Lake Victoria Kenya

Escape the dust of the plains under shady fig trees on the shores of Africa's largest lake.

Overview

Lake Victoria is about as far away from it all as you can imagine. And as such, it makes for the ideal end to your safari away from modern day stresses. The Lake Victoria lodges we recommend are Mfangano Island Camp, or Rusinga Island Lodge as the perfect places to relax, swim, read and get away from it all. The deep blue waters support an abundant ecosystem. The chance to catch the giant Nile perch draws many. The superb birding draws others with its fish eagles, kingfishers and pelicans. Yet others simply enjoy eating the fish caught fresh that day.

Lake Victoria romantic dinner

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Features

Why you may love it

  • World’s second largest freshwater lake
  • It is the source of the River Nile
  • The islands of Lake Victoria are lush and verdant
  • Shores are lined with banana groves and half-hidden villages
  • Activities include walking, swimming, bird-watching or fishing

When to visit Lake Victoria Kenya

Mid-Dec to March

Summer in Lake Victoria Islands

The altitude of Lake Victoria is 1130m (3700ft) which means that it is hotter than the rest of the Kenya interior, typically 29C in summer. Again this is a relatively dry period, though it can rain at any time. Lake Victoria is large enough to affect the micro-climate, reducing average temperatures slightly and increasing humidity.
AVG RAINFALL 88 mm
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉

April to May

Autumn in Lake Victoria Islands

The long rains here take the form of hard afternoon showers so there is still plenty of sunshine. April is the wettest month, but it stays warm to hot.
AVG RAINFALL 145 mm
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 82 ℉
MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 63 ℉

June to October

Best time to visit

This is the best time to visit, being relatively dry and a very pleasant temperature at around 26-27C with balmy warm evenings.
AVG RAINFALL 85 mm
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 63 ℉

November to mid-Dec

Spring in Lake Victoria Islands

Unlike further south, there is no real short rain period. In fact it tends to be very similar to the later summer months with a gradual rise to hotter temperatures.
AVG RAINFALL 127 mm
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 18 ℃ / 64 ℉

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Did you know
  • NameNamed after England's Queen Victoria in 1858
  • Size Largest lake in Africa - 68 800km²