Lake Victoria is richly blessed with a plethora of wildlife like hippopotamus, marsh mongoose, giant otter shrew, and reptiles like giant Nile crocodiles, African helmeted turtle and 4 species of freshwater crabs. The lake is home to 200 fish species with the haplochromine cichlid as the most common endemic group. Over the past 50 years, many fish species have become extinct with scientists estimating an 80% decrease in the indigenous fish species. The introduction of the Nile perch in 1954 has seen a huge decrease in the algae eating fish disrupting the natural balance in the lake’s ecosystem. The future of Lake Victoria stands in jeopardy due to water pollution, overfishing and other unsustainable activities in the catchment. Recently, it is estimated that 70% of forest cover in the catchment area has already been lost.
THINGS TO DO AT LAKE VICTORIA
- SWIMMING; There are designated areas for swimming at the lake shores which gives one a once in a lifetime chance to swim in the fresh waters of Lake Victoria. Caution must be taken not to cross the designated areas with chances of contracting bilharzia or drowning being on the spike.
- VISITING NGAMBA ISLAND; Lake Victoria is home to many islands and archipelagos with Ngamba Island as the most popular. The island is home to 50 orphaned chimpanzees that have been rescued from different parts of East Africa. The sanctuary is run by the Chimpanzee Trust which is an NGO that aims at sustainably protecting chimpanzees. Visitors can choose from half or full day trips to the island or even stay overnight at Ngamba Eco Lodge.
- VISITING SSESE ISLANDS; The archipelago of 84 islands is a secret paradise of white sand beaches and clear waters. If you are looking to unwind or escape the noise of the city, Ssese islands are the ideal getaway. Some of the common islands here include Bugala island which is well developed with modern amenities and is easily accessible via a ferry from Entebbe. Banda island is more remote and less crowded. While at the islands you can do quad biking, fishing and sightseeing.
- VISITING MABAMBA SWAMP; This Ramsar site is an Important Bird Area and a birder’s haven for bird lovers. You can start your day with beautiful melodies from the birds and discover the rare prehistoric shoebill. Mabamba Swamp is home to 300 bird species and is accessed in a traditional canoe with a local guide showing you through the swamp channels and teaching you about the ecosystem.
- UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE; The zoo is an animal orphanage that rescues and cares for endangered wildlife species. This is the place to start your Ugandan adventure as it hosts most of Uganda’s wildlife species. It is also a great place to get close to the animals and see how they are cared for on the “behind the scenes” tour.
WHERE TO STAY
Lake Victoria is beautifully accentuated with luxury and mid range accommodation facilities. Some of the facilities include Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, Protea, Hotel-Entebbe and Mirembe Resort Beach hotel at Bugala island. One can also stay in the nearby Kampala suburbs.