Lake Victoria is a freshwater lake; its water is not salinated and does not contain salt. It is considered the second largest freshwater body on Earth, covering an area of 26,600 sq miles or 68,800 sq km. The maximum depth of this lake is approximately 82 meters, and the average depth is 32 meters. It is a large water body found in three East African countries, with a coastline of more than 2,000 km. The lake was named after Queen Victoria in 1851 by the explorer John Hanning Speke, who made a round trip in the lake, ending at a point today known as Speke Bay. As this lake puzzled many explorers, they believed there were multiple lakes in the area now known as Lake Victoria. The lake has more than 1,000 islands, most of which are small, including large islands like Ukerewe.
This lake had many names: it was known as Nam Lowe in Kenya, meaning "body of endless water," in Uganda as Nnalubaale, meaning "home of the gods," and in Tanzania as Nyanza, meaning "a lot of water." The French called it Lac Du Ukerewe. It puzzled explorers with its many names, leading them to believe there were different lakes. During the period of Queen Victoria in 1851, it was discovered to be one lake.
The lake is divided among Tanzania with 51% of the lake, Uganda with 43%, and Kenya with 6%. The main occupation is fishing, producing more than 1 million tons of fish per year and contributing to the economies of all three countries.
Lake Victoria is considered the source of the River Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world and a cradle of human civilization. One should visit Lake Victoria to discover its wonders.
This lake offers many attractions, especially in water activities. One can take up boat sport fishing or explore the many islands in the park. There is a national park called Saa Nane Island National Park, where one can see lions with their cubs. The island is home to a lot of birds and crocodiles, especially around the island shores during hot afternoons. There are lots of awesome viewpoints on the island. It takes a 10 to 15-minute boat trip from Mwanza Port, with frequent trips daily.
Visiting Ukerewe Islands adds value to one's trip; you can visit the dancing stone on the island and learn a lot from the fishermen.
Also, at Speke Bay, one can experience the fishermen's village at Mwabulugu. Here, it's possible to take a boat ride to see hippos and crocodiles in the lake. There are many stone structures of granite rock in most parts of this lake. Not to forget the famous Bismarck Rock found on the shores of the lake in Mwanza town near the port. There are numerous ferry boats operating between Mwanza and the nearby islands. Also, a ferry connects Kigongo and Busisi, where a bridge is currently under construction, which has reached a stage of more than 70% completion. It is a 3-kilometre bridge connecting Mwanza to Geita.
One can visit Lake Victoria from any of the three East African countries, with the ability to explore the different wonders found in this great lake. TourHQ will connect you to guides who are conversant with their locality, giving you the best understanding and real, unheard stories and culture of the region. We are ready to share with you the insights and true history and culture of the African continent. Explore with us Lake Victoria, explore with us Africa.
Karibu means "welcome" in Swahili.