Few inland waters measure up to Lake Victoria, which has a surface area of 68,800 sq km and is bordered by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Unlike the lakes further west, Lake Victoria is not part of the Rift Valley system. Wide and shallow Lake Victoria it is only 80 meters deep. The world’s second largest freshwater lake (after Canada’s Lake Superior), Lake Victoria is fed mainly by rainwater and drains more than 6,450 km to the north, via the Nile, to the Mediterranean Sea.

As a result of its unique climate and unusual composition the lake features papyrus beds and marshlands that harbour birds found nowhere else in East Africa . It also offers vast fishing potential, the main commercial species being tilapia, which grow up to 2 kg in weight, and the massive Nile Perch which can weigh up to 227 kg and make up 85% of the catch. Until the 1960’s the lake was also home to around 320 different species of brilliantly coloured tropical fish known as cichlids. Now only 8 species remain, their demise being due to the re-introduction to the lake in 1956 of the rapacious Nile Perch, which had been absent from its waters for millions of years.  

Located in the North of Tanzania, the lake is shared by 3 East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.  However, more than half of the lake lies within Tanzanian territory.

There are countless small and large islands, which some of them turned to be wildlife sanctuaries (Saanane Island) and National park (Rubondo Island) and others such as Ruma, Rusinga and Mfangano

Regions around the lake are of high importance to the country’s economy. A large percentage of coffee is farmed in Kagera, large percentage of cotton production and hides come from Mwanza and Mara. Gold is mined in Geita and Ulyankuru Shinyanga and Diamond in Mwadui Shinyanga (just south of Mwanza). The lake itself is the source of protein and income to local people, main activities being fishing and tourism. There are ferry boats providing transport services to different part of the lake, from Mwanza to Bukoba. The main ports on the lake are Kisumu, Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Port Bell and Jinja.

Activities: 

The lake is located in an East African Region which hardly features on the tourist circuit therefore offers the visitor an opportunity to savor its world of attractions in an off-the-beaten-track, quiet environment. Although there are a range of activities to keep visitors busy, these understandably revolve around the lake.

Lake Victoria Cichlids
The lake is home to an estimated 200 cichlid species many of which are endemic to the lake.
While on a visit to this Kenya lake, you have plenty of opportunities to catch your very own cichlids and transport them home to your aquarium. Although extremely delicate, the lake's cichlid species are much loved for their spectacular, bright colors.

Fishing
Lake Victoria is swarming with fish. While tilapia is a local favorite, most of the overseas tourists are attracted by the lake's sizeable Nile Perch population.
The Nile Perch is considered a world class game fish because of its sheer size as it can grow to 1.8m (6ft) and weigh up to 140kg (300 lbs). The Perch, which is the largest freshwater fish, is also a ferocious fighter. And, you can go on fishing expeditions either in a speedboat or a motorized traditional canoe.

Birdwatching
Because the lake region is teeming with lots of avifauna, it is a birdwatcher's paradise. Bird species that are almost entirely confined to this area include the Blue Swallow, Red-chested Sunbird, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Papyrus Canary and the Yellow-backed Weaver.
Your best bet for spotting birds is the Dunga, Kusa, Sio Port and Yala swamps as well as the Ruma National Park.
The Blue Swallow occurs in abundance in the Ruma national park so be sure to organize a trip there if this bird species fascinates you.

Wildlife Safari
The lake region upholds Kenya's virtually unrivalled reputation as a habitat for innumerable wildlife species.
While the lake swarms with a kaleidoscope of fish, its shallows are home to large hippo and crocodile populations. The islands are monkey havens.
Ruma National Park is a sanctuary for the large Roan antelope which is endemic to the park as well as the diminutive Oribi antelope, gazelles, impala, Ostriches and the Rothschild giraffe.

Boat Expeditions
While at the lake, day trips can be made to the lush and serene Mfangano and Rusinga islands.
Rusinga Island is fossil-rich and a skull of the Proconsul africanus, a primitive ape from which man evolved, was discovered by Mary Leakey there.
Tom Mboya, a firebrand Kenyan politician who was gunned down in Nairobi in 1969, was also born in Rusinga.
The pristine and tranquil Mfangano Island is an ideal place to get away from it all.
Mfangano and Rusinga are frequented by game-fishing enthusiasts.
Another great boat expedition option is Rubondo Island for walking safari
Kogelo, a village on the lake's shores, on the Kenyan side, is the birthplace of Barrack Obama Senior, father to the US President

Lambwe Forest
Lambwe Forest is a 3,100 hectare forest that is home to acacia, pine and cypress trees. It promises to enthrall nature lovers with a range of activities including bush walks, wildlife and bird spotting and picnicking.

Lake Victoria is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, shimmering waters and natural beauty that are guaranteed to captivate and enthrall all lovers of nature and wildlife.