Lake Victoria Kenya. Lake Victoria: a unique body of water in the heart of Africa. Lake Victoria on the map

Now it’s hard to guess why famous traveler and African explorer John Henning Speke, who discovered a huge freshwater lake in Tanzania in 1858, decided to name it after Queen Victoria, then ruler of England.

However, in the Aboriginal language it was called even more simply, Nyanza, which actually meant “lake”. Initially, the geographer put it on the map under a double name, Victoria Nyanza, but subsequently (after 1920) the prefix was canceled.

It is noteworthy that to this day the authorities independent states Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are engaged in an ongoing debate about assigning one of the more sonorous local names, but have not come to a consensus. However, the name of the lake is not the main subject of interest of John Henning Speke; his goal was to find the source of the great Nile River, which he successfully did, presenting evidence that it was the Victoria Nile River flowing from it that gave rise to the subject of research. Subsequently, his data was confirmed by the equally famous reporter and traveler Henry Stanley.

Unfortunately, today it is a huge lake, located in the northern part of the East African Plateau, and is characterized by an area of 68,000 km. sq., serves as the most convincing evidence of the destructive impact of humans on the environment. After Victoria began to be intensively developed in every imaginable way, including gold and diamond mining, deforestation, industrial fishing and fish farming, the construction of a hydroelectric power station and the transformation of the lake into a reservoir, it lost its original, very complex ecosystem, and naturalists are inclined to think that that it is no longer possible for a person to restore it.

Previously, the lake was home to a huge number of fish of different species, but now their number (according to various estimates) has decreased by approximately five times. The fate of the unique protopteran fish, which has been preserved since prehistoric times, is questionable: it is able to breathe with both gills and lungs.

In the area of the lake there are unique reserves in which there are huge populations of native animals: crocodiles, elephants, boas, rhinoceroses, antelopes of various breeds (including the unique swamp sitatunga) - a complete list of all animals, birds, insects and fish takes several pages.

Such a unique ecosystem was formed not only due to the special climate, but also to the rarest combination of natural zones: savannas are adjacent to wetlands, in the north-west the evergreen equatorial forest approaches the shores closely. Unlike other lakes, Victoria is very densely populated: the estimated number of people living along its coast is 30 million, making

Every person visiting Kenya should never miss the opportunity to experience the unique and exciting attractions of this African country. And anyone who wants to make their holiday in Kenya unforgettable - in the good sense of the word - should definitely go to Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria is believed to have been discovered by African explorer John Henning Speke in 1858. Although in fact the first information about the lake dates back to 1160. Arab traders traveled these lands in search of gold and other valuables. They depicted Lake Victoria on the ancient map of Idrisi; even then it was considered the source of the Nile.

Geographical coordinates lakes on the map: 1°04?00? Yu. latitude 32°52?00? V. longitude

Here's where Lake Victoria is located on the world map:

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Lake Victoria was formed as a result of the uplift of the surrounding land. Today its height above sea level is 1134 m.

Length: 320 km. Width: 275 km Area: 68,000 km. sq. The depth of the lake can reach up to 80 meters in places, but on average it is 40 meters.

Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world and, at the same time, the most big lake Africa. It is considered the most important of all the sources of the Nile. The lake got its name from the English Queen Victoria (as did Victoria Falls, by the way). But not only the lake itself, which rather looks like an inland sea, but also the surrounding landscapes are among the unique and most beautiful sights of Kenya. Travel to this part of the country is recommended by everyone who has been here. This attractive, natural attraction in Kenya is unique in many ways. Firstly, here you can conduct a full and interesting vacation. First of all, tourists who dream of relaxing in nature will feel like they are in paradise here. Here guests can get acquainted with the diverse flora and fauna of these regions. The state border with Tanzania and Uganda runs right along the surface of the lake. There are many islands on the lake that can be reached by boat or speedboat. Probably the most beautiful of all the islands are the islands of Mfangano and Rubondo. It is considered particularly attractive and adds a special charm to a holiday in Kenya. And the opportunities for sports, on and in the lake itself, complement big picture. Fishing lovers will not be able to help but fall in love with these places – it’s simply impossible.

The local waters are famous for the extraordinary diversity of species of its inhabitants. In Africa, a similar diversity of underwater fauna can be found, in addition to Lake Victoria, only in lakes Malawi and Tanganyika. And this fact also turns this lake into one of the most attractive places in Africa. The lake is home to one of the most unusual fish in the world - protoptera. The uniqueness of the protopter is that it can breathe through both gills and lungs. This is the connecting link between fish and us.

Photo: These are the cows found near Lake Victoria in Africa. ©Antony Kaminju

But the attractions of Kenya in this part of it are not limited to the lake itself. The territories adjacent to the lake (see African savanna) in themselves are worthy of getting to know them closely. The people living here are incredibly hospitable and friendly, showing their openness even to complete strangers. Here and there along the shores of the lake you can see not only small sleepy fishing villages, but also quite large port cities. Three countries - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda - are firmly connected by sea, or rather lake routes. Trade between these states is carried out primarily using water transport.

