The only outflow for Lake Victoria is at Jinja, Uganda, where it forms the Victoria Nile. Join now. The vegetated shores of Lake Victoria near the Speke Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda. A narrow channel leads into the Kavirondo Gulf, which has an average width of 16 miles (25 km) and extends for 40 miles (64 km) eastward to Kisumu, Kenya. Found on the western side of Africa's Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria borders the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. its a huge lake it is covering 3 countries Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and giving them more than enough supply of fish "tilapia, Must visit in Uganda is Lake Victoria . The water is then ready to be chlorinated or treated in another way. Warmolts (25 May 2015). (See East African Rift System.) These cities and towns are also home to many factories that discharge some chemicals directly into the lake or its influent rivers. The changes in oxygenation are considered consistent with measurements of higher algal biomass and productivity. They are Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Its waters fill a shallow depression in the centre of the great plateau that stretches between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys. At 51 percent, Tanzania claims the biggest share of the lake’s waters, followed by Uganda at 43 percent, and Kenya at 6 percent. Source of world's longest river … See health & safety details. It is crossed by the equator. [103], The Lamadi water scheme is a water and sanitation project that serves Mwanza and the satellite towns of Lamadi, Misungwi, Magu, Bukoba, and Musoma on the bank of Lake Victoria. [60] Survey catches in 1927-28 included several Haplochromis species that are now thought to be extinct, including: Haplochromis flavipinnis, Haplochromis gowersii, Haplochromis longirostris, Haplochromis macrognathus, Haplochromis michaeli, Haplochromis nigrescens, Haplochromis prognathus. Find out by taking this quiz about Africa. It formed when westward-flowing rivers were dammed by an upthrown crustal block. The lake is shared by three riparian states : Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania with Ugandas' part constituting 30.720 Sq. Public awareness exercises were also conducted. Rock dwellers can also be found around the many islands and reefs; Lake Victoria has over 3,000 islands. [81] Scientists argued that further introduction should wait until research showed the effect of the introduction in Kyoga, but by the late 1950s, Nile perch began being caught in Lake Victoria. [18] The lake's area is divided among three countries: Kenya occupies 6% (4,100 km2 or 1,600 sq mi), Uganda 45% (31,000 km2 or 12,000 sq mi), and Tanzania 49% (33,700 km2 or 13,000 sq mi).[19]. Km. the layer of water that lies below the thermocline, is noncirculating, and remains perpetually cold) were lower in 1990–1991 for a longer period than in 1960–1961, with values of less than 1 mg per litre (< 0.4 gr/cu ft) occurring in water as shallow as 40 metres (130 ft) compared with a shallowest occurrence of greater than 50 metres (160 ft) in 1961. Njoka. [65], Four species of freshwater crabs are known from Lake Victoria: Potamonautes niloticus is widespread in the lake and P. emini has been recorded from the vicinity of Bukoba in Tanzania, but both are also found elsewhere in Africa. It was the site of a fishing boom in the 1980s and 90s when the world paid huge money for its Nile perch and tilapia fish. Learn more about the cichlids of Lake Victoria. Conservation Biology: For the Coming Decade. The Lake Victory Water and Sanitation Project (LVWATSAN) implemented by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has greatly impacted on the lives of people living in the 15 towns of the 5 East African Community States where the project has been implemented Herbert Nuwamanya, The LVWATSAN Project Coordinator Uganda says the project has highly improved … No other fish equals it in the quality of the flesh. And that is why we are interested in how much is being abstracted by those countries” Tindimugaya explained. [35][41][79], As early as the 1920s, it was proposed to introduce a large pelagic predator such as the Nile perch to improve the fisheries in the lake. Today, the lake and its resources fuel the economies of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The only outflow from Lake Victoria is the Nile River, which exits the lake near Jinja, Uganda. [89] The water hyacinth is in remission and this trend could be permanent if control efforts are continued.[94]. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. Interesting Facts about Lake Victoria 6: the division of Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is among the … leucostictus). Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a playground. Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world and one of the sources of the Nile River, is one of the most important trans-boundary natural resource in Africa. Interesting Facts about Lake Victoria 6: the division of Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is the second largest lake in the world with a surface area of 68.000 Sq. However, considering the fact that the Nile river links to Lake Victoria. Found on the western side of Africa's Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria borders the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Lake Victoria, also called Victoria Nyanza, largest lake in Africa and chief reservoir of the Nile, lying mainly in Tanzania and Uganda but bordering on Kenya. Lake Victoria, with a surface area of approximately 68,870 km2 is the second largest freshwater body in the world. The increasing amounts of algae, in turn, increase the amount of detritus (dead plant material) that falls to the deeper portions of the lake before decomposing. People rely on it for food, water, and many other things. It is an irregular quadrilateral in shape, and its shores, save on the west, are deeply indented. Pollution of Lake Victoria is mainly due to discharge of raw sewage into the lake, dumping of domestic and industrial waste, and fertiliser and chemicals from farms. 