The islands of lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, East Africa’s largest and second largest freshwater lake, is home to numerous islands, bordered by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, and is the world’s second largest freshwater lake.

Ssese Islands(Uganda)

Uganda’s Ssese Islands, a popular tourist destination, offer beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Kalangala serves as the administrative center, while Bukasa Island offers picturesque landscapes and traditional cultural practices. Bukasa Island is the largest and most developed, offering swimming, biking, and canoeing. Ngamba Island, a chimpanzee sanctuary, and Bulago Island offer nature walks and bird watching opportunities.

Swimming

Mutumbala beach on Buggala Island is a popular spot for swimming in the Ssese Islands, offering clear, cool water. Despite the absence of hippos and crocodiles, many prefer hotel pools for swimming.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Uganda’s Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary houses over 50 rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, a conservation project supported by the Jane Goodall Foundation. The sanctuary offers guests a unique experience of playing with and feeding these endangered species.

Ukerewe Islands (Tanzania)

Ukerewe Island, located in the Ukerewe District, is the largest inland island in Africa and Lake Victoria, home to the Sukuma ethnic group. Connected by the Rugezi Channel, it offers a vibrant community, traditional fishing practices, and scenic landscapes.

Rusinga Island(Kenya)

Rusinga Island, located in Lake Victoria, Victoria, is a popular tourist destination known for its archaeological significance, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage, including fossil sites and diverse wildlife.

Rubondo Island (Tanzania)

Victoria’s Lake Victoria is home to Rubondo Island, Tanzania‘s largest island, renowned for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The island showcases diverse flora and fauna, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation awareness through wildlife monitoring and community engagement programs.

Chimpanzees were first introduced to Rubondo Island in the 1960s. They have since reproduced and their wild offspring has split into two separate chimp communities, one of which is used for chimp trekking (Chimpanzee Habituation Experience). Other introduced wildlife includes elephant and giraffe. And although the heavyweights can hide themselves remarkably well, Rubondo is one of the best places in Africa to see the shy sitatunga antelope.