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Adventures around Lake Victoria

Shimmering in the sun, surrounded by tropical greenery and bustling towns, lies Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake and a place of unparalleled nature.

The beating heart of Africa

A place where fishermen in traditional wooden boats bravely navigate the waves, hippos doze languidly in the reeds and local markets smell of freshly caught tilapia and exotic spices. But Lake Victoria is more than just a natural wonder; it is a cultural and adventure crossroads where three countries meet: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Here you can island hop between tropical islands, cycle through colourful markets, spot wildlife in hidden nature reserves or just enjoy an ice-cold beer while the sun sinks into the water in an explosion of orange and pink hues. So pack your bag, ditch those standard safari itineraries and discover real life around Lake Victoria.

A gigantic lake with a rich history

Covering a whopping 68,800 square kilometres, Lake Victoria spans three countries: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The lake, originally known in Swahili as Ukerewe, was renamed after Queen Victoria of England in 1858 by explorer John Hanning Speke - because yeah, the good old jolly British colonials loved to delightfully rename everything after themselves. But for locals, it had been a life-sustaining artery for centuries, a source of food, trade and spirituality.

Despite its enormous size, Lake Victoria is surprisingly shallow, with an average depth of just 40 metres and a maximum depth of 81 metres. Lake Victoria is not only impressively large, but also ecologically unique. With more than 200 species of fish, including the famous tilapia, it is an important food source for millions of people. But its waters are also home to endangered species such as the rare sitatunga, a swimming antelope. And let's not forget that this lake is the source of the White Nile, which winds its way across the African continent towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Now that you have an idea of how big this puddle of water is, let's dive deeper into the three countries that share their shores around this beautiful lake.

Adventure and relaxation: activities around Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria offers a wide range of activities, from island-hopping and wildlife-spotting to exploring bustling towns and traditional markets. Below is an overview of the highlights in each of the three countries around the lake.

Uganda: tropical beaches and island adventures

Uganda may not have an oceanfront coastline, but who needs that when you have Lake Victoria? Here you will find tropical beaches, island paradises and laid-back vibes.

Entebbe: beach fun & botanical gardens

An one-hour drive from the bustling capital Kampala lies Entebbe, a quiet town with Uganda's most beautiful coastline. This is the place where locals and expats escape the chaos of Kampala on weekends. On the beaches, people play volleyball, lounge in the sun on a hungover Sunday and the beats of a beach party can be heard in the distance.

If you need a break from the heat, stroll through Entebbe's botanical gardens. This green paradise is bursting with exotic plants, colourful birds and - if you pay attention - cheeky monkeys trying to steal your snacks.

The Ssese Islands: island hopping in Lake Victoria

From Entebbe, take the ferry to the Ssese Islands, an archipelago of 84 islands scattered across the lake. On Bugala Island, the largest island, Kalangala awaits: a laid-back village with wooden restaurants, colourful fruit stalls, white beaches with a stray donkey here and there, and palm trees as far as the eye can see. This place is a true paradise: clear, blue waters with wooden fishing boats pulling kilos of slippery fish from their nets on the shores and a beach where you can admire the sunset in all colours of the rainbow.

For the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience, head to Banda Island, a small private island where time seems to come to a halt. If you want to finally finish reading that one book in the shade of the palm trees and feel like stuffing yourself on a fresh fish by a campfire on the beach in the evening, this is the place to be. No chaos, no crowds - just you, the beach and a campfire under the stars.

Tanzania: Mwanza & Rubondo Island

In Tanzania, the portion of Lake Victoria is still relatively undiscovered. The city of Mwanza, also called ‘Rock City’ because of its giant rock formations, is a vibrant mix of African culture and colonial influences. Here you will find markets full of spices, colourful fabrics and the region's best street food.

Lake Victoria, but off the beaten track

Good news: Tanzania's part of the lake still attracts few visitors, offering plenty of activities for those who like to travel off the beaten track. The towns of Mwanza and Musoma are full of history and culture: from the Sukumu - Tanzania's largest tribe - in Mwanza, to the Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere Museum in Musoma.

