The Ultimate Guide to Lake Victoria Accommodation & Time to Visit
What is the best lake Victoria accommodation? The Kenyan coast has been the go-to place for most holiday goers, but that is only because the majority of us are yet to discover the beautiful Lake Victoria beaches in Kenya. Located in East Africa, lake Victoria is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world by surface area and the largest tropical lake world over.
Three East African countries share it: Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, and it is home to over 200 fish species. Lake Victoria, which is over 400,000 years old, was named so in honor of Queen Victoria of England by the British explorer John Hanning Speke.
Although it had been in existence for centuries, the British only came to find out about the lake about 160 years ago when they explored the source of the Nile River. The larger part of the lake’s basin is in Tanzania and Uganda, with only a small portion jutting into Kenya.
Lake Victoria’s average depth is 40 meters while the deepest part of the lake is 84 meters. 80% of the lake’s water comes from rain while the rest comes from small streams draining into Victoria. Even though the lake is filled with water, it has dried up in the past, the last time being approximately 17,300 years ago.
The lake is the primary source of the White Nile River, also called Victoria Nile and Katonga River.
Contact Us to Book the Best Lake Victoria Resorts Kenya
You can book your stay with one of the best travel agencies in Kenya. Book your stay now by sending us an email at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com. You can also call or WhatsApp us at +254-748-258-880.
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Our Top Tours for 2023/24 | Price Per Adult Sharing | The Detailed Itinerary |
3-DAY LUXURY 2024 MIGRATION TOUR | FROM USD 2845 | |
5-DAY MIGRATION SAFARI 2024 | FROM USD 1655 | |
4-Day Mombasa Valentine Getaway 2024 | From USD 2180 | |
3-Day Amboseli Safari | From USD 734 | |
1-Day Nairobi National Park & Giraffe Center Tour | From USD 119 | |
1-Day Nairobi National Park & Nairobi Animal Orphanage Tour | From USD 34 | |
From USD 4216 | ||
18-Day Kenya Family Safari | From USD 5849 | |
2-Day Hell’s Gate & Lake Nakuru Safari | From USD 507 | |
3-Day Huduma Day Safari to Masai Mara | From USD 950 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Camp Packages – 2024 | From USD 985 | |
3-Day Masai Mara Christmas Packages | From USD 1010 | |
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3-Day Masai Mara Packages from Nairobi – 2024 | From USD 990 | |
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4-Day L. Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari | From USD 1174 | |
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4-Day Masai Mara Camp Packages | From USD 1195 | |
4-Day Masai Mara Easter Packages – 2024 | From USD 1300 | |
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4-Day Mombasa & Diani Valentine Safari – 2024 | At USD 1541 | |
5-Day Flying Safari to Masai Mara & Ol Pejeta Conservancy | From USD 3777 | |
6-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari from India | From USD 1730 | |
7-Day Kenya Christmas Safari | At USD 3093 | |
7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari | From USD 1884 | |
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8-Day Wildlife & Beach Safari | From USD 1585 |
The Ultimate Guide to Lake Victoria in Kenya
Lake Victoria is a great destination for those looking to explore the beauty of the African continent. With its stunning views, vast wildlife and rich cultural heritage, it makes for an unforgettable experience.
How to Get to Lake Victoria in Kenya
You can opt to catch a 45-minute flight to Kisumu from Nairobi or drive there. Currently, there are eight flights a day starting from early morning to about 8 p.m. The drives are longer-about 6.5 hours- but there is plenty to see on the road. There are plenty of public means to get you to shores of the lake, after which you will be ferried to the islands.
Best Time to Visit the Lake
Outdoor activities will form an important part of your tour, and so it will benefit you to check with the weatherman before planning. Like most parts of the country, Lake Victoria enjoys warm temperatures all year, but a few subtle changes could dampen your holiday.
The cool-dry season runs from July through October, and it is ideal for those planning bird watching sessions and fishing. Roads are also dry, and so you can walk and bike on preset trails. Those who prefer seclusion will not mind the rainy season which runs from March through June. When it rains, precipitation renews life on the island, with plants sprouting overnight.
This beautiful place is at its greenest at this time. You’ll not be able to do much, seeing as it rains quite heavily, but you will have all the time you want for yourself. Note that this is Lake Victoria’s official low season, and so lodge rates are usually much lower.
Interestingly, November and December (except for Christmas and New Year) are also a low season, thanks to short rains that precede the short hot-dry season in January and February.
Lake Victoria Accommodation Types
Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake in the world and has been a popular destination for travelers, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts since it was discovered. There are many options available for accommodation around Lake Victoria.
