Lake Victoria Tanzania

As discussed above, Lake Victoria is off the usual tourist track, and can offer travellers a chance to get away from it all, and enjoy being in the middle of Africa, on one of the world's legendary destinations. Time moves very slowly at the lake, and the local villagers, largely relying on fishing for their livelihoods, have the enviable relaxed pace of life which comes with sailing on dhows and catching fish.

As with any lake, the fun comes with getting out onto the water, either on a relaxing sailing dhow, or being pulled along on water-skis by a power boat. Whatever your preference, Lake Victoria is a fantastic place to do either. Enjoy sundowner cruises in traditional long boats, or early morning excursions to islands in the lake's midst.

The Nile Perch and Tilapia fish in Lake Victoria are the most caught, and you can try your hand at this while spending the day cruising the lake's vast waters, and learning from the locals how best to catch your dinner.

Many small and laid back villages have developed along Lake Victoria's shore and islands, and excursions can be arranged to some of them to mix with the locals and learn a bit about their cultures and lifestyles.

The lush vegetation and rich fishlife attract many beautiful waterbirds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, cormorant, finfoots and more, and you can while away your time ticking off as many species as you can see, either from a boat or on some of the walking trails.