Landscape beauties, too, will not leave anyone indifferent. Describing all these pictures is a thankless and difficult task. To be convinced of the truth of these words, you need to see everything with your own eyes. Traveling to Kenya is unforgettable experience. And Lake Victoria will not be the last place in them.

Video: Lake Victoria and the Nile. Fishing, rafting and kayaking. From the program “Around the World”

In the middle Greater Africa Lake Victoria is located. Three states are located around it: Kenya, Tanzania and Kganda. The area of the most beautiful body of water in Africa occupies 68 thousand sq. km. Its width is up to 275 km, and its depth is no more than 80 meters.
It was discovered by the English traveler D. Spica in 1858. He gave the lake its name in honor of Queen Victoria. Sometimes Victoria is called the sea. It is the third largest freshwater lake in the world. Length 350 km width 20 km. There are a lot of peninsulas, capes and various bays along the coast. There are also islands that are even given names. Many millions of years ago it took much large area. The lake is quite alpine and is located at an altitude of 1135m above sea level. The average water temperature in the year is not lower than +22. April and May are considered the rainiest. In winter, precipitation is minimal. Tributaries also bring large amounts of water into the lake.
Animal and vegetable world inherent to the African continent. There are a lot of fish that are not found anywhere in the world.
Victoria is of great importance to the three countries as a center of fishing, shipping and trade.
A very difficult situation has developed around the lake in ecological terms. Large discharges from enterprises and wastewater from human activity. Ecological situation around the lake is seriously worrying the world community. All life in the lake may die in the next 50 years, environmentalists say. There are killer algae in the lake that release toxins, which in turn kill the fish. The reason for this phenomenon is organic waste.

The most beautiful and picturesque lake with islands floating on it is Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is also the largest lake in Africa by area, located at an altitude of 1134 m above sea level and occupies a vast basin of an ancient reservoir. The Kagera River, which is considered the source of the Nile, flows into the lake, and the Victoria Nile River flows out. On the shores of the lake, huge granite boulders are piled up, reaching the size of a 3-4 storey building; they do not provide shade at noon, since the lake is located on the equator, where twice a year the sun is at its zenith at noon.

The shores of the lake are swarming with many crocodiles waiting for their prey, and travelers are attracted to Lake Victoria by a legend local residents about a terrible monster that lives in a pond with which they often met. This monster is evil, it chases fishermen’s boats and tries to overturn them, someone even saw the huge head of this creature.

Abstract on the topic:

Plan:

1Geographical location
2Fauna and flora
3Ecological situation
4Lake protection organizations

Notes

Introduction

Coordinates: 1°04′00″ S latitude 32°52′00″ e. long / 1.066667° S latitude 32.866667° e. d. (G) (O) (I)-1.066667, 32.866667

Victoria(Victoria-Nyanza, Ukerewe, English. Lake Victoria, Victoria Nyanza, Swahili Ziwa Victoria, Viktoria Nyanza, Ziwa Nyanza) - lake in East Africa, in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Located in the tectonic trough of the East African Platform, at an altitude of 1134 m. It is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior and the largest lake in Africa by area. It is also the largest among tropical lakes.

The lake was discovered and named in honor of Queen Victoria by British traveler John Henning Speke in 1858.

Lake basin Victoria in East Africa was formed as a result of the arching uplift of the surrounding land.

1. Geographical location

Area 68.870 thousand km², length 320 km, maximum width 275 km.

It is part of the Victoria Reservoir. Many islands. Flows high-water river Kagera, flows out of the Victoria Nile River. The lake is navigable; local residents fish on it.

The northern coast of the lake crosses the equator. The lake, with a maximum depth of 80 m, is a fairly deep lake.

Unlike its deep-sea neighbors Tanganyika and Nyasa, which lie within the African gorge system, Lake Victoria fills the shallow depression between the eastern and western sides of the Great Gorge valley. The lake receives a huge amount of water from rain, more than from all its tributaries.

30 million people live in the vicinity of the lake. On the southern and western shores of the lake live the Haya people, who knew how to grow coffee long before the arrival of Europeans. Main ports: Entebbe (Uganda), Mwanza, Bukoba (Tanzania), Kisumu (Kenya), near north coast Kampala, capital of Uganda.

2. Fauna and flora

Its waters are home to a huge number of crocodiles, and the lang fish, which lived here 300 million years ago, still lives here. She can inhale and trap air in her gills, like lungs. This rare fish is a link between ordinary fish and land animals.

On the territory of the lake there are famous nature reserves and National parks. Most interesting National Park Rubondo Islands (450 sq. km). The unique thing about Rubondo is that you cannot travel here by car (in order to preserve the environment). And this allows during hiking see animals from a closer distance than in a jeep.

