Lake Victoria Tanzania
Lake Victoria Tanzania
Shared between the 3 countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Lake Victoria is surprisingly seldom visited by tourists, despite being splendidly scenic, and historically famous. As the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria is an important body of water, and was searched for by many explorers.
Although a common sight to visitors to Uganda, due to the location of Entebbe and Kampala, travellers to Kenya and Tanzania generally do not make the journey to the lake shore, despite its proximity to both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. And having been lucky enough to visit a fishing village on one of the lake's islands off Tanzania, we really think it is a pity that it is so overlooked.
Admittedly, there are relatively few accommodation options available within easy access to Lake Victoria, and it does add to time and costs when including a stopover in an itinerary, but if you have any inclination in seeing this majestic expanse of water, it does provide a very special experience.
Birdwatching
The lush vegetation and rich fishlife attract many beautiful waterbirds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, cormorant, finfoots and more, and you can while away your time ticking off as many species as you can see, either from a boat or on some of the walking trails.
Boat Trips and Water Activities
As with any lake, the fun comes with getting out onto the water, either on a relaxing sailing dhow, or being pulled along on water-skis by a power boat. Whatever your preference, Lake Victoria is a fantastic place to do either.
Enjoy sundowner cruises in traditional long boats, or early morning excursions to islands in the lake's midst.
Fishing
The Nile Perch and Tilapia fish in Lake Victoria are the most caught, and you can try your hand at this while spending the day cruising the lake's vast waters, and learning from the locals how best to catch your dinner.
Relaxation and Isolation
As discussed above, Lake Victoria is off the usual tourist track, and can offer travellers a chance to get away from it all, and enjoy being in the middle of Africa, on one of the world's legendary destinations.
Time moves very slowly at the lake, and the local villagers, largely relying on fishing for their livelihoods, have the enviable relaxed pace of life which comes with sailing on dhows and catching fish.
Village Visits
Many small and laid back villages have developed along Lake Victoria's shore and islands, and excursions can be arranged to some of them to mix with the locals and learn a bit about their cultures and lifestyles.
