The Ultimate Travel Guide to Lake Victoria

The only river that flows out of Lake Victoria is the famous Nile River. Lake Victoria is the primary source of the longest branch of the Nile River. The Victoria Nile leaves the lake at Ripon Falls near Jinja and flows in a northern direction for about 500 kilometres. After if falls over Murchison Falls, it flows into Lake Albert and onto the Albert Nile. This is the last part of the river in Uganda before it enters Sudan.

The lake is made up of several archipelagos that is shared between the three bordering countries, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The largest one is Rubondo Island National park which is also the largest park in Africa. It is the most famous attraction together with Ssese Island which is an archipelago made up of 84 islands.

Fishing and agriculture is the two thriving industries of Lake Victoria. Its marine waters and reefs are home to over 500 species of fish that includes the invasive Nile Perch that was introduced in the 1950s. The Lake supports the largest inland fishing industry in Africa.

All around the lake you will find coffee, maize, and tea farming.

Lake Victoria has been a popular destination for nature and outdoor lovers as it is located close to major safari games reserves in Tanzania and Uganda. A sighting of a Silverback gorilla or the annual wildebeest migration has had people flocking to this area for decades.

HISTORY OF LAKE VICTORIA

Lake Victoria was known to the many Africans that lived in the catchment area long before it was discovered by the British explorers John Hanning Speke and Richard Francis Burton. It was also known to the Arab traders who explored Africa in search of gold, ivory and other precious items, and taking many of the native inhabitants as slaves. An ancient map of the lake dating back to around 1160 AD confirms this.

Speke reached the southern part of the lake in 1858 while on a quest to find the source of the Nile. Burton was not with Speke at the time of discovering the lake as he had fallen ill and stayed behind on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Speke named it Lake Victoria after the reigning queen of England and claimed he found the source of the Nile. This cause a huge debate and even Burton did not agree with him. The disagreement triggered the interest of other explorers who wanted to either contradict or verify Speke’s claim.

David Livingstone, who is certainly the most famous British explorer and missionary was one who tried to confirm this, but in his explorations travelled to far west and entered the river system of the Congo.

The confirmation that Lake Victoria was the source of the Nile was finally made by Morton Stanley, a Welsh American explorer.  He circumnavigated the lake and reported that the outflow was on the Northern shore of the lake at Ripon Falls.

THE ISLANDS OF LAKE VICTORIA

The main tourist attraction of Lake Victoria is visiting the various islands and participating in the many outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking, boat cruising, birdwatching or taking a safari to spot the wildlife of the region. The less adventurous holiday makers visit the area staying in one of the many hotels and resorts on the shoreline. Some of the most attractive islands to visit are the following:

RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Rubondo Island National Park is the most popular island to visit due to its abundance of wildlife. It is located in Tanzania in the south-western part of the lake. It consists of Rubondo Island and 11 smaller islands. It is the largest island park in Africa covering an area of 456 square kilometres.

Rubondo Island National Park is a protected wilderness area and certain rare and endangered animal and bird species have thrived in the island’s rainforests. This includes the black and white colobus and chimpanzees. The Island is mostly covered in thick rainforests with open patches of woodlands, papyrus swamps and unspoiled sandy beaches.

Rubondo Island is also home to the rare and highly endangered Sitatunga which is an antelope that hides and camouflages itself in the thick marshes around the lake. It has long hooves that allow it to walk on land and in shallow waters.

Other animals found on the island include giraffe, bushbuck, elephant, bush pigs and the Suni. The rich birdlife has recorded over 400 species.

There is many outdoor activities to participate in on Rubondo Island that includes hiking, canoeing, going on safaris, fishing, bird watching, or just lazing on the beaches.

SSESE ISLANDS

The Ssese Islands is also a very popular destination and forms the Kalangala District. It is made up of 84 densely forested islands. The Ssese Islands are divided into two main group consisting in the south-western region of the Bugala Group and in the north-eastern of the Koome Group. The two groups of islands are separated by the Koome Channel.

Four of the islands in these two groups of islands are popular destinations and preferred by tourists. They are Bugala, Banda, Bulago, and Ngamba islands.

