the then British Queen Victoria. Henry Morton Stanley traveled around it between March and May 1875 on the ship Lady Alice and circumnavigated it once.

Landscape

The inland lake is located in the East African plateau at an altitude of 1133m. It is 337km long and 250km wide. Its average depth is 40m, its maximum depth is 85m.

The lake's surface area is shared by the states of Tanzania (49% of the lake's surface area), Uganda (45%) and Kenya (6%). Its coastline is 3450km long, of which 50.7% is in Tanzania, 33.3% in Uganda and 16.0% in Kenya.

Lake Victoria has a catchment area of ​​around 193,000 km². Its tributaries are the Sio, Nzoia, Yala, Nyando, North and South Awach, Sondu, Gucha-Migori, Mara, Grumeti, Mbalageti, Mori, Mugango, Suguti, Bunda, Ukereweder, Simiyu, Magogo-Moame, Nyashishi, Isanga, Biharamulo, Kibale, Katonga and Kagera-Nile.

The only outflow is the Victoria Nile in the north, so Lake Victoria is hydrologically classified as the source of the Nile.

Flora and fauna

Lake Victoria is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, shaped by its tropical conditions and its location in East Africa. The vegetation on the shores of the lake consists of dense papyrus stands, reeds and other aquatic plants, which provide important habitat for numerous animal species. Mangroves and various grass species grow in the wetlands.

The lake's fauna is particularly rich and includes numerous species of fish, including the famous cichlids, known for their amazing biodiversity. However, this diversity has been severely affected by the introduction of the Nile perch, which has decimated native fish populations. In addition to fish, Lake Victoria provides a habitat for numerous amphibians, reptiles such as crocodiles and water snakes, and various bird species such as herons, pelicans and kingfishers.

Mammals such as hippos and the occasional elephant can also be found around the lake. The lake depends on a complex ecosystem that includes not only the animals and plants in the water, but also the surrounding forests, savannas and swamps. Unfortunately, the lake's flora and fauna are threatened by environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and invasive species.

Lake Victoria is severely affected by invasive species such as the Nile perch, which has decimated many native fish species through predation, as well as water hyacinth and Nile lettuce, which form dense carpets of plants and block light and oxygen access for other organisms. Introduced tilapia species and invasive bivalve molluscs such as the zebra mussel also compete with native species for resources, causing significant ecosystem disruption, a decline in biodiversity and negative impacts on fisheries and water quality.

Following the introduction of the Nile perch to the lake and the decline of many native fish species, particularly tilapia, the composition of the fish population has changed. While the Nile perch originally dominated the fishery, overfishing of this species and ecosystem adaptation has resulted in smaller, faster-reproducing fish such as dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea), a small species of sardine, making up a larger proportion of the fishery.

These small fish are now not only caught for local consumption, but also processed into fishmeal and used as livestock feed. They are more affordable than larger, expensive fish species such as Nile perch (which is mostly exported), so they have become an important source of food for the local population.

Climate

The climate of Lake Victoria is tropical and is strongly influenced by its proximity to the equator and the lake's large body of water. Temperatures are pleasant all year round, with daytime highs between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows of around 17 to 20 degrees. The lake's altitude of about 1,100 meters above sea level makes the climate somewhat more temperate than in lower tropical regions, such as Mombasa.

There are two main rainy seasons, which vary depending on the region: from March to May and from October to December. These rainy seasons bring frequent, but usually short and intense rain showers. The months of June to September and January to February are drier periods, although the lake and surrounding wetlands continue to maintain high humidity.

The lake's proximity also influences the region through local weather phenomena, including sudden storms that can occur on the water. Overall, the climate provides lush vegetation and stable agriculture in the area, but also makes insect protection measures necessary due to the high humidity.

Best time to visit: Generally, the dry seasons are the most pleasant periods to explore the region. June to September: During these months, the weather is dry, with little rain and pleasant temperatures. It is ideal for boat tours, wildlife viewing and visiting national parks. The lower humidity makes the conditions pleasant for outdoor activities. December to February: This is a shorter dry season that also offers good conditions for travel. Bird watching and other nature activities in particular benefit from the clearer days.

The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) are less ideal, as there are frequent and heavy showers that can affect outdoor activities. Nevertheless, they offer lush, green scenery and a lower density of tourists, which is appealing to some travelers. During the rainy season, there are often more difficult road conditions and possible restrictions on boat trips.

Get in

Die internationale Anreise erfolgt über die am Viktoriasee liegenden Hafenstädte Entebbe/Jinja (Uganda), Kisumu (Kenia) und Mwanza (Tansania).

Sleep

Stay safe

The region around Lake Victoria is generally safe for tourists if you take a few precautions. With good travel preparation, common sense and following local advice, nothing stands in the way of a safe stay.

General security situation in the countries:

Uganda: Well developed for tourism and comparatively safe. Be careful in border regions, especially in the north of the country (not on Lake Victoria), where unrest or attacks are occasionally reported.

Tanzania: Also safe, especially the tourist areas such as Mwanza and Rubondo Island. Pickpocketing or fraud can occur in larger cities.

Kenya: In the area around Lake Victoria, especially around Kisumu, most areas are quiet. Political tensions or protests can occasionally occur, especially during election times.

Health safety:

Malaria: Lake Victoria is a malaria risk area. Prophylaxis, mosquito nets and insect repellent are strongly recommended.

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia): Swimming in Lake Victoria may carry the risk of contracting schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasites. Swimming is only advised in safe, recommended locations.

Drinking water: Do not drink lake water or tap water. Use bottled or boiled water.

Crime:

Theft: Opportunistic theft, especially in cities such as Kisumu, Mwanza or Entebbe, can occur. Valuables should not be displayed openly.

Fraud: Beware of money changers and supposed "helpers". Nothing is free in Africa. Every service must be paid for.

Transport: Ensure that the means of transport are legal and safe, as unlicensed boats or buses can be unsafe.

Safety on the water:

Boat tours: Only boats with experienced, registered operators should be used and care should be taken to ensure that life jackets are on board.

Weather conditions: Lake Victoria can experience sudden storms. One should follow the recommendations of local guides.

Swimming: Aside from health risks, strong currents and crocodiles can be dangerous in some areas. Swimming is only allowed in designated areas.

Animal encounters:

Crocodiles and hippos: Both animals can be dangerous near the shore and on the lake. One should always follow the instructions of guides or locals.

Mosquitoes and other insects: One should wear long clothing and use insect repellent, especially in the evening hours.

Cultural sensitivity:

One should respect local customs and avoid taking photographs without permission, especially in fishing villages.