Lake Victoria Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Victoria. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour from Kampala

• 7 Hours Guided Cycling Tour to Sezibwa Waterfalls

• Shoebill Stork and Birdwatching Tour at Mabamba Swamp

• 5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

• Entebbe Eco Tour - Full Day (Private)

It’s technically free to visit Lake Victoria, a wildlife-rich body of water in Uganda. However, there are plenty of tours that raise your chances of spotting flora and fauna, while offering local expertise. Bike tours that include ferry rides to Lake Victoria’s islands start at about US$63, while bird-watching experiences start at US$135.

Yes, Lake Victoria is worth visiting. While the Kenyan and Tanzanian areas of the lake are more developed, visiting the more rural Ugandan section is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. An archipelago within the lake, the Ssese Islands are ideal for both observing nature and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Per one customer who booked the Lake Victoria Island Cycling Tour from Kampala, "The ride was perfectly orchestrated from start to finish... The boat ride to the island was short but smooth and beautiful. The ride on the peninsula was spectacular. I felt like I was seeing the real Uganda... I really feel like I saw some wonderful sites. Thanks so much!"

Lake Victoria is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa and the biggest of the African Great Lakes. It spans Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and provides a home to hundreds, if not thousands, of local bird, fish, and mammal species. Plus, Lake Victoria also feeds the Nile River.

Most visitors plan their trips to Lake Victoria during the dry season, which lasts roughly from December to February and then again from June to August. That’s the ideal window for taking a boat tour, however, if you can brave the rainy season, you’ll catch lush landscapes and migratory birds.

There are many options for visiting Lake Victoria by boat. One of the most popular is a 2-hour sunset cruise that lets visitors enjoy the lakeside scenery during the golden hour. Other options include half- or full-day experiences—either on motorized boats or traditional canoes—or fishing excursions.

One of the biggest draws in Lake Victoria are its resident hippos. You can also find Nile crocodiles, buffalo, and chimpanzees within Ngamba Island, bordering the massive freshwater lake. The wetlands of Mabamba Bay along the lake’s northern shores are an optimal place to spot some of the area’s 300 bird species.

Yes, swimming in Lake Victoria is permitted, but only within designated areas. Venture outside those designated areas at your own risk, as the lake is home to crocodiles. Also, make sure to be careful even within those swimming spots because bad weather can blow in quickly, leading to hazardous conditions.

No, Lake Victoria is situated near Entebbe, Uganda’s main international airport, making it a convenient destination for travelers to reach even without their own transportation. You’ll find plenty of day trips and multi-day tours available along with airport shuttle services. It’s also possible to visit the lake independently, too.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Lake Victoria. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Kampala:

• Uganda National Mosque

• Nakasero Market

• Uganda Museum

• Kabaka's Palace

• Kasubi Tombs

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Kampala.