Lake Victoria accommodation and where to stay

Lake Victoria

Wondering where to stay in Kenya for your next wildlife holiday in Africa? Add Lake Victoria to your bucket list as a must-see destination and Voyage2Africa will find the ultimate accommodation for you and your partner, family or friends. 

The first European ever to lay eyes on Lake Victoria was so in awe of this second largest freshwater lake in the world that he named it after Queen Victoria in 1858. This was John Hanning Speke and now you can also go and see the Lake, so check out our collection of the glamorous hotels and accommodation on the shores of Lake Victoria, then book your safari to Africa with the Kenya holiday experts – reviews and great rates for the best lodges here.

When you arrive, see the network of waterways between trading towns and villages along the shores of the lovely Lake Victoria, hemmed in by gently rolling, verdant green hills that dip down into the deep blue waters of the Lake. Explore the region’s scenic beauty, in spectacular contrast to the yellow brown plains and semi desert savanna surrounding it.

Where to Find Lake Victoria

Find this enormous volume of water east central Africa along the equator, bordering the countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The lake is roughly 6 hours from Nairobi and 4 hours from the Maasai Mara. It supplies the longest river in Africa, the Nile River at 6670 km, which carries the waters north through several African countries and on wards to the Mediterranean Sea. The lake is home to many species of fish which live nowhere else, especially cichlidsInvasive fish, such as the Nile perch, have driven many endemic species to extinction. Geologically, Lake Victoria is relatively young at about 400,000 years old.

Did you know?

This is the world’s largest tropical lake, with an impressive surface area of 68 800km2. Lake Victoria is about 400 000 years old, its deepest point being 84 meters. Kenya’s share of the Lake is 6% while Uganda has 45% and Tanzania 49%.

Highlights

  • Shop at the main market at Kisumu, a lively market and large too – check out interesting wares and some fresh foods too. 
  • Thimlich Ohinga (meaning ‘frightening dense forest’) Archaeological Site is one of East Africa’s most important archaeological sites, a dry-stone enclosure, 150m in diameter, that holds another five smaller enclosures, dating back to the 15th century. 
  • Ruma National Park is a beautiful stop over venue edged by the theatrical Kanyamaa Escarpment where you can see Kenya’s only population of roans (one of Africa’s rarest and largest antelope) as well as Bohor’s reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, the tiny oribi antelope and Kenya’s largest concentration of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. 
  • They call Mbasa Bird Island and if you love birding, you will love finding the wetland birds, including breeding long-tailed cormorants, fish eagles, marsh harriers and little white egrets – all coming in to roost at sunset.  

Off The Beaten Track Holiday

If you are looking for an off the beaten track destination, with very few tourists, then head down to this fishing mecca. It is unfortunately not possible to swim in these bilharzia-infested waters, but other adventures await you. Stay in exclusive accommodation on either Mfangano or Rusinga Islands. Rusingais renowned as the site of Mary Leakey’s discovery of a skull of Proconsul Africanus, which can be seen in the Kenya National Museum.

Things to Do at Lake Victoria

We love the choice of things to do at Lake Victoria, in the many small towns, villages and venues along the great lake’s shores. Choose one of these fun activities:

  • Try your hand as fishing and attempt to hook big catches including Nile Perch and Tilapia. The Nile Perch can grow up to 1.8m long and weigh up to 140kg. 
  • Or get out those binoculars as bird life thrives on the waters of Lake Victoria. Over 350 different types have been identified, including the majestic Fish Eagle. 
  • Witness the big game in Rubondo Island National Park, situated on one of the Lake’s many islands in the south. You are likely to have excellent sightings of elephant, giraffe and chimpanzee! 
  • Or go on a trek to see the Ancient Rock Art on Mfangano Island. Mfangano Island has two ancient rock art sites with some historically important cave art. 

Family Safaris to Lake Victoria are Hot

Pack up the entire family for a safari holiday to Kenya that they will never forget. Intrepid journeys into Africa introduce your kids to the biggest classroom in the world, nature! Game viewing, nature walks, river cruises and camping under the stars are all part of a safari adventure your family will talk about for years down the line!  

Bring your children into the true wilderness of Kenya, our top African safari destination of all time – so check out the luxury lodge and bush camp accommodation where children are made to feel at home and book your special family package today.

The Best of the Best Safaris in Lake Victoria

Plan a Kenya tour and safari with Voyage2Africa, the African travel experts, and enjoy signature experiences to the premier wildlife destination south of the equator. We bring you thrilling adventures in the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya National Park and even Nairobi.  We offer you the best of the best safari accommodation in Kenya, in lavish lodges, family resorts, modern hotels, eco villas and rustic wild campsites in nature. Bring your camera and you hat, your binoculars and your sense of spirit to an African land that is home to humankind.

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