Bugala Island

Bugala Island is the largest island in the Ssese Island and also the one after which the south-western group is named. It is the most developed and covers an area of over 270 square kilometres. The main town on the island is Kalangala and there are two ferries that transport people to and from the island.

One runs from Nakiwogo Dock, located south of Entebbe to the dock at Kalangala and the second runs from Bukakata, located near Masaka to the dock at Luku. The island is very popular due to its variety of wildlife and bird species.

Banda Island

Banda Island is one of the small islands and has only a campsite and budget lodge that is privately leased. Activities include canoeing around the whole island, trolling for the Nile Perch in a speed boat or Kato, hiking, bird watching, or just relaxing on the beach.

Bulago Island

Bulago Island covers an area of only about two square kilometres with approximately six kilometres of beaches. The north-eastern part of the island is covered by rain forest and its rugged shoreline is made up of low cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Bulago is a true paradise for bird watchers and it is so small you could comfortably hike around the whole island. Other activities include sail boating, windsurfing, water skiing and tubing.

Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island is another small island of approximately 40 hectares and comprises totally of rainforest which makes it another birders paradise. It houses over 120 bird species together with other wildlife.

The most popular activity of this island is visiting the chimpanzee sanctuary that was founded in 1998. It was started to house and rehabilitate the chimpanzees that were rescued in Uganda from meat traders and poachers. The chimpanzees are kept in a secluded area but roam freely in the forest section. Make sure you have proof that you are up to date with your vaccinations to prevent the spread of human diseases to the chimps.

Accommodation on Ngamba Island comprises of self-sufficient safari tents that overlooks the Ssese Islands.

UKEREWE ISLAND

Ukerewe Island is the largest island in Lake Victoria and made up of 27 smaller islands. All but the three that are uninhabitable, are occupied by locals of which the Nansio people are the largest community. Most are involved in small-scale farming and fishing.

At Irondo Point tourist have a three-way view of Entebbe in Uganda, Mwanza City in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya from the island. The island also offers many historical sites to visit such as Kangunguli, an old Roman church built in 1895; Bukindo, a chief’s palace built in 1922; and a school and dispensary built between 1902 and 1913. The last is still in use.

Activities on the island include hiking, cycling, fishing, canoeing, or taking a cultural tour of a local village.

RUSINGA ISLAND

Rusinga Island falls in Kenya on the eastern corner of Lake Victoria and is 16 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide. The island is famous for its rich and important fossil beds of extinct Miocene mammals that date back to 18 million years. The Leaky expedition in 1948 saw the collection of over 15 000 fossils from the Miocene, including 64 primate species that Leaky called the Miocene apes.

The glittering black sands of the beaches are made up of crystals of melanite garnet, barberiite hornblende, and magnetite eroded from the uncamphorated lava fragments in the agglomerates that overlie the fossil beds.

The Rusinga Island Lodge provides the accommodation on the island and guests can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, boat cruises, hiking, mountain biking and some water sports.

MFANGANO ISLAND

Mfangano Island is located on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria. This island is famous for its ancient rock paintings that are believed to be painted by the Pygmies of Uganda who were the earliest inhabitants of the region between 1 000 and 4 000 years ago.

As the local population fears going near the area where the painting are found, they have been left untouched. Most inhabitants live near the water for ease in fishing and collecting the day’s water supply.

The main rock art sites are Mawanga and Kwitone. The Mawanga cave is a short walk from Mawanga village and Kwitone is more inland and located near the top of a mountain above a sacred forest that can be reached after a 40-minute hike through the forest.

Other activities include boating, fishing, bird watching and hiking.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE LAKE VICTORIA AREA

Lake Victoria’s coordinates are 0.7558° S, 33.4384° E. It touches the equator in its northern side and has a typical tropical climate. It is mostly warm and pleasant throughout the year which makes it a popular destination all year round. It has a long rainy reason stretching from the middle of March to early June with some rain falling in November and December.

The best times to visit Lake Victoria is from July to February which is also the peak tourist season. Accommodation will be charged at a higher rate and flights to the area will also be more expensive.

