Lake Victoria Kenya

Escape the dust of the plains under shady fig trees on the shores of Africa's largest lake. It’s the perfect post-safari retreat. Explore by boat, enjoy superb birding, and relax far from modern life..

Scroll for more

Lake Victoria – The Gentle End to a Kenyan Safari

Lake Victoria feels about as far away from it all as you can get – which is exactly the point. After the thrill of game drives, it makes the perfect finale to your Kenya safari. Here, life slows to a gentle rhythm under shady fig trees and along the deep blue waters.

Lake Victoria Loges, sunsetWe recommend Mfangano Island Camp and Rusinga Island Lodge – idyllic retreats where you can swim, read, fish, or simply recharge. The deep blue lake itself supports a rich ecosystem: twitchers will delight in spotting fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans, while keen anglers may be tempted to battle the legendary Nile perch. Others, quite sensibly, prefer to let someone else catch dinner and simply enjoy it freshly grilled for dinner, with a cold drink in hand. (The Luo people, who live along the lake, have a rich fishing culture and are famed for their tilapia dishes.)

The islands are lush and green, dotted with banana groves and fishing villages half-hidden along the shore. Whether you’re exploring on foot, casting a line, or just watching the sunset turn the water to liquid gold, Lake Victoria is all about slowing down.

Unusual fact: Lake Victoria is so vast that it creates its own weather systems – sudden storms can appear out of nowhere, only to vanish as quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Victoria Loges, yellow sunsetCan you swim in Lake Victoria?
Yes, but only in designated lodge areas where it is safe.

What is the best time to visit Lake Victoria?
Most months are pleasant with no real short rains to speak of. So it is especially appealing after a safari when you want to relax.

What wildlife can I expect to see at Lake Victoria?
This is more of a birding destination including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans, plus the famous Nile perch for anglers.

 

Ready to slow down after your safari? Let us add a Lake Victoria lodge stay to your Kenya adventure.

Back to main Kenya safari page

Why We 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

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 ℉
TALK TO US

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 ℉
TALK TO US

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 ℉
TALK TO US

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 ℉
TALK TO US

Download our Insiders Guide to Kenya Safaris

Best Game Reserves, sample tours & camps, and the low-down on when & where to visit! Get our Free Guide here
Find me the best in for
staff image

Mari Jacobs

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Mari, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH