Lake Victoria: Africa's Largest Lake, Facts and Things to Do in Uganda
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa, shared by three countries, and the source of the White Nile.
Lake Victoria covers about 68,800 square kilometres and is the largest lake in Africa and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It is shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and is relatively shallow, at about 80 metres at its deepest.
In Uganda the lake offers beaches, islands, cruises and fishing around Entebbe, Kampala, Jinja and the Ssese Islands. The Nile begins at Jinja; see Jinja and the source of the Nile and Lake Victoria cruises and the Ssese Islands.
This guide is part of our Uganda facts and travel information guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda tours and safari packages.
At a glance
- Area: About 68,800 sq km
- Countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
- Depth: About 80 m at the deepest
- Outflow: White Nile at Jinja
Facts at a Glance
- Largest lake in Africa by area.
- Second largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.
- Home to many islands, including the Ssese Islands and Ngamba.
Things to Do
- Sunset cruises from Entebbe: cruises and Ssese Islands.
- Chimpanzees on Ngamba Island.
- Spa and golf: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort.
- Rafting and the Nile source at Jinja.
Where to Stay
Lakeside hotels near Entebbe and Jinja are covered in hotels in Entebbe and hotels in Jinja.
Planning a trip? Tell us your dates and we will build a Uganda safari around them.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Lakes in Uganda: Victoria, Albert, Edward, Kyoga, Bunyonyi and More
- Uganda Lakes and Islands: Bunyonyi, Victoria, Mburo and More
- Lake Albert in Uganda: Rift Valley Lake, Fishing and Shoebill Country
- Lake Kyoga: Uganda's Shallow Nile Lake in the Heart of the Country
- Lake Edward and Lake George: Queen Elizabeth's Rift Valley Lakes
- Uganda Facts and Travel Information: Geography, Climate, Currency, Visas and Attractions
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