KENYA, LAKE VICTORIA
In depth guide to the seasons, animals, birds and wildlife habitats of the African safari region
of Lake Victoria in Kenya.
To
request a private safari tour of Lake
Victoria in Kenya, click here >>> |
|
 |
|
|
 |
A
trip to Lake Victoria is often
added onto a Masai Mara safari, and an excursion
into Ruma National Park is
an option.
Lake
Victoria is the source of the Nile and the
largest body of fresh water in Africa (and
second largest in the world after Lake Superior).
Only 5% of the lake belongs to Kenya, with
its neighbours Uganda and Tanzania owning
the rest. Trade is plied and people are ferried
up and down the lake, often in rather unseaworthy
looking boats and traditional dhows. The Kenyan
section of the lake in the far north-eastern
corner, contains a few islands with simple
fishing villages along the shores of the larger
ones, and the odd exotic lodge mainly for
guests flying in on light aircraft from the
Masai Mara.
|
| Whether
fishing, bird watching, boating or resting,
these islands induce extreme relaxation and
the light breeze keeps most mosquitoes away.
Ruma
National Park is rarely visited by visitors
other than those staying on Lake Victoria's
island lodges. This means that you have the
rare privilege of being guided by a knowledgeable
local and seeing the only roan antelope in Kenya.
Your game drive is through beautiful untouched
woodland and grasslands with the seasonal Lambwe
River running through and all backed by a magnificent
escarpment and cliffs. |
| ANIMALS,
BIRDS AND FISH
Lake Victoria's birdlife
is staggering. Tiny islets contain huge nesting
colonies of egrets, cormorants and gannets and
territorial fish eagles patrol every 100 yards.
Some of the fish eagles have become habituated
to being thrown fish from the boat and swoop
down to claim an easy prey, just feet away from
you and your camera lens. There are of course
hippos and crocodiles in Lake Victoria and the
locals will tell you if they frequent the area
where you are staying.
Fishing
is good too with Giant Nile perch weighing over
100 pounds (kilos,) with a record catch at an
unbelievable 520 pounds (kilos)! Evenings are
the best time to cast for Tilapia from the shoreline. |
 |
| At
night the local fishermen chug out with their
gas lamps lit to catch tiny silver Kapenta sardines,
which they then lay out all day to dry. This
provides the basis of many people's diets along
this lake.
Ruma has the only roan antelopes in Kenya and
rare Rothschild's giraffe, Jackson's hartebeest
and tiny oribi antelopes.
SEASONS
A cooling breeze off the water keeps the temperature
bearable.
Rainy Season: The long rains are from March
to the May and the short rains occur mainly
during November. Sometimes they are longer or
shorter or absent altogether.
Dry Season: June to September is usually dry
Hottest time: December to March.
Coldest Time: June and July.
LAKE
VICTORIA SPECIALITIES
· Fish Eagles
· Nesting bird colonies
· Giant Nile perch
· Kapenta sardines
· Roan antelopes
FACTS
This is a malarial area
Ruma National Park was established in 1966
It covers an area of approximately miles²
(120km²) |
|
Follow the links below to Kenya's premier wildlife regions
and game reserves
PRIVATE
SAFARI LODGES WE RECOMMEND IN KENYA |
|
Home
|
Game
Reserve Index | Wildlife
Checklist
| Bird
Checklist
|
