Lake Victoria is the world’s largest freshwater tropical lake. It was renamed Lake Victoria after Queen Victoria by the explorer John Speke. With a surface area of approximately 59,947 square kilometres, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by area and has a maximum depth of between 80 and 84 metres and an average depth of 40 metres. The lake is divided among three countries that is Kenya (6 percent or 4,100 square kilometres or 1,600 square miles), Uganda (45 percent or 31,000 square kilometres or 12,000 square miles), and Tanzania (49 percent or 33,700 square kilometres or 13,000 square miles). The only outflow from Lake Victoria is the Nile River, which exits the lake near Jinja, Uganda. In terms of contributed water, this makes Lake Victoria the principal source of the longest branch of the Nile.
The lake is composed of beautiful attractions at sight. From the refreshing and relaxing islands like Ssese, to the wildlife sanctuaries like Ngamba and to the mythical sites like Musambwa island that has a high population of reptiles that live in harmony with human beings.
Lake Victoria has more than 200 species of fish, of which the Tilapia is the most economically important. It is a habitat to some of the biggest fish species like the Nile perch while the bird varies on some of its islands is splendid. The lake has been found to be the source of the longest river the world has ever known that treads its journey to the Mediterranean Sea that is the River Nile.
On Lake Victoria, Ngamba is the most popular Island to visit which is also a home to a private chimpanzee sanctuary protecting orphaned chimpanzees. The sanctuary was set up by the Chimpanzees Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) and funded by a number of organizations, including the Born Free Foundation, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Jane Goodall Institute.
The lake itself is home to some fascinating features, such as the different islands and reefs to enjoy. Around 200 species of fish and over 350 different birds call the Lake Victoria region home, which you can spot on some fascinating lake tours.
A great place to visit to experience the Lake Victoria region from Uganda is the town of Entebbe where you can feel the breeze from the fantastic lake. Here you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the botanical gardens, which are visited by many different bird species. You can also meet one of the sources of the great Nile in Jinja to imagine where this river runs and the history linked to this incredible waterway. The peninsulas and islands of Lake Victoria are home to some luxury lodges where you can relax near the glistening waters and take tours around the lake to see some of the unique features and wildlife.