Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa, covering about 68,800 km². It is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, with Tanzania holding about half. The lake is the main source of the White Nile, which flows out of its northern shore in Uganda.
Mwanza
Tanzania’s second-largest city sits on the southern shore among huge granite boulders. The famous Bismarck Rock stands in the water near the ferry port. Saanane Island National Park, a few minutes by boat, has rock hyraxes, impalas and birds. Mwanza has an airport with flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilimanjaro.
Islands
- Ukerewe, the largest inland island in Africa, with farming and fishing villages.
- Rubondo, a forested national park with chimpanzees and sitatunga. Read our Rubondo guide.
Life on the lake
The lake supports millions of people through fishing, especially for Nile perch, tilapia and dagaa, small sardine-like fish dried in the sun on the shore. Early-morning fish markets are lively.
The Sukuma
The Sukuma, Tanzania’s largest ethnic group, live south of the lake. The Bujora Sukuma Museum near Mwanza shows their history, dance and traditional royal regalia.
Links to the Serengeti
The Serengeti’s western corridor reaches almost to the Speke Gulf, and the Ndabaka Gate is less than an hour from the lake. Mwanza is a good start or end point for a safari that includes the west. See our Northern Grand and read about birding on Lake Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It covers about 68,800 km² and is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
See Bismarck Rock, visit Saanane Island National Park, the Bujora Sukuma Museum and the fish markets.
It is the main source of the White Nile, which leaves the lake at Jinja in Uganda.