The less expensive and more quiet time to travel to Lake Victoria is during March to June but be prepared to experience lots of rain.

For the most exciting adventures and safaris in the region visit the parks in the Northern part of Lake Victoria which include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tangier, Arusha and Kilimanjaro.

These parks can be visited all year round but are obviously more popular during the great migration when millions of wildebeest and zebra brave predators, huge rivers, drought and exhaustion to reach greener pastures. Driven by instinct they follow the rains to the distant northern Mara River from July to October.

During March to June tourist can also follow their journey through the south central to western Serengeti and then north again where they cross over to the Masai Mara in Kenya. It is easier to track predators and herbivores in the dry season from June to October when they do not wander far away from permanent water sources.

Birding trips to Lake Manyara and Tangier in Tanzania is best from November to May to coincide with the wet climatic seasons in Tanzania.

To best time to experience the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is January and February. If you want to acclimatize to the humidity and dryness of the season it is best to fist attempt climbing Mount Meru before attempting the highest mountain peak in Africa.

In the southern region you will find the Selous and Ruaha wildlife reserves which are less busy compared to the northern parks. Game viewing here is better in from the late June to October as the veld is less dense and once again game tend to hover around central water sources. Many lodges close during the very wet season usually from the middle of March to the end of May.

During December to March it is hot and humid and the best time to spend time on the beaches of the lake is between June and September. It is also the best times to go on fishing trips.

WHY VISIT LAKE VICTORIA?

Bordering Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, Lake Victoria has become a prime tourist destination as it also lies close to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Going on a Big 5 safari in the Serengeti or any of the other famous game reserves in East Africa, just makes sense to combine it with a visit to Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria is known as the Pride or Pearl of Africa and renown for breath-taking views, lush tropical islands and forests, spectacular fishing, a birders paradise, and many beach hotels and resorts. Add to this a gorilla tour in Uganda or chimpanzee trekking on Ngama Island where the protected chimpanzee sanctuary is situated. Lake Victoria is also rich in history and has numerous heritage and archaeological sites to add to your itinerary.

Over the years the benefit of an income out of tourism has been realised by the locals and improved infrastructure and investments in the hospitality industry has paid off. Accommodation ranges from private and luxurious resorts, safari and beach lodges, modern hotels, to rustic camps for fishing.

If you enjoy hiking, fishing, bird watching, safaris, mountain biking, water sport or just want to relax in a peaceful environment, Lake Victoria has much to offer and is definitely worth the effort of looking into it.

PLACES TO VISIT IN LAKE VICTORIA

Besides the many tropical islands which are the main attraction for organising a trip to Lake Victoria there are also many other places to visit while holidaying in the region.

Kakamega Forest National Park

Kakamega Forest National Park is found approximately 50 kilometres from Lake Victoria and covers about 230 square kilometres. It is situated in the Kakamega and Nandi County of Kenya, northwest of Nairobi near Uganda’s border. It is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya and the last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once bridged the African continent.

Today, overpopulation, deforestation and overgrazing threaten the biodiversity of this region. Although it gained national forest status in 1985 less than half of the forest remains a protected indigenous forest.

The Kakamega Forest receives an average rainfall of 1200 to 1700 mm per year with the heaviest rainfall measured in April and May. June is slightly drier followed by a second peak of rainfall through August to September. Temperature is fairly constant throughout the year, ranging between 20 to 30 °C.

Although the flora and fauna of Kakamega Forest has not been extensively studied it boasts many spectacular and rare species.

The park has a range of rare trees that include the red and white stinkwood and the elgon teak. Over 380 species of plants are recorded in the park which includes 60 species of ferns, 150 species of trees and shrubs, and 170 species of flowering plants. Of the 60 species of orchids, nine are found only here.

There is an abundance of birdlife found in the park. Among the 365 bird species is found the extremely rare west Africa Great blue turaco and the white-and-black casqued hornbill. Around nine bird species are only found in the park and nowhere else in the world.

Mammals that are found in the park include bushbuck, duikers, bush pig, mongoose, clawless otter, squirrels, giant African water shrew, porcupines, tree pangolin, bats, blue monkey, De Brazza’s monkey, red tail monkey, vervet monkey, baboon, and the potto. Leopards use to roam the park, but the last official sighting was in 1991.

