Lake Victoria Guide

Lake Victoria, with a size of 68,800 sq km is Africa largest inland lake; the largest tropical lake in the world. It is situated in Eastern Africa and it derives its name from the United Kingdom’s Queen Victoria, named by John Speke an early European explorer said to have seen the lake first. Victoria is also the earth’s second largest freshwater lake after North America’s Lake Superior.

Lake Victoria, Uganda

Lake Victoria occupies a shallow depression in the East African Plateau, and has a maximum depth of 86m and an average depth of 20m. In terms of volume, it is the world’s eighth largest continental lake holding 2,750 cubic km of fresh water. It is also one of the sources of the down streaming river Nile, the longest river in the entire world whose waters are heavily committed downstream. The lake receives most of its water from direct precipitation. Its principal influent is the Kagera River on the lake’s western shore. This is the major mouth of Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria is a source of livelihood for approximately 30 million people and occupies virtually 70,000 square miles. It is shared by three of East Africa’s countries namely Kenya (4,100 sq km); Uganda (31,000 sq km); and Tanzania (33,700 sq km).
Attractions
Because of its fresh waters, the lake is home to hundreds of unique avi species including significant concentrations of pied kingfisher, fish eagle and other species of Uganda birds. It also supports Africa’s largest inland fishery.
Uganda holidaymakers are also not left out by Lake Victoria. The beautiful Ssese Islands in the lake greet you with stretches of white sandy beaches. And this is the major reason that tourists come to these islands. Take a break in life and enjoy an adventure holiday in Uganda on these Islands!