Lake Victoria is Uganda’s largest fresh water body lake. It is found in the southern part of Uganda and It is the source of river Nile Africa’s Longest River and the second Longest in the entire wide world. Lake Victoria is home to diverse species of fish of over 200 species. Its waters are shared by Kenya and Tanzania all countries found in East Africa. Lake Victoria is also home to numerous islands such as Ssese island, Kalangala island, Lwaji island also known as an equatorial island and Damba as the Uganda Equator passes through these two islands among others. This beautiful lake is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as coco beach, lido beach, aero beach, sports beach, one love beach to mention but a few. which offer relaxation opportunities and all these are strategically located near the international airport of Uganda in Entebbe. Lake Victoria is approximately 14.3 km taking around 52 mins depending on traffic flowing out of the city.
Tourist activities that can be carried out in Lake Victoria.
Boat cruises; Lake Victoria offers a beautiful opportunity for Taking these cruises can be relaxing and thrilling. one can be able to view the beautiful sceneries around and in the lake for example the hills, islands, green trees, birds among others, the different wildlife species in water and also be able to take beautiful pictures. Boat cruise on Lake Victoria costs 40 USD and usually lasts between 1 to 2 hrs.
Wildlife viewing; This can be carried out at Entebbe wildlife centre which is close by Lake Victoria. Entebbe wildlife reserve has Numerous wildlife species such as Lions, elephants, buffaloes that move in herds, leopards, crocodiles, chimpanzees, hippopotamus, Nubian giraffes, Jacksons hearte beast, Uganda Kob, sitatunga, warthogs, bush bucks, water bucks, Zebras to mention but a few. There are also wild life species on Lake Victoria such as hippos, Crocodiles to mention but a few.
Sport Fishing; The waters of Lake Victoria is spotted with a variety of fish species that include; tilapia, Nile perch, Tiger fish, Lung fish, cat fish, mud fish among others. Fishing however can be done when one acquires a fish permit from the local authorities and can use methods such as fish nets, baskets and fish rods. These make fishing activities such as spot fishing enjoyable in addition to this, one can catch fish and prepare a meal for his or her dinner.
Exploring the source of the Nile. This is found in jinja town also known as the tourist city, one can explore the source of the Nile while white water rafting. The part of Lake Victoria that is around Jinja is where the Nile River begins its journey. It is also where the Speke monument is found This would be a memorable activity to watch how the water is still at the source of the Nile.
Island tours; This involves tourist moving to the different islands on Lake Victoria such as Ssese island, Kalangala island, among others. These island tours involve exploring the different physical features, the beauty and aura that surrounds them as each island is believed to be unique and poses its own natural beauty.
Cultural experience; While on a Lake Victoria tour, one can visit the local community and meet with residents around the lake’s shores, learn about their ways of day-to-day living, the fishing methods they use and ancient day stories and myths about Lake Victoria since its existence however the majority of the people that live around Lake Victoria in Uganda are the Baganda people of central Uganda and the Busoga people of Eastern Uganda.
Water Tours; This involves one taking a guided tour on the waters of Lake Victoria usually on a boat or canoe and be able to explore the different wildlife species on the lake like crocodiles, hippopotamus, snakes, elephants to mention but a few.
Bird watching; Lake Victoria has a diverse species of birds that are nestled around the shores of the lake and these species of birds include; the papyrus yellow warbler, shoe bill, African skimmer, papyrus gonolek, pallid harrier to mention but a few. These numerous species make Lake Victoria a number one birders choice especially while on a Lake Victoria safari.
Scuba Diving; Right from the word Scuba that stands for self -contained Under water breathing apparatus tourists who have the above-mentioned skills can explore the underwater aquatic life, Lake Victoria is definitely the place to visit as it has diverse under water species like Helmeted Turtles, African clawless otter, Hippopotamus, crocodiles, fish, cichlids, Mud turtles to mention but a few.
The best time to visit Lake Victoria is during the dry seasons/months of the year that include the months of January, February, June, July, August, November, September and December to mention but a few. This is because there is minimal down pour that does not interfere with a tourists activities at the Lake.