Even the insects found in the park are spectacular, such as the Goliath beetle, over 489 species of butterflies, the pink and green flower mantis, ants, gastropods, millipedes and spiders.

The park is a popular destination and offers hiking trails, camping, hiking, primate watching, bird and butterfly watching, game watching and village walks. Visiting the Mama Mtere tree and the Crying Stone is also high on the to do list.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens is located in Entebbe, Uganda on the shores of Lake Victoria. Curator, A Whyte laid out the garden in 1898 dividing it into different zones that included a rainforest zone. (This rainforest formed the backdrop to scenes from the Tarzan films shot in the 1940s).

The gardens is a birding paradise providing a home for over 115 bird species that include red chested sunbirds, verreaux owl eagles, African fish eagle, black headed Gonolek, Angola swallow and pratincoleto to mention but a few.

Monkeys like that black and white colobus, vervet and red-tailed monkeys as well as squirrels and spiders has made the gardens their home.

Various popular events take place at the garden of which the Mileage world music festival is held in the gardens every November, is but one. At the nursery visitors can purchase cedras, cypress, coconut palms, and many more plants and trees. It also contains over 120 plants used for the making of medicine.

While visiting the Botanical Gardens you might as well include a visit to the Uganda wildlife education centre.

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC)

The centre was originally found in the 1950s to accommodate confiscated and injured wildlife and to look after orphan animals which have been taken away from smugglers. Although UWEC is popularly known as Entebbe Zoo, since for a short period of time, this was what it was, it is not a zoo in a conventional sense, but a place where wildlife education is combined with leisure.

Since 1994 the UWEC Trust took over the zoo for conservation educational purposes. Not only can the visitor observe many of the most exciting indigenous species, but comprehensive interactive interpretation and briefings on them are also given. The centre has a rich vegetation and a wide range of birds, butterflies, and other indigenous animals.

If you are interested in botany you will also find live collections of traditional medicinal plants.

The centre release as many of the animals back into the wild that it can, but many of the animals remain in the care of the centre and act as ambassadors to educate visitors on the plight of Uganda’s wildlife.

Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site

Thinlich Ohinga Archaeological Site is found 46 kilometres northwest of Migori, in the Lake Victoria Basin. The dry-stone walled settlement is based on a complex organization system of communal occupation, craft industries and livestock that reflects a cultural tradition developed by pastoral communities in the Nyanza region that persisted from the 16^th to 20^th centuries.

Thimlich Ohinga is the largest preserved of the dry-stone walled enclosures and appears to have served as security for communities and livestock. Furthermore, it is an exceptional testimony of settlement patterns and spatial community relations.

Just south of the archaeological site lies Ruma National Park.

Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park is also known as the Last Retreat of the Roan Antelope and provides sanctuary for the only indigenous rare and highly endangered roan antelope in Kenya. It is the only terrestrial park in Kenya’s Nyanza Province.

The park was established in 1966 and boast numerous games species like leopards, rhino, giraffes, oribis, buffalo, hartebeest, baboons, reedbucks, hyenas, serval, honey badgers, topis and monkeys, among others.

It is also an important birding area with over 400 bird species recorded. This includes the rare intra-African migrant, the blue swallow.

THE MAIN CITIES AROUND LAKE VICTORIA

Entebbe

Close to the northern shores of Lake Victoria lies Entebbe in central Uganda. Entebbe is about 45 kilometres from Kampala which is the capital and largest city in Uganda. Tourists can fly into Entebbe International Airport and travel further to Lake Victoria in a private charter plane or take a ferry across to the island.

Tourist can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe Botanical Garden as well as take a tour of the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary from Entebbe.

Mwanza

Mwanza is situated in Tanzania and the major port on Lake Victoria. The bulk of agricultural products like tea, cotton, and coffee passes through Mwanza’s harbour. From here tourists can visit Rubondo Islands National Park.

Kisumu

Kisumu lies on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria and is the largest lakeside city. It has mainly been left untouched by commercial development and has retained much of its tradition cultural heritage. The vibrant port is famous for its busy markets that line the streets.

