Lake Victoria is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, the largest in Africa, and the principal source of the longest river in the world, the Nile. The Nile emerges from the lake’s northern shores in Uganda and travels more than 6,600 kilometers through northeastern Africa, finally draining into the Mediterranean sea on the Egyptian coast.
The lake covers an area of 59,000 square kilometers and spans three countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It got its name from John Hanning Speke, an English explorer who reached it in 1858 and named it after Queen Victoria.
This panoramic lake creates the perfect setting for sun gazing. At the Hippo Point, you can watch the African sun setting beyond its horizon, painting the lake and sky a breathtaking burnt orange. You can also spend the day touring the lake on a boat or watching boat races at Hippo Point.
Head to the Ndere Island National Park to see some wildlife by the lake. The island is home to hippos, monitor lizards, the Nile crocodile, zebras, baboons, antelopes, and warthogs. But it’s best known as a bird haven; there are more than a hundred bird species here. Measuring only about 4.2 square kilometers, you’ll see lots of birds here within a short period. It also has great views of the Homa hills and Mageta island.
On the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria sits Kisumu, Kenya’s lakeside city. Here, you can visit the Kisumu Museum to learn about the cultural history of the western communities of Kenya. Another site worth visiting is the Impala Sanctuary, home to a herd of impalas where you can also see hippos grazing.
A must-see natural phenomena near Lake Victoria is the Kit Mikayi, a rock formation that stands about 70 feet tall. The huge rocks appear like they’ll fall any minute—but for hundreds of years, they’ve never budged. You’ll be intrigued by the love triangle story surrounding the site and learn about its cultural and religious significance to the local community.
