On the African continent, Lake Victoria is the largest lake, covering approximately 68,800 square kilometers. Impressive Lakes in Uganda. Let’s delve a little into the details of this vast masterpiece. Globally, Lake Victoria size-wise is second only to Lake Superior in the United States / Canada. Its rather regal-sounding name originated in 1858 when it was discovered by British Indian Army officer John Hanning Speke.

Speke named the sizable freshwater lake after Queen Victoria, the current Queen of the United Kingdom. Queen Victoria’s reign ended in 1901, but Lake Victoria retains its royal name to this day. The following are some of Lake Victoria’s other names:

• Nam Lolwe in Luo
• Nnalubaale in Luganda
• Nyanza in Kinyarwanda
• Ukerewe

A History that Predates its Name

While John Hanning Speke discovered Lake Victoria for Europeans, the lake is about 400,000 years old, making it fairly young in geological terms. Traders from the Arab world used the lake hundreds of years prior to its modern discovery, and it can be seen on maps dating back to the 12th century. Lake Victoria is especially sensitive to changes in weather and climate. According to geologists, the lake has lost all of its water multiple times throughout history. It is located in eastern central Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. 

A Source of the Nile River Out of the several countries that border Lake Victoria, Uganda is arguably the most notable. It’s in Uganda that Lake Victoria flows out into the Nile River. As one of the world’s longest and most important rivers, the Nile makes its way north from Lake Victoria, flowing thousands of miles north through eastern Africa into Egypt and eventually out into the Mediterranean Sea.  A Source of Electricity

The abundant waters of Lake Victoria are used to generate electricity via two hydroelectric dams located in Uganda. Uganda operates multiple hydroelectric plants along various bodies of water.

Ugandan power plants near Lake Victoria include the Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station and the Kiira Power Station. The massive amount of water in the lake that is responsible for this hydroelectricity is mostly rainwater. Therefore, since rainfall is responsible for up to 80% of Lake Victoria’s water, seasonal changes and dry weather can profoundly affect conditions along the lake. In addition to rainfall, a small percentage of Lake Victoria’s water comes from local streams.

A Relatively Shallow Lake

Lake Victoria has not been completely dry for tens of thousands of years. However, the lake is only about 130 feet deep on average, making it somewhat shallow for one of the African Great Lakes. Lake Victoria measures 276 feet at its deepest Lakes in Uganda.

Home to the Majestic Ssese Islands

In addition to the countries surrounding the lake and the rivers flowing from it, many of the interesting facts about Lake Victoria involve the wonders to be found within the monumental body of water itself. The Ssese Islands are a prime example. This 84-island archipelago is located in the northwestern section of Lake Victoria within Uganda. Some of these islands, such as Buggala Island, are accessible to tourists who are interested in seeing unique local scenery and culture. But these islands aren’t the only ones here because the 26,600 square miles of Lake Victoria contain more than 3,000 islets. Another famous island in Lake Victoria is Maboko Island in Kenya. Only one kilometer wide, this small island gained fame in the paleontological world in the 1930s with the discovery of myriad primate and reptile fossils, approximately over 15 million years old!

Over a Century of Ferries

The history of Lake Victoria exploration goes back centuries. However, regular boat service on the lake did not begin until the 1890s, when the United Kingdom began using steamboats on the lake as part of their Ugandan Railway. The first few steamers evolved into regular ferry service between different ports along Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria Cichlids; a Captivating Universe of Fish

Even with its moderately shallow depth, the world of Lake Victoria fish is enormously diverse and fascinating. The variety of Lake Victoria fish is breathtakingly huge and complex. Just within the category of Lake Victoria cichlids, there are hundreds of colorful species, all with their own distinct appearance and behaviors. While some species of fish that once swam in Lake Victoria have since gone extinct, a variety of visually arresting cichlids remains in the lake to this day.

Lake Victoria is for the Birds

The wildlife of Lake Victoria is about much more than just beautiful cichlids. A bevy of different bird species can be spotted along the lake’s coastline and on its islets, such as the eagles, egrets, and cormorants are often seen hunting for fish around Lake Victoria. Bird watchers will also want to keep an eye open for multiple species of pelicans, ducks, and geese along the lake’s surface.

Larger Lake Victoria – Lakes in Uganda

When you think about the sizable wildlife that you might see hanging around a large, African lake, there’s a good chance that the mighty hippopotamus comes to mind. If that’s the case, then Lake Victoria does not disappoint. Groups of hippos are a common sight in shallow parts of the lake, and they are known to occasionally leave the lake’s waters to graze along the shore. African antelopes are another facet of larger wildlife native to the Lake Victoria area. 

Home to the African Clawless Otter

The African Clawless Otter can still be seen in and around Lake Victoria. These otters do come onto dry land occasionally, but they tend to be much more comfortable in the water. Spotted neck otters, native to sub-Saharan Africa, are also a common sight around Lake Victoria. Somewhat less conspicuous is the Williams’ mud turtle, a species that is especially suited for Lake Victoria living.

Experiencing Lake Victoria from Uganda

Laying along the northwestern shores of Africa’s largest lake, Uganda is an ideal spot to take in some of the amazing things that Lake Victoria has to offer.

• The historic Entebbe Botanical Gardens, founded in 1901, hosts an array of dazzling plant life and wildlife right on the shores of Lake Victoria. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens is excellent for bird-watching, with a multitude of Ugandan bird species flocking around the area at any given time. Find a great hotel in Entebbe and enjoy everything there is to savour.
• Right next to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens on Lake Victoria is the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre. A family-friendly education experience, this wildlife center gives visitors a rare opportunity to see some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife – including rhinos, elephants, and giraffes – up close and personal, with knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience.

Lakes in Uganda

• For more independent bird-watching and general nature watching, the Kitubulu Forest and Beach is a popular yet peaceful and relaxing spot on the Ugandan coast of Lake Victoria. Located on Kampala Entebbe Road, this is one of the best locations in Uganda to take in the breadth and beauty of Lake Victoria the bigger Lakes in Uganda. It is also close to attractions like the botanical gardens and the wildlife center. This is another spot that bird watchers will not want to miss out on during a trip to Uganda and the Lake Victoria area.
• For those even more curious about local wildlife, the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides an experience like no other. A trip to this small Lake Victoria Island is a chance to witness these incredible creatures living and interacting in a natural environment.

Therefore, do what you must to come and see Lake Victoria, a vast masterpiece of art.