Luxury Lodges – If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, then the lodges around Lake Victoria are a great choice. The lodges offer a range of accommodation, from private villas to expansive estate homes with top-of-the-line amenities like swimming pools, spas and even private beaches.
Budget Hotels – If you’re looking for something more affordable yet still comfortable, then budget hotels are your best bet. These hotels offer comfortable beds and basic amenities, like TVs and air conditioning. Many of these hotels are located close to the lake so you can take full advantage of the scenery without breaking the bank.
Camping – Camping is a great way to experience Lake Victoria in all its glory without having to pay for expensive hotels or lodges. There are plenty of camping sites around the lake, ranging from primitive camping to high-end campgrounds with all the amenities you could ask for.
Self-Catering Accommodation – If you’re looking for something a little more independent and don’t mind cooking your own meals, then self-catering accommodation is the way to go. Self-catering accommodation can range from cabins to holiday homes and villas, so you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and needs.
The Top 5 Hotels Near Lake Victoria, Kisumu
If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, then look no further than a trip to Lake Victoria in Kisumu. The beautiful lake is home to some of the most popular hotels in Kenya, offering stunning views and comfortable accommodation.
From budget-friendly lodges to luxurious resorts, here are our picks for the top five hotels near Lake Victoria:
1. Mfangano Island Lodge
Mfangano Island Lodge is idyllic and unbothered by the activities outside itself. Being an Island, no cars are hooting and polluting the air, and the only source of transport are canoes. The camp has 6 rondavels built in traditional Luo style: clay and thatch.
The large beds are comfortable and will make you forget any stressful thing in your life for a second. Each room gives you a view of the lake, but the Honeymoon suite takes the cake. It has a 360-degree view of the island from the comfort of your bed and is the best of them all.
While here, enjoy spa treatments fit for a king, melodies from the numerous species of birds that are native to the island and show off your fishing skills. Bird-watching is also a much-loved activity.
2. Rusinga Island Lodge
Another great Lake Victoria accommodation is the Rusinga Island Lodge. Among the first things you’ll notice when you get off the canoe and walk into the island is the serenity caused partly by lack of motorized vehicles. The staff is super attentive and instinctive so that they know when to leave you with your thoughts.
The wooded area is home to thousands of birds that can’t wait to entertain you in the evening. The island has 6 guest cottages each with an en-suite bathroom, dressing area, and private verandahs facing expansive gardens and Lake Victoria. The cottages are spacious with plenty of room for children to play. The whole island is family friendly and has several hidden nooks for downtime.
You have a spa on the island and a large swimming pool. If you are a nature lover, you will want to arrange for a boat ride and tour of the island with the ornithologist. Nothing is as magical as walking silently in nature with your guide explaining flora and fauna that is unique to Rusinga Island.
The island is home to over 350 bird species, and you will see them in their natural habitat in the morning when lighting is just perfect for photography. Lunch at Rusinga is an outdoor affair, and you can chase it down with freshly brewed Kenyan coffee or any choice drink. Later, you can enjoy leisurely walks, bike rides, and village visits.
3. Sovereign Hotel
Situated minutes away from the lake and about 500 meters from the city center is the Sovereign Hotel. This boutique hotel is not the same as the luxurious accommodations on the island, but it offers the best view of Lake Victoria. Being a reasonable distance from the noises of the city, you will enjoy a serene environment with family and friends, while still enjoying the breeze from the lake.
This 4-star facility is modern with fast Wi-Fi, spacious, comfortable rooms, exquisite continental meals and it is minutes away from Impala Park Sanctuary. The hotel has a well-equipped gym, a large swimming pool, a spa, and well-manicured grounds. The rooms have spacious verandahs where you can read and watch the activities of the lake at a distance.
4. Lake Victoria Safari Village
Mbita Island is as far into the wilderness as you can get. It is the ideal place to remove you from the madness of a cumbersome daily routine. The Village is unspoiled by modern tourism, and so are the people. Interestingly, this beautiful island is rarely visited, but those who visit leave with the best memories.
Popular activities in this chilled out village include bird watching, fishing (seeing as Lake Victoria is home to some of the largest wild fishes), nature walks, and visits to nearby villages. The weather is excellent throughout the year, and so you can ride a bike every day while you are there. Oh, and the food is legendary!
5. Imperial Hotel
Located in the heart of Kisumu, the Imperial Hotel provides luxurious and comfortable accommodation for visitors to Lake Victoria. The hotel offers a range of rooms, from standard rooms to executive suites with private balconies overlooking the lake. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and spa.