Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, borders Tanzania to the northwest. Its papyrus swamps, islands and shores support birds with links to Uganda and Central Africa that you will not find in the eastern parks.
Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo is a forested island in the southwest of the lake, protected as a national park. It has one of the highest densities of African fish eagles anywhere, plus herons, kingfishers, cormorants and forest species. The island is also known for sitatunga antelope and a population of chimpanzees introduced in the 1960s. Access is by boat or light aircraft.
Papyrus specialists
Look for birds that live only in papyrus swamps, such as the papyrus gonolek, white-winged swamp warbler and Carruthers’s cisticola. They need a local guide and patience.
The Speke Gulf and the western Serengeti
The Speke Gulf touches the western corridor of the Serengeti. The shore and nearby wetlands attract waterbirds, and the corridor’s riverine forest adds species such as the black-headed gonolek. Read about the Serengeti.
Mwanza
Tanzania’s second city sits on the lake shore among granite boulders. Its waterfront, islands such as Saanane and nearby wetlands are easy places to start.
When to go
Birding is good all year. The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, are easiest for travel.
Birding tips
- Go out at dawn, when birds are most active.
- Bring 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars and an East Africa field guide or app.
- Ask for a guide with birding experience, and allow time to stop for small birds.
Lake Victoria combines well with the western Serengeti on our Northern Grand. Start with our beginner’s guide to the birds of Tanzania.
Frequently asked questions
Specialists such as the papyrus gonolek, white-winged swamp warbler and Carruthers’s cisticola.
By boat from the mainland shore or by light aircraft.
Partly. The lake is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, and Tanzania has the largest share.
