John Hanning Speke discovered Lake Victoria in 1858 when he first set foot in East Africa. One can only imagine the expression on his face when he first saw it.
Lake Victoria was discovered by John Hanning Speke in 1858 when he first set foot in East Africa. Imagine the expression on his face when he saw it for the first time.
He discovered the banks of a vast body of water that he named Victoria after the English royal monarch. Hence it came to be known as Lake Victoria.
Lake Victoria still fascinates and astounds the numerous visitors who come to its shores today. It is the largest freshwater and tropical lake in the world (by surface area). It is second only to Lake Superior in North America, which is located in Canada.
It could be considered a small inland sea because of its 68,800 square kilometers (26,565 square miles) of surface area. Contrary to the majority of the area’s alkaline lakes, it is a freshwater body because the Rift Valley ecology does not touch it.
The countries Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda all share Lake Victoria which has a maximum depth of about 80-84 meters.
Key Attractions Around Lake Victoria
Islands on Lake Victoria
Another unique feature of Lake Victoria is that it is home to the Ssese archipelago, a group of 84 large and small inland islands. This is something that caused it to be named one of the Top 10 Hidden Islands of the World.
The islands’ sand-tan-colored beaches, glistening waters, palm palms, and gentle tropical breezes will take your breath away. It will give you the feeling of being on an inland beach holiday in the middle of Africa.
Every island has a unique ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, monkeys, uncommon flora, birds, and trees.
This is especially for islands nearest to Entebbe. They are great for calm picnics by the lake or a quick rest after an exciting safari around Uganda.
Most people may conveniently visit the lake due to its proximity to Entebbe International Airport, the country’s major entry point.
Birding and Fishing Areas
As you travel to the little islands and around the banks of Entebbe, you will be able to see numerous exotic bird species with bright colors and forms.
Lake Victoria is a refuge for birders. You can also hire a boat if you like to fish and try to catch a 2 kilogram (4 lbs) tilapia or a huge Nile perch, which may weigh anywhere from 8 to 80 kg.
Only 8 of the 320 species of cichlids, vividly colored tropical fish, are still present in the lake today. This is mostly owing to the British colonists’ introduction of the Nile perch to promote commercial fishing, which resulted in the extinction of the endemic species.
Tourists can enjoy the sights of the luscious green islands. The islands though are a sharp contrast to the crystalline blue of the lake waters and its animal and plant life.
And to top it all off, you can take pleasure in engaging with the locals in the quaint, idyllic villages that dot the islands.
Tourist Activities on Lake Victoria
Sail from Entebbe to Jinja
On this journey, you will go along the same route that Winston Churchill used by boat to reach Jinja in Uganda.
It will reveal why the phrase “pearl of Africa,” is the perfect and welcoming nickname for Uganda. Indeed it honors its singular natural beauty.
This is a trip you shouldn’t miss. Traveling from Entebbe to Jinja on Lake Victoria is a breathtaking experience that’s truly one of a kind.
Mabamba Bay Wetlands
The Mabamba Wetlands are the ideal location to see the impressive Shoebill, which draws thousands of people from across the world. A guided local boat is used on a Shoebill sighting safari to locate the Shoebill.
Other birds on the wetlands include Malachite Kingfisher, Black-headed Weaver, African Jacana, Black-headed heron, and Black kite.
Horseback riding on the shores of Lake Victoria
Take advantage of a wonderful, two- to three-hour horse ride. You will enjoy watching the stunning lake scenery and the friendly welcome of the locals as they wave to you.
The horses are well cared for by their owners. And we can assure you that all rides are safe. Those that don’t have experience in horse riding can be trained as well.
Bungee jumping
On the other side of Lake Victoria in Jinja, you could go bungee jumping. It’s quite amazing to go bungee jumping in one of the longest water bodies in the world. You can go bungee jumping during the day or even at night.
White Water Rafting
You will have a wonderful, long-lasting rafting adventure that you will never forget. Participants can raft here on the white section of the water. During the activity, chances are high that everyone will get wet from the splashing water.
Do you plan on going water rafting after visiting lake Victoria? It can all be arranged. White water rafting ranges from mild to wild and takes 1-2 days. Never pass up this opportunity to have fun with your loved ones while on your Uganda safari.
The Sunset Cruise
Join the ferry ride and catch some sunsets on the way. Usually, some BBQ snacks and drinks are provided for guests aboard.
As the sun sets, you may admire the golden-glittering Nile and the beauty of Lake Victoria. A wonderful and spectacular evening.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is situated in Lake Victoria, southeast of Entebbe. It’s a popular destination for tourists visiting Entebbe.
In addition to being known as Chimpanzee Island, it is home to more than 40 rescued chimpanzees who are unable to survive in the wild.
Tourists will be allowed to observe the chimpanzees as they roam freely. As opposed to witnessing chimps in the wild, where there is an electrified fence that isolates the chimps from humans. You can learn about the personality and history of each particular chimpanzee.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about Lake Victoria. It’s more than just a birding and fishing ground. The lake provides some of the exciting tourist attractions in Entebbe up to other areas like Jinja.
We’ve listed most of them here. It’s now up to you to decide which activity best suits you.
