Lake Victoria is Renowned for its Abundance of Fish

Lake Victoria epitomizes the sheer magnificence of nature.

The largest of the Kenya lakes is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, shimmering waters and natural beauty that are guaranteed to captivate and enthrall all lovers of nature and wildlife. And, there is no dearth of activities to keep visitors occupied.

It is also the source of the legendary Nile River, the world's longest. The Nile starts its journey from the lake city of Jinja in Uganda and traverses 6,671km (4,145 miles) until it drains into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

The largest lake in Africa, it also bears the distinction of being the second largest freshwater body in the world.

So how big is Lake Victoria? It covers an area of 68,800 sq km (26,600 sq miles).

But where is Lake Victoria? The lake is shared by the 3 East African neighbors of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Kisumu is the main Kenyan city on Lake Victoria.

Kogelo, a village on the lake's shores is the birthplace of Barrack Obama Senior, father to the US President.

Activities

The lake is located in Western Kenya which hardly features on the tourist circuit.

The lake therefore offers the visitor an opportunity to savor its world of attractions in an off-the-beaten-track, quiet environment. Although there are a range of activities to keep visitors busy, these understandably revolve around the lake.

Lake Victoria Cichlids

The lake is home to an estimated 200 cichlid species many of which are endemic to the lake.

While on a visit to this Kenya lake, you have plenty of opportunities to catch your very own cichlids and transport them home to your aquarium. Although extremely delicate, the lake's cichlid species are much loved for their spectacular, bright colors.

Fishing

Lake Victoria is swarming with fish. While tilapia is a local favorite, most of the overseas tourists are attracted by the lake's sizeable Nile Perch population...

The Nile Perch is considered a world class game fish because of its sheer size as it can grow to 1.8m (6ft) and weigh up to 140kg (300 lbs). The Perch, which is the largest freshwater fish, is also a ferocious fighter. And, you can go on fishing expeditions either in a speedboat or a motorized traditional canoe.

Birdwatching

Because the lake region is teeming with lots of avifauna, it is a birdwatcher's paradise.

Bird species that are almost entirely confined to this area include the Blue Swallow, Red-chested Sunbird, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Papyrus Canary and the Yellow-backed Weaver.

Your best bet for spotting birds is the Dunga, Kusa, Sio Port and Yala swamps as well as the Ruma National Park. The Blue Swallow occurs in abundance in the national park.

Wildlife Safari

The lake region upholds Kenya's virtually unrivalled reputation as a habitat for innumerable wildlife species.

While the lake swarms with a kaleidoscope of fish, its shallows are home to large hippo and crocodile populations. The islands are monkey havens.

Ruma National Park is a sanctuary for the large Roan antelope which is endemic to the park as well as the diminutive Oribi antelope, gazelles, impala, Ostriches and the Rothschild giraffe.

Boat Expeditions

While at the lake, day trips can be made to the lush and serene Mfangano and Rusinga islands.

Rusinga Island is fossil-rich and a skull of the Proconsul africanus, a primitive ape from which man evolved, was discovered by Mary Leakey there.

Tom Mboya, a firebrand Kenyan politician who was gunned down in Nairobi in 1969, was also born in Rusinga.

The pristine and tranquil Mfangano Island is an ideal place to get away from it all.

Mfangano and Rusinga are frequented by game-fishing enthusiasts.

Lambwe Forest

Lambwe Forest is a 3,100 hectare forest that is home to acacia, pine and cypress trees. It promises to enthrall nature lovers with a range of activities including bush walks, wildlife and bird spotting and picnicking.

Lake Victoria Accommodations

The most enchanting of the lake hotels are Rusinga Island Lodge, Mfangano Camp and Lake Victoria Safari Village.

Rusinga Island Lodge

Steeped in the atmosphere of serenity that is Rusinga Island, the Rusinga Island lodge sits on an expanse of lush velvet lawns that slope gently toward the lake.

To cement the African feel, the lodge's 7 self-contained cottages are constructed entirely from local materials and are well appointed with generous bathrooms and high thatch roofs.

Offering fishing, water sports, biking, hiking and a wellness spa, the lodge is bound to make your Kenya holiday truly memorable.

Mfangano Camp

Mfangano Camp is located on the unspoiled Mfangano Island.

Under the shade of giant fig trees, the camp looks down upon the waters of the lake intermittently lapping on the shores.

Occupying a secluded bay on the western shore of the island, the camp is surrounded by lawns and rock gardens.

The 6 self-contained rooms offer gorgeous views of the lake with the sunsets being particularly awesome.

The camp's suite of activities includes fishing, waterskiing, boat rides, hikes and birding.

Lake Victoria Safari Village

While it is less up-market than both Rusinga Island Lodges and Mfangano Camp, the Village nevertheless boasts quiet sylvan surroundings on the eastern shores of the lake. The balmy weather and sparkling lake waters create the ideal environment for unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Accommodations consist of charming traditional round huts with roofs made of papyrus reeds. The rooms have modern attached bathrooms and private verandahs overlooking Lake Victoria.

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