Musoma

Musoma is located close to the Kenyan border in northern Tanzania and is the administrative capital of the Mara region. Many of the German heritage building are today used as government offices. The Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere Museum is also found in Musoma and houses an exhibition of records that document the early history of Tanzania as well as the rise of nationalism and the independence movement.

From Musoma tourist can take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands in Lake Victoria or to Matvilla Beach which is known for its striking granite boulders and festive lakeside bars and restaurants.

SAFETY AROUND LAKE VICTORIA

Many tourists visit Lake Victoria every year despite the fact that some sites will tell you it is the most dangerous destinations in Africa.

Although swimming is not recommended in Lake Victoria many locals and visitors cool down in the huge lake. The main concern is the risk of contracting bilharzia but if you swim from a boat or pontoon, away from reed beds where the Bilharzia snail’s larvae hatch, you should be fairly safe.

Bilharzia is a disease transmitted through bilharzia-infected snails. It is common in most of the large lakes in Africa. Although it is not immediately fatal is has very unpleasant symptoms and can be life-threatening if the parasite lives in your body undetected or treated.

The first symptoms of bilharzia are severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is, however, easy to treat and is a good idea to have blood tests done when you return after your visit to Lake Victoria to ensure the parasite is not in your system.

There is a large population of hippo and crocodiles in the lake, especially in its wetlands. They are both highly dangerous and responsible for hundreds of fatalities every year in Africa.

Lake Victoria lies in a tropical zone where weather conditions can go from mild and pleasant to torrid and life threatening in a matter of minutes. It can have the same strong winds you find on the open ocean that can be just as dangerous and capsize your boat or push it onto the rocks. The windiest conditions are experienced in June to August.

With fishing one of the highlights of a trip to Lake Victoria, a vast number of people have lost their lives as a result of boating accidents and drownings. Be sure you book your fishing trip through a reputable operator with a reliable boat and years of fishing experience on the lake.

Approximately 5 000 people die every year from water-related accidents in Lake Victoria due to a combination of extreme weather, inferior fishing boats, or people not being strong swimmers. Other causes of deaths on the lake include overloaded boats, engines not strong enough, drunken sailors, negligent ferry operators, impaired vision at night, lack of policing and regulations and passengers not wearing lifejackets.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE VICTORIA

Being a popular holiday destination and with Lake Victoria spread over the borders of three countries, tourist have a wide choice of places to stay from luxurious hotels and lodges, to rustic tents and cottages.

A few recommended areas are the following:

Victoria Forest Resort

On Bugala Island on lake Victoria in Uganda.

Situated in Kalangala, the main town of Bugala Island, the largest island in the Ssese archipelago on the Uganda side of Lake Victoria. The hotel features 40 rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and a bar.

The hotel is situated on a 3-kilometre stretch of beach and offers guests a wide selection of outdoor activities. This includes various water sport activities, mountain biking, bird watching or walking trails in the Lutoboka Forest.

The resort is 1.5 kilometres from the Ferry, 7 kilometres from the boat launch, and 42 kilometres from Entebbe Airport.

Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel

On Bugala Island on Lake Victoria in Uganda

Set in Kalangala, on Lake Victoria, Mirembe Resort Beach Hotel features views of the lake from all its rooms.  All rooms come with a private bathroom fitted with a shower. This resort has a private beach area and water sports facilities and bike and car hire are available.

It has a restaurant, bar, coffee shoppe, children’s playground. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfing, cycling, fishing, and walking trails.  The ferry is 1.3 kilometres from the resort, while boat launch is 3.3 kilometres and the Entebbe Airport 44 kilometres away.

Brovad Sands Lodge

On Bugala Island on lake Victoria in Uganda.

Situated in Kalangala, the main town of Bugala Island, the largest island in the Ssese archipelago on the Uganda side of Lake Victoria. The hotel is in the business district of Bugala and right on the beach.

The hotels features 21 rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and a spa. Various outdoor activities is on offer like fishing, boat trips, hiking or biking trails, and bird watching. While the natural beauty of Lake Victoria and Kalangala Beach can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Kalangala Golf Course.

