Lake Victoria Excursions

Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior in North America. It has a surface area of 68,800 square miles. Before its name was changed to Lake Victoria, it was and is still locally known as Lake Nalubaale. It was named after Queen Victoria by explorer John Hanning Speke. Lake Victoria is one of the largest African great lakes and is shared by three East African countries Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda which share the largest portion. This lake is also the source of the longest river, the Nile. The first foreign explorers to see where the River Nile finds its way out of Lake Victoria were John Hanning Speke and Richard Burton when they were on their adventure to Uganda in the 1850s.

Lake Victoria in Africa is a destination for a number of tourist activities in the countries where it is shared. There are islands with amazing wildlife on the lake, beautiful landscapes around the lake and there are numerous accommodations where you stay and enjoy the scenery and cool breeze from the freshwater lake. Beside the lake are beautiful beaches for swimming and relaxation. As you plan for your safari to Uganda, consider about cruise on Lake Victoria, this is one of the things you’ll enjoy on your safari.

Lake Victoria is the source of the world’s longest river, the Nile which flows northwards through Lake Kyoga to the upper part of Lake Albert and then proceeds through the Albert Nile through counties like South Sudan, Sudan, to Egypt and forms a large delta as it pours in the Mediterranean sea. This river forms a number of thrilling waterfalls and among them are Murchison falls which are the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Others are Karuma falls, Owen falls and Rippon falls. Apart from the Nile, another main outlet on Lake Victoria is River Katonga.

Things to do during your Lake Victoria Excursions

Lake Victoria offers many different tourist activities around the lake and on the islands in the lake include:

Exploring Ssese Islands in Kalangala

The Ssese Islands are one of the most beautiful tropical areas to relax after your gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, and wildlife safari tours in remote areas. These islands are about 84 in number they are found in the Kalangala district. They have beautiful beaches with stunning sites for wonderful vacations and relaxation. There are exciting things to do at Ssese islands and these include visiting the island club, forest walks, visiting Kihumuro cave, spot fishing among others. There are a number of lodges to stay at on your safari to Ssese islands such as Ssese Islands beach resort, the Philo leisure gardens, Ssese Habitat lodge, Victoria forest resort, Panorama cottages, and many more.

Day trips to Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary

Ngamba is one of the numerous islands found on Lake Victoria and it is where you find Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary, a home to orphaned chimps that were rescued from poachers by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The island is a rainforest covering 100acres. So this is another alternative where you can watch the chimps of Uganda apart from the forest destinations in remote areas from Kampala. The chimps at the island are taken care of by a team and you participate in some of the daily activities of these people such as feeding the chimps. There is much more wildlife on Ngamba island besides the chimps. They include monitor lizards, otters, and a variety of birds.

Half and full-day Nile perch fishing trips

Lake Victoria is one of the breeding sites for the world’s largest freshwater fish the Nile perch while planning your Lake Victoria excursions you can do either half or full-day fishing safaris, fishing is done by trolling and anglers can catch the big Nile perch on Lures.

Day trips to Mabamba swamp to see the endangered shoebill stork

Mabamba wetland is a swamp located just a few kilometers south of Entebbe and a 20-30 minutes boat cruise can be arranged to search for Uganda’s critically endangered shoebill stork bird.

Sunset cruise

Lake Victoria is one of the places to see some of Africa’s greatest sunsets and an evening boat cruise with cold drinks and snacks is one of the must-do activities during your Lake victoria excursions.

Leisure cruise

Leisure cruise is informed of small parties that you can take out on the Lake on the boat and these cruises can be done anything of the day and if you have time why not go out on Africa’s largest freshwater body on a cruise.

Cruise to see the fishing villages and the Equator line

Lake Victoria is home to numerous fishing villages and also the lake dissected by the Equator line so boat trips to see the islands with fishing villages and equator can be arranged.

Best time to do Lake Victoria excursions

Lake victoria excursions can be done all year round but the months of April and November tend to receive heavy rainfall making it difficult to do water activities so the best time is from June to October and from December to February when there is little or no rainfall.

How to get around Lake Victoria

There are two ways on how you get around the islands of Lake Victoria, one is by using speed or canoe boats, ferry transportation, and secondly you can charter helicopters to many of the islands like Ngamba island, Bulago Island, Ssese island and many others.

Where to stay during your Lake Victoria Excursions

Along Lake Victoria basin there are many hotels and resorts located on the shores and also in Entebbe is the entry into Uganda there are many lodges and some of the recommended places to stay include the Boma Entebbe, NO.5 Boutique hotel Entebbe, Karibu guest house, Lake Victoria Serena Resort.

Lake Mutanda

Lake Mutanda can be accessible via Rwanda, Kampala, or Entebbe using domestic flights from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, By road from Kampala Lake Mutanda is a 10-hour drive and from Rwanda, the Lake is about 5-6 hours depending on the border crossing time and by flight, the flight is just under2 hours from Entebbe and then you will take a vehicle transfer of about 30-45 minutes to the Lodges.

Where to stay in Lake Mutanda

There are not many options to stay near the Lakeshores and our top lodges in the area are the Luxury Chameleon hill lodge and Lake Mutanda resort which are probably the best places to stay during your gorilla trekking adventures in Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Mgahinga gorilla national park the drive from the lake to the gorilla trekking areas is just 1-2 hours.