Lake Victoria Relaxation Safari
The tranquil waves gently wash upon the sands as white as marble. A distant symphony of tropical birdsongs rouses you from viewing. As you gaze into the amber sunset, you wonder how you can be standing hundreds of miles from Africa’s coastline.
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the chief reservoir of the Nile lying mainly in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya covering an area of 69,484 square kilometers.
Africa’s largest lake is shared among three countries: Kenya occupies 6% (4,100 km2 (1,600 sq mi)), Uganda 45% (31,000 km2 (12,000 sq mi)), and Tanzania 49% (33,700 km2 (13,000 sq. mi).
Lake Victoria gets most of its water from rainfall, but some rivers also bring extra water to the lake. The biggest river flowing into Lake Victoria is the Kagera River. The only outflow from Lake Victoria is the Nile River, which exits the lake near Jinja, Uganda. The Victoria Nile goes on to become the famous Nile River in Egypt and the longest river in the world.
Lake Victoria is the principal source of the river Nile, which drains it by about 15%. The river Nile is one of the world’s most important and longest rivers flowing northwards to the Mediterranean Sea through Egypt.
The Lake was discovered during the search by Europeans for the source of the Nile led to the sighting of the lake by the British explorer John Hanning Speke in 1858. Formerly known to the Arabs as Ukerewe, the lake was named by Speke in honor of Queen Victoria of England.
It’s known in Kenya as Nam Lowe body of endless water and in Uganda as ’Nnalubaale (Home of the Gods and Nyanza (Kinyarwanda)
Attractions on Lake Victoria
Mabamba Swamp
Mabamba swamp is located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria; this wetland is Uganda’s most important birding paradise. Mabamba is home to over 300 bird species, including the enigmatic Shoebill.
Birding in Mabamba is a memorable experience in which a thrilling traditional canoe with a local guide mingling the waters of the swamp offers spectacular views of the shoe bill and the best photography spots.
You have the highest chance of seeing the Shoebill in the early morning, but you can also expect to see other remarkable species like the African marsh harrier.
Wildlife
Lake Victoria supports a plethora of wildlife. Lake Victoria is home to many mammal species, including the hippopotamus, the marsh mongoose, and the giant otter shrew.
It also contains reptiles such as the Nile crocodile the African helmeted turtle, and many crustaceans, including 4 different species of freshwater crab.
Lake Victoria contains over 200 species of fish and the haplochromine cichlid is the main endemic group.
Lake Victoria is also home to many invasive species, including the notorious Nile perch.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
Islands
Lake Victoria has 84 islands which are Unique and amazing for relaxation experiences.
Many of the 84 islands are uninhabited except for a few fishermen, and the forests and swamps around some of the coasts make the islands a good habitat for birds, including whale-headed storks, herons, geese, grey parrots, kingfishers, and Shoe bill stork, fish eagle’s primates, Reptiles and many more.
The virtually virgin land is rich in plant life, and many, of the species are reportedly new to botanists.
The Islands are beautiful places for tourists, honeymooners, and locals to relax and chill with cool breezes from the lake and beach views.
Some of the Islands include Ssese Island and Kalangala Island which have beautiful facilities. You can take a boat trip from Entebbe or Kampala to any of the islands of your choice.
Ngamba Island. It is located around 27 kilometers southeast of Entebbe. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary cares for 50 orphaned chimpanzees who have been rescued across East Africa.
The sanctuary is run by The Chimpanzee Trust, an NGO that aims to sustainably protect chimpanzees and offer captive care for chimps that cannot survive in the wild.
The Ssesse Island is a secret paradise of white sandy beaches and sapphire waters in the northwest of Lake Victoria. This unique archipelago of 84 islands is a must-visit for adventurers who want to unwind in a remote utopia.
Bugala Island is the most developed of the Ssese Islands, and it is easily accessible from Entebbe via ferry. You can enjoy a range of activities at Bugala, from quad biking to fishing and birding.
Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC)
This center is commonly known as Entebbe Zoo, which was opened in 1952, by the Colonial Government in Uganda, as a reception Centre for wild animals that were found as casualties (sick, injured, orphaned, confiscated from illegal trade, and other educational reasons.
The zoo is found on the shores of Lake Victoria with forested cages of wild animals for tourism and education.
The zoo attracts both domestic and foreign tourists to have a 100% chance of seeing the animals; some of the animals are Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Crocodiles, Leopards, birds like shoebills, and many others. You will be able to see the animals of Uganda the ecosystems in which they live, and how they eat, play, and walk.
Suggested Safari Itineraries
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Equator experience on Lake Victoria
The Uganda Equator line also passes through the northern parts of Lake Victoria, as well as through several of its islands.
Lwaji Island on Lake Victoria is crossed by the Equator Line, it has plenty of bird life, and vegetation and the island is uninhabited, the Equator Island has a wide view of the lake, the Entebbe Airport runway, and the other surrounding islands.
The northern part of the lake in which the Uganda Equator passes can be accessed from Entebbe city by boat. It can be explored if you are undertaking a boat tour to the Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary to view the orphaned chimpanzees or if you are just enjoying a boat cruise or canoe ride from Entebbe to the equator spot.
On your cruise, you cross from the northern hemisphere to the southern. It is one of the most rewarding experiences as you see the sun dawning.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimp tracking on Lake Victoria is done at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Island which is home to 49 rescued chimpanzees that are unable to return to the wild.
You will have a chance to see the chimps wander freely via a raised platform. This is different from seeing chimps in the wild, where there is an electrified fence that separates the chimps from humans, and you will learn the individual profile of each chimpanzee, personality, and history.
You will also have a wonderful experience with the big monitor lizard. You will enjoy both half-day speed boat trips and full-day motorized canoe trips from morning to afternoon and evening respectively.
Birding.
Birding is one of the fascinating activities done on Lake Victoria. It is home to a medley of bird species.
The best birding destination is Mabamba Swamp where you can spot the Shoebill stork.
Other birding places include botanical gardens and the backs of the lake that harbor a variety of birds including a glimpse of a Shoebill, Malachite Kingfisher, Black-headed Weaver, African Jacana, Black-headed heron, Black kite, etc.
Birders have a great chance to come across different bird species; this leaves you with a great and memorable birding experience.
Boat cruising
Lake Victoria has got tranquil and calm waters that favor boat cruising and canoeing. The boat cruise on Lake Victoria is one of the charming activities tourists must encounter while on the Uganda safari It offers unforgettable views of sundowners, sunrises, and birding life, and also explores the magnificent islands of the lake.
Beach holidays
Lake Victoria is surrounded by fascinating beaches and beach hotels that best suit your holiday here,
Other beaches are found on Islands like the tropical Ssese beach on Ssese Islands, Kalangala beaches with white sand, The beach list can start from Entebbe with white sand, boat cruises, and beach games such as beach football and beach volleyball to enjoy.
Most hotels have SPA and Pampering, massage, and sauna that you will enjoy with your loved one.
In Conclusion
The source of the river Nile, the longest river in the world is an extraordinary lake with outstanding natural beauty with a medley of thrilling activities that offer beyond remarkable African safari experience. Regards! Guma Frank, Nata Adventures Safaris.
Customize this tour using our local expertise. We will recommend the best lodges to suit your travel style and book your permits for your travel dates.
We take care of all the ground logistics so you can relax and enjoy a perfect getaway!
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