Rubondo Island: safari meets tropical paradise

For a unique experience, you need to head to Rubondo Island National Park, a hidden gem in the south-west of the lake. Consisting of Rubondo Island and several other small islands, this park is a nature-lover's paradise, with chimpanzees, elephants, hippos and unprecedented birdlife. What the park is really known for are the rare and highly endangered Sitatunga- a swimming antelope.

Are you an adventurer who loves off-the-beaten-track destinations? Then the Tanzanian part of Lake Victoria is the perfect place to take on this adventure and embrace the wilderness.

Kenya: Kisumu & the island pearls of Lake Victoria

Kenya may be known for its safaris, but a completely different world awaits on the shores of Lake Victoria. Kisumu, Kenya's third largest city, is a laid-back town with a tropical vibe, colourful markets and a vibrant ‘lake culture’. There is no rush here; the rhythm of life here drifts as quietly as the waves of the lake.

Kisumu: fish, markets and the best sunsets

The Sunday hotspot for locals and travellers alike? Tilapia Beach. No sandy beaches, but a lively spot where the air is thick with the smell of grilled fish and spices. Here you feast on freshly caught tilapia, cooked on a charcoal fire, while the sun slowly sinks behind the lake.

Fancy exploring the city? Then hop on a bike and dive into the vibrant city. Start with a tasty exploration of the Kibuye market, where piles of brightly coloured mangoes, avocados and fruit you've never heard of catch your eye. Then cycle on to the Maasai market, where handmade jewellery and works of art tempt you to load your backpack a little fuller than you initially intended. To learn more about Kenya's history and traditions, visit the Kisumu Museum, where you will be immersed in a world of prehistoric fossils and traditional crafts.

For a laid-back vibe, there's Dunga Hill Camp. Located right on the lake, this is the ultimate place to chill out with a cold drink, live music and a view that will make you forget for a moment that you'll have somewhere else to be eventually.

Island hopping: Mfangano and Takawiri Island

From Kisumu, it's time to hit the water. Take the ferry to Mfangano Island, a green gem with a mountain in the middle that is perfect for a hike. At the top, breathtaking views of Lake Victoria and the surrounding islands await. Fancy exploring the island in its old Dutch way? Hire a bike and cruise past sleepy villages.

For the ultimate tropical vibes, head to Takawiri Island. Think white beaches, palm trees and water so clear you can see the fish swimming. Here, the recipe is simple: buttocks in the sand, coconut in hand and relax on the beach while your back burns. This place is also very charming for camping enthusiasts, pitch your tent right next to the lake and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

Facts about Lake Victoria you shouldn't miss

  • The source of the Nile or not? - Although Speke referred to Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile, it's actually a bit more complicated. Water in the lake is fed by numerous rivers, the longest of which is the Kagera River in Rwanda.
  • Own weather system - Lake Victoria is so big that it has a lot of influence on the local climate. In some places the sun shines, while a few kilometres away it can rain cats and dogs.
  • The fish that changed everything - The introduction of the Nile perch in the 1950s caused an ecological disaster. This predatory fish wiped out hundreds of native fish species, but at the same time triggered a huge fishing industry.
  • 200+ fish species - Including the famous tilapia, a major source of income for locals.
  • Island paradise - There are hundreds of islands in Lake Victoria, including the Ssese Islands in Uganda and Mfangano and Takawiri in Kenya. Some are tourist hotspots, others are virtually deserted.

Lake Victoria: more than a lake

Lake Victoria is not a place you just pass by, this is a destination in itself. A place where adventure, nature and culture come together and where you experience Africa in a way you won't soon forget. Whether you go island hopping among tropical paradises, explore the lively streets of Kisumu, relax on the beaches of Entebbe or dive deep into the jungle on Rubondo Island, one thing is for sure: this is Africa as you have never discovered it before.

So, who will you take with you to Lake Victoria?

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