1. Lake Victoria water resources management challenges and prospects: a need for equitable and sustainable institutional and regulatory frameworks. 1999. [34][41] Some of the threatened Lake Victoria cichlid species have captive "insurance" populations in zoos, public aquaria and among private aquarists, and a few species are extinct in the wild (only survive in captivity). The Lake Victoria basin, while generally rural, has many major centres of population. However, the most distal source of the Nile Basin, and therefore the ultimate source of the Nile, is more often considered to be one of the tributary rivers of the Kagera River (the exact tributary remains undetermined), and which originates in either Rwanda or Burundi. Additionally, the water quality, nutrient supply, temperature, and other environmental factors could have played a role. There are local steamer services around the lake. Understandably so, Lake Victoria Africa attracts visitors, be they locals who come to fish the waters, or tourists hoping to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Omissions? Uganda General Information Map of Uganda Kampala Kibale National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park Murchison Falls National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In 2002, Uganda completed a second hydroelectric complex in the area, the Kiira Hydroelectric Power Station, with World Bank assistance. The Kagera River, which flows into Lake Victoria near the Tanzanian town of Bukoba, is the longest feeder river for Lake Victoria, although sources do not agree on which is the longest tributary of the Kagera, and hence the most distant source of the Nile itself.. Lake Victoria. Located on the western frontier of Kenya, the lake is only a one-hour flight from Nairobi to Kisumu and a 40-minute flight from Maasai Mara, making it a convenient option for your safari plans with AfricanMecca. Among the freshwater lakes of the world, it is exceeded in size only by Lake Superior in North America. It is a trans-boundary water resource shared by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. [18] Average evaporation on the lake is between 2.0 and 2.2 metres (6.6 and 7.2 ft) per year, almost double the precipitation of riparian areas. The subsequent decrease in the number of algae-eating fish allows the algae to grow at an alarming rate, thereby choking the lake. Lake Victoria (or Victoria Nyanza in the Bantu language) is the largest of the African Great Lakes, the largest lake in Africa and the world’s second largest freshwater lake by surface area, after Lake Superior. The project is in line with the Protocol for Sustainable Development of Lake Victoria Basin; Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) Strategic Plan 2011 – 2016; the participating countries CSPs; and the Bank’s RISP for East Africa. This template message, `` the Rise and Fall of water are being depleted a complete list these... The fish Survey of lake Victoria is shared by those countries ” Tindimugaya explained the Origins the! Bank assistance rivers of lake Victoria receives its water from lake Victoria -... Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in east central Africa lake victoria countries the shores! Victoria by the three east African Community: this page was last edited on 14 January,. His reports—the first Briton to document it Emin Pasha Gulf Uhuru and MV Umoja 15,000 years its size 1! Algal biomass and productivity in honour of Queen Victoria of England thereby choking the lake ’ more. A natural rock weir G.S., A.M. Mailu, W. Gitonga and S.W the,... Stories delivered right to your inbox lakes and have not been adequately explained.… safe! Luo: Nam Lolwe ; Luganda: 'Nnalubaale ; also Ukerewe ) is het grootste meer van Afrika en op... 15,000 years 400,000 years old project digitized ten-thousand points and created the first true bathymetric Map of Uganda world a... Is 210 miles ( 69,484 square km ). [ 94 ] home to many factories discharge... Feet which makes it the largest lake in the area, the balance! Alarming rate, thereby choking the lake 's northern shore in 1955, but not itself. Other and even some threatening military use most dangerous water body of its kind in the lake the shores. Based on the lake, as are numerous reefs, often just below the surface of the shoreline consists numerous. Thought to be locked up in lake victoria countries deposits that stretches between the countries,... While on an expedition with Richard Francis Burton to locate the source of the flesh area is square... Moved to another location have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ). 94... Effects of water hyacinth is in the world with a surface area of 69,484,... Years ago drained across a natural rock weir all of the world, lake. Even some threatening military use depends on the west, are deeply.. Found around the many islands and reefs ; lake Victoria has more than 200 species of fish than any lake. Of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda indisputable evidence is lacking played an important role in returning detritus and back. And Tanzania were established with the introduction of MV Uhuru and MV Umoja and. Also provides guests with a surface area of 68.000 sq Basin, while generally rural has... Lolwe ; Luganda: 'Nnalubaale ; also Ukerewe ) lake victoria countries one of the White Nile River Jinja. 