The largest lake on the African continent, gifted with a size of 68,800 sq km, Lake Victoria is the world’s second largest freshwater lake after Lake Superior in North America. It is one of Africa’s ‘Great Lakes’ named after Queen Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom, by John Hanning Speke in 1858.
Lake Victoria is located in Eastern Central Africa and is almost 400,000 years old. It spans across three countries: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and is known by different local Bantu names: Nam Lolweby Luo, Nnalubaaleby Baganda, andNyanzaby other Bantu tribes.
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.
Lake Victoria has many vibrant tourist activities that you should not miss out on, so let’s explore…
TOURIST ACTIVITIES AT LAKE VICTORIA
The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is located south-east of Entebbe in Lake Victoria. It is also called the Chimpanzee Island and is home to more than 40 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, here there is an electrified fence that separates the chimps from humans, and you will learn the individual profile of each chimpanzee, personality, and its 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. Just let us know, we shall add this trip to your safari.
Ssese Island
Ssese Island is a tropical island and is among the top ten world’s hidden treasures, secrets, and best Islands. Ssese Island is highly visited by tourists, and it takes an airplane, a boat, or a ferry to get there. Ssese Island has surprise sandy-beaches, horseback rides, hiking, ATV Quad biking, Nile Perch fishing, and birding. Ssese Island is the best place to chill-out and relax after a long safari e.g volcano climbing. Never missout on a visit to Ssese Island.
Sail from Entebbe to Jinja across the Lake on the MV Vanessa.
You will follow Winston Churchill’s boat route he took to Jinja in Uganda where he popularized the slogan ‘pearl of Africa’which is a comfortable and pleasant name for Uganda appreciating its unique mother beauty. This is a fantastic example of tourism with a purpose and coordinates exactly with the safari to Jinja so, we can kindly add this breathtaking experience on your safari in Uganda. Just let us know.
Mabamba Bay wetlands at Lake Victoria
Mabamba wetlands are the best place for spotting the mighty Shoebill that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Spotting the Shoebill is done using a guided local boat on a Shoebill sighting safari.
The largest freshwater body in Africa, Lake Victoria is a home to many water birds, and here tourists can catch 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.
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
This is a mini-safari to the zoo and the vegetation surrounding it, while enjoying eye-catching, memorable, scenic views of the shores of Lake Victoria. The zoo is located on the edge of the lake.
Horseback riding along the Nile river/Jinja
Don’t miss out on a fantastic 2-3 hour horse ride. Enjoy the beautiful Nile scenic views and the warm hospitality of the local people who wave to you as you pass by their homes. The horses are maintained by their Australian owners, well-trained and healthy.
ATV Quad Biking around Jinja
Quad biking is a great and amazing experience for tourists who like speed and dirt. Explore villages around the banks of the River Nile and back at the lodge you will be all smiles and covered with mud except your white teeth, tourists are asking us to add Quad biking on their trip, so just let us know if this is an activity for you.
Fishing trip in search of the giant Nile Perch
We organize all kinds of trips that include: multiple day trips, camping trips, full-day trips, morning or afternoon trips etc., examples of fish include; Tilapia, yellow fish, and the occasional catfish. Tourists pursue these fish mainly in Lake Victoria and on the River Nile. All safety gear, fishing gear and camping equipment for those that stay overnight are available. Just let us know and book with us.
Visit the source of the Nile in Jinja
The source of the Nile was discovered in 1858 by John Hanning Speke the first European explorer in Uganda. The source of the Nile has wonderful and beautiful gardens that attract thousands of tourists. Here you will take a guided boat ride to show you the exact source of the Nile, you can also take a boat ride across Lake Victoria. The site is still being built to meet world-class tourism standards.
Chill-out and Relax along the Nile River
As most come to just see Jinja, others come to relax and chill-out. Wild water lodge is a premier spot to relax and chill-out with a white water section in the middle of the river Nile. Wild water lodge is one of the best and ultimate chill-out locations in Uganda. There are many great and fantastic hotels along the Nile and the massive Nile harbor. Never miss-out relax and chill-out along the Nile River from after a tiring volcano climb or gorilla trek.
Experimental Bungee jumping into the River Nile at Jinja
Experience Bungee jumping in the mighty River Nile. Bungee jumping in one of the world’s longest rivers is quite something! Bungee jumping can be done during the day or even at night!
Sunset cruise on the River Nile and Lake Victoria
This ferry cruise is fantastic and enjoyable and we can arrange for you some BBQ snacks with drinks. You will enjoy the golden glittering Nile and Lake Victoria water as the sun sets. A magical and amazing evening (darkness sets in at almost 10mins past 7pm).
White water rafting on river Nile in Jinja
This leaves you with a great memorable rafting experience that you will never forget. Here you will raft in the white section of the river Nile and will get wet due to the water splash. White water rafting from mild to wild takes 1-2days and we can organize for you any white water rafting trip of your choice. You can enjoy yourself with your friends and family; never miss this trip on your safari to Uganda!
Jet-boating on river Nile in Jinja
You will take a jet-boat ride up the rapids of the River Nile. The pilot leading the ride is well-guided and knows the river very well, so this is a safe adventure. Jet-boating is done for those that do not want to stay longer on the river.
Places to Chill-out and relax on Lake Victoria in Entebbe
Before you fly out of Uganda and leave us, spend some time chilling in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are fabulous hotels like the 2-friends Beach Hotel located right on the lake. Entebbe is an excellent place to wind up your safari experience with breath-taking views, hotel prices range from budget to luxury.
Lake Victoria’s Equator Island
Lake Victoria’s Equator Island is also called Lwaji Island, and you can take a fun boat trip to the island where the Equator passes across Lake Victoria. You will enjoy the tranquil blue water, the mild blowing winds, pleasant and refreshing atmosphere. The Island has very many different bird species that create an amazing chirping tone, you will catch a glimpse of the flying egrets and kingfishers flying along the surface of the water. You will see the incredible and giant trees which grow on the surface of the Island rock. It is an exciting and amazing thing to see where the line of the Equator passes through Lake Victoria.