Rubondo Island Camp

On Lake Victoria in Tanzania.

In the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria situated in Tanzania lies the luxurious beachside camp in Rubondo Island National Park. This camp is the only lodgings on the island and consists of eight cottages that offers unrivalled access for those who seek the thrill of adventure in a truly wild area.

From its lakefront location guests can enjoy a wide choice of outdoor activities that include fishing, boating, walking trails and safaris tours into the dense island forest. This is a pristine location for birdwatchers besides the spotting of other forest animals and waters teaming with crocodiles, hippo and the iconic Nile perch.

Rusinga Island Lodge

On Lake Victoria in Kenya.

Rusinga Island Lodge is situated in Mbita and lies on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria. This lodge consists of six large furnished thatches cottages with spectacular views of the lake. All the cottages have one bedroom and an en-suite bathroom. The seventh cottage has two bedrooms and an inter-leading door.

On the premises is a restaurant, bar, spa, swimming pool and children’s playground. Continental and a la carte breakfast options are available each morning. The area offer an array of outdoor activities that include water skiing, snorkelling, fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. You can also book a day tour to Thinlich Ohinga Archaeological Site on the island where thousands of fossils have been uncovered or visit the Tom Mboya Museum. The ferry is only 10 kilometres from the property.

Mfangano Island Camp

On Lake Victoria in Kenya.

On the western shoreline of Mfangano Island situated in Kenya lies Mfangano Island Camp. It is the only camp on the island and is private and exclusive. It only sleeps 12 guests in six comfortable thatched rondavels. Each come with a private veranda and sunbeds overlooking the expansive waters of the lake. The cottages have been bult in the local Luo tribal style and are decorated with local handicrafts.

It offers water activities like fishing and boating and has a small rock swimming pool. The camp is a perfect place for nature lovers, with excellent birding opportunities and is particularly recommended as a relaxing retreat for honeymooners.

The camp is perfect to include in your Kenya Safari either between safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania or following a safari in the Masai Mara. It is a 40-minute flight in a charter plane from the Masai Mara and a 15-minute boat ride from the airport to Mfangano Island.

Other accommodation to consider are:

• Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort
• Wayando Beach Eco Lodge
• Malaika Beach Resort
• Samene Beach Hotel
• Hotel Tilapia Ltd
• Waghill Lodge
• Serenity on the Lake

TRANSPORTATION AROUND LAKE VICTORIA

Since the early 1900s, the ferries of Lake Victoria have been a very important means of transport between Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The main ports on the lake are Kisumu in Kenya, Mwanza and Bukoba in Tanzania, and Entebbe, Port Bell, and Jinja in Uganda.

The Ferries are the most popular mode of transport in Lake Victoria for both locals and tourists. It is highly recommended that you book your holiday to Lake Victoria through a reliable tour operator. Most Lake Victoria tours include transport arrangements to fly in and out of the Lake Victoria region and ferry rides where needed.

There is also the option to hire a car to travel around in. Many resorts offer this service.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Visa requirements:

Travelling to Lake Victoria takes you either through Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania.  Non-East African Community (EAC) residents all require a visa to enter these countries and the same visa requirements apply if you are travelling to Lake Victoria for a holiday. The EAC is the regional intergovernmental organisation of the Republics of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. It is best to consult the official websites depending on which country you are planning to enter Lake Victoria or speak to your travel agent. They would be able to provide you with the necessary correct information.

• Malaria:

Lake Victoria lies in the high-risk malaria region. The swampy shorelines of the great lake are the prefect breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Travellers are advices to take anti-malaria tablets before travelling to Lake Victoria and take precautions to prevent being bitten.

• Bilharzia:

Bilharzia is present in most of the large lakes in Africa and is disease transmitted through bilharzia-infected snails. It is present in the shallow reedy waters close to villages with the usual human activity. The larva thrives in waters that are contaminated by human faeces. Poor sanitation in the lakeside fishing villages is the main reason why bilharzia is still such a big problem in the Lake Victoria Basin.

Other than that, those privileged to visit the Lake Victoria region, be assured you will have the time of your life!