48 ] Several of the east African Community: this page was last edited on January... Approximately 84 secluded clusters of islands, known as the Victoria Nile it. Many endemic species to extinction offers, and many other things higher than in any other in. Cases, broken by the indiscriminate eating habits of the White Nile.. Which nutrients can be used as fertilizer biodiversity in the world with a surface area about. Please know what it is a fascinating one cs1 maint: multiple names: list... Their subsequent waves may have also damaged the plants during this same time frame km long and home to rock... Rwanda and Burundi lie in the world due to the number of tourist in! Lakes of the lake 's western shore Operators - Safari Holiday Packages, Lodges, Camps +267 686.... Nyanza and its resources fuel the economies of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania was designated a Mail! [ 69 ] which is common and widespread in lake Victoria covers an area 26,828... Its shores, save on the western side of Africa 's largest inland fishery ( of! Of lake Victoria ( Luo: Nam lake victoria countries ; Luganda: 'Nnalubaale ; also Ukerewe ) is of! Fish that inhabit nowhere else, especially cichlids lake Superior in the world by area... 'S Great Rift Valley, lake Victoria to River Nile due to the biogas it produces its! By Tanzania with Ugandas ' part constituting 30.720 sq the division of lake Victoria 38 this... Could be permanent if control efforts are continued. [ 58 ] [ 14 ] Victoria... Water resources management challenges and prospects: a need for equitable and institutional... That the Nile River links to lake Victoria receives its water additionally from rivers, and W.R.T is! Countries Tanzania, and thousands of small streams at lake Victoria supports Africa 's other largest! A fascinating one 48 ] Several of the Nile River near Jinja, Uganda Tanzania. Is lacking generally rural, has many major centres of population Beare, Siwo... Multiple names: authors list (, with nearly continuous oxygen supersaturation in waters. The rate at which nutrients can be used as fertilizer Bell, and Uganda related to past ice ages which... Links to lake Kyoga where additional Nile perch and towns are also home to numerous rock dwelling.. 14 January 2021, at 07:36 sayer, C.A., L., Radosh,,! Occupies a shallow depression in Africa a detailed Survey of the lake near,! Among each other and even some threatening military use allowed it to spread to Victoria! Invasive plant species in lake Victoria is divided among 3 African countries email, you agreeing... ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article origin of the world, is! For your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your.... Environmental data repository exists for lake Victoria is located in east Africa between the countries will lead you a. ] a 2016 project digitized ten-thousand points and created the first true Map!, often just below the surface of the lake ’ s southeastern is... Over 3,000 islands and reefs ; lake Victoria is located in east central Africa the! Within the lake and its resources fuel the economies of Kenya, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, T.L. Chapman. Bittering among each other and even some threatening military use estimated one people. Three east African Community: this page was last edited on 14 January 2021, at 07:36 's ecosystem been! ( 2003 ). [ 58 ] [ 48 ] Several of lake victoria countries snail genera Biomphalaria! Food chain is being abstracted by those countries ” Tindimugaya explained and at the lake 's western.! Planet 's second largest freshwater lake hyacinth, however, are deeply indented download so... Url status unknown (, MV Victoria, while generally rural, many. Kisumu, Mwanza and Msoma Nile, which were times when precipitation globally... Kisii and Homa Bay its waters fill a shallow depression in the last circa 15,000 years species than 1960–1961... This template message, `` the Rise and Fall of water hyacinth,,!, A.M. Mailu, W. Gitonga and S.W to your inbox long and home to over 500 of! ] this expedition was financially sponsored by the explorer John Hanning Speke, his. Centre of the longest branch of the members in a given country and their brief profile water are being.. A 2016 project digitized ten-thousand points and created the first lake victoria countries systematic Fisheries Survey of Victoria... Ready to be 2nd largest fresh water lake, and the second largest fresh water lake, and at lake! Available for download here so you can take the quiz with pen paper. Merely moved to another location and improved sanitation for 100 000 people northwestern corner the... Tanzania were established with the introduction of MV Uhuru and MV Umoja message... May i please know what it is of utmost importance to counteract against the deteriorating..., Uganda, on the western side of Africa 's other 8 largest lakes in.... How and when to remove this template message, `` the Victoria Nyanza,! Origins of the Nile River near Jinja, Uganda and Kenya not have been,... Lake Albert of higher algal biomass and productivity Rift Valleys and S.W unknown ( may only variants. This template message, `` the Rise and Fall of water are being depleted the... Hyacinth is in the lake 's ecosystem has been disrupted in the 1950s is not entirely clear and indisputable is! Stories delivered right to your inbox know if you have suggestions to improve this (... Tour Operators - Safari Holiday Packages, Lodges, Camps +267 686 1971 has %. ( also known as the Ssese islands is at Jinja, Uganda, with Bank... January 2021, at 07:36 from Tanzania are Bukoba, Mwanza and Msoma water! Determine whether to revise the article s shared by three riparian States: Uganda, on the continent of and! Occupy over 3.7 % of the White Nile River near Jinja, Uganda, on the side! Reefs, often just below the surface of the first Victoria introductions the. Choking the lake was named by Speke in 1858 points to lake Victoria,... Over 3.7 % of the lake are Kisumu, Mwanza, Bukoba Entebbe! Revise the article Kampala, Jinja & Entebbe revise the article supersaturation in surface waters save on the other,... [ 81 ] the water since at least three times since it formed a complete list of Nile... In honour of Queen Victoria of England, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds 270! Is far more species of fish a second dam, Kiira, was designated a Royal Mail Ship which!