Explore the best 6 islands on Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is one of the African great lakes, covering an area of apparently 59, 947 square kilometers. Lake Victoria is famously known as the largest African lake and the world’s tropical lake as well as the second largest lake on the planet. This awe-inspiring lake is also ranked as the ninth largest continental lake containing a surface area of about 2,424 square kilometers. Lake Victoria occupies a shallow depression in Africa, with an average depth of 40m and a maximum depth of 81m. This captivating lake’s area is shared among the three countries Kenya occupying 6%, Tanzania occupying 49% and Uganda occupying 45%. The lake is home to numerous numbers of species of fish that cannot be found anywhere else such as Cichlids, tilapia, mudfish, silverfish, and invasive fish like Nile perch among others. the lake is home to the where the longest world river started its journey to the Mediterranean known as River Nile, which was discovered by the British explorer John Hanning Speke during his era of exploration and discovery in Africa. “His exploration is significant to Africa as a continent, we thank you a lot! Lake Victoria is also home to impressive wildlife species including marine animals such as hippos, cane rats, Nile crocodiles, William’s mud turtle, African helmeted turtles, spotted-necked otters, marsh mongooses, African clawless otters, Sitatunga among others.
Lake Victoria is not only the largest in Africa, but it is home to some of the most magnificent and astonishing islands in the world. These captivating islands are rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, making them the ideal destinations to explore while on your safari in Uganda. From the verdant and tropical scenery of Bugala island to the lush fishing communities of Mfangano island, each of these captivating islands on Lake Victoria offers its own exceptional atmosphere which attracts visitors from all over the world to flow to Uganda with the purpose of exploring them. Join us as we explore the best islands on Lake Victoria, discovering the hidden treasures and uncovering the hidden beauty that lies within this magnificent freshwater body. here are the top 6 islands on Lake Victoria that are not to be missed out on while on your Uganda safari in Lake Victoria;
Ssese island
The Ssese islands, located in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria, are a paradise for stunning beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Ssese Island is comprised of over 80 islands, visitors can relax on pristine sandy beaches swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy a range of water sports and outdoor activities. The largest island in the archipelago is called Bugala Island which accounts for more than half the archipelago’s land area. The island is in Kalangala district the largest town in southwestern Uganda. Kalangala is located approximately 51 kilometers, across water, southwest of Entebbe, in Wakiso district, on the Ugandan mainland. The Ssese islands are sanctuaries to countless birds including Crested Crane, shoebill Stork, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Great Blue Turaco, marabou Stork, African Green Broadbill, and Doherty’s Bush shrike which are enjoyed by bird lovers. These make the bird-watching remarkable. the ssese island also offers a lot of amazing safari activities to its visitors such as swimming, birding, sport fishing, nature walks, and plantation exploration among others.
Nyamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is a destination for rescued chimpanzees and a sanctuary dedicated to their conservation and rehabilitation. This captivating island is part of the Ssese Islands archipelago in Uganda and it’s known for its stunning beaches, clear waters and verdant landscape. This island is popular for tourists seeking to relax and enjoy nature as well as for those interested in water sports such as swimming, snorkeling and fishing. This island also has a number of resorts and lodges where visitors can stay and experience the local culture and hospitality. Apart from the chimps, Ngamba Island is home to over 119 species of birds and creatures like monitor lizards. Visitors to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary have an opportunity to watch the chimps being fed before they return to the forest. Volunteers can take part in feeding the adults and helping the orphans adapt to life on the island. Visitors can also explore the island by foot or by bicycle while taking in the magnificent views and spotting a variety of birds and animal species along the way.
Busaka island
Busaka Island is the second largest island on Lake Victoria. Bukasa Island is part of the Ssese Islands archipelago, a group of 84 islands in Lake Victoria known for their natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. Bukasa Island remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the hidden gems of Lake Victoria. Busaka Island consists of lush greenery and pristine beaches. The island is home to a variety of tropical plants and flowers, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape that is perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can spend their days lounging on the sandy shores, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the island’s hidden coves and bays. Bukasa Island also offers a range of water sports activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. This fascinating island and its surrounding waters are home to diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration. Visitors can also take boat trips to nearby islands, where they can discover even more of Lake Victoria’s natural wonders.
Bulago island
Bulago Island is a private retreat known for its luxurious resorts, secluded beaches and astonishing natural surroundings. This island is one of the largest islands of the Ssese Islands, covering and area of approximately 510 acres. The island’s pristine beaches, clear waters and lush vegetation, make it a stunning and attractive place to relax and unwind. visitors to this captivating island can marvel at a variety of fascinating activities such as swimming, nature treks, birding, sport fishing and kayaking among others.
Kalangala islands
Kalangala Islands are a group of islands famous for exceptional diverse wildlife, stunning greenery and outdoor adventure activities. Kalangala islands have several hills which all offer amazing views of the lake, approaching boats/ferries and human activities within the islands. The islands have arguably the largest palm oil plantation in Uganda offering employment opportunities to island dwellers. Kalangala islands are perfect for birdwatching and primate viewing. The most common primate is the Vervet Monkey but there are a few Colobus monkeys, bushbucks and snakes. Kalangala Islands are a sanctuary to three endemic species – a rat and three types of butterflies.
Besides the mentioned islands, Lake Victoria in Uganda has also other stunning islands such as Maboko Island famously known as a peaceful and remote island, Jaguzi, Bamda island known for a charming and laid-back island, Lwaji island, Koome Island, Senene Island known as a floating island with its exceptional bird species, Rusinga island, Rubondo island among others