There are no predators on the island; the flora and fauna of Rubondo are extremely rich and diverse. The combination of dense forest, savannah, woodland and swamps created ideal conditions for a wide variety of animals. Some of which are unique. For example, sitatunga is found in Tanzania almost exclusively on the island of Rubondo. The sitatunga is an extraordinary antelope that lives in the swamps. She is extremely funny, her hooves are especially interesting - they are very elongated (10 cm) and widely spaced, like palm leaves. In addition, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, saber-horned antelopes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, fat bollards, chimpanzees, green monkeys, porcupines, mongooses, pythons that can swallow a small antelope, mambas, cobras, vipers, butterflies and numerous birds live here: ospreys, eagles, goliath herons, ibises and kingfishers.

3. Environmental situation

The ecological state of the lake is in serious danger due to the intensive growth of the local population, clear deforestation along the entire coast, an overdeveloped fish export industry, the appearance and establishment of exotic plants and animals and, as a result, the disappearance of more than 50% of local fish (previously only perch species -mottled there were about 400), hypertrophied growth of algae and the discharge of untreated wastewater from enterprises and sewage water from coastal settlements.

In order to increase the fish population, Nile perch was released into the waters of the lake, which led to the disappearance of many species of local fish. The damage caused is enormous and largely irreparable. The traditional communal way of life with its appropriative economy on the lake has been destroyed and is gradually disappearing. Naturalists agreed that if urgent measures are not taken to save the lake, it will die.

In addition to eutrophication and increasing wastewater discharge, water lilies are also responsible for the intense drying of the lake. These freshwater plants, characterized by their extraordinary durability and intensive reproduction, were brought to Africa at the beginning of the 20th century as decorations. Since then they have been spreading intensively. In the late 1990s, water lilies caused a sharp decline in fish numbers in Lake Victoria because water lilies absorb significant amounts of oxygen from the water. In addition, their tendrils and leaves block the inflows and outflows of water from the lake, complicating fishing and navigation. OSIENALA monitors the spread of water lilies and takes immediate action if their numbers increase.

Due to the drop in water levels in Lake Victoria, in early 2006, a representative of the UN Disaster Reduction Organization ( UN's International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) reported that the Ugandan hydroelectric power plant is consuming more water from the lake than is stipulated by the relevant international treaty signed 50 years ago.

4. Lake protection organizations

The partner organization of Living Lakes on Lake Victoria is OSIENALA ( Friends of Lake Victoria Society), non-profit public organization, which is registered in Kenya but is also active in Tanzania and Uganda. Its 150 members are fishermen, peasants, squads, naturalist circles, communities, non-governmental organizations and scientific institutes of the region.

OSIENALA is currently working to alleviate poverty among Kenya's 4 million Aboriginal people and seeks to strengthen the capacity of neighborhood and tribal communities to organize themselves into self-monitoring and self-protection of the environment in their region. Currently, the “offspring” of the Society of Friends of Lake Victoria has been founded - the international organization ECOVIC - Organization of East African Communities for the Management of Lake Victoria Resources.

Notes

Kravchuk P. A. Records of nature. - Lyubeshov: Erudite, 1993. - 216 p. ISBN 5-7707-2044-1.

Lake Victoria and the Great Rift Valley

Increasing population density around Lake Victoria

Local languages around Lake Victoria

Fluctuations in lake level height

Lake Victoria is located in the very center of Equatorial Africa. It occupies the regions of three states: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The area of the most picturesque lake on the African continent is about 68 thousand km². Its maximum width reaches 275 m, and its average depth does not exceed 80 m.

The credit for the discovery of the picturesque lake belongs to the English traveler D. Speke. While exploring East Africa, in July 1858 he came to the shores of a huge body of water, which the locals called Nyanza (“big water”). Speke decided to give the lake a different name. He named it after the English Queen Victoria. I have it myself large lake Africa and a third, no less poetic name - Ukreve. The lake lies in a giant tectonic trough formed on the East African platform. This is one of the high mountain lakes. It is located at an altitude reaching 1134 m above sea level.

Lake Victoria is often called the sea. Indeed, the size of Victoria exceeds the area of even such fairly large reservoirs of our planet as the Aral and Sea of Azov. In addition, it is rightfully considered the third largest fresh lake on globe. In terms of area occupied, it is second only to the Caspian Sea and Lake Superior, part of the American Great Lakes group. However, it is not only its size that allows us to classify Lake Victoria as an inland sea. The navigation conditions and balance of Victoria's waters are most characteristic of the sea.

And yet Victoria is one of the largest lakes in the world. It is filled with fresh water, while sea water contains a large amount of dissolved salts. Only this circumstance turned out to be decisive when scientists struggled with the question of which group of reservoirs to include Victoria: whether it was a lake, or an inland sea. The issue was resolved in favor of the first.

According to the outline of the shores, the lake resembles a giant oval of irregular shape. Its length from southwest to northeast reaches 350 km, width – 200 km. Basically, its banks are low and swampy, with the exception of the southwestern ones. Their basis is an elevated plateau. Sharply falling high cliffs meet lake water here. It seems as if they, like a giant stone shield, are protecting the coast from attack water element. There are especially many bays, bays, capes and peninsulas. They are the main elements that make up the coastal landscape. During periods of terrible storms and hurricanes, bays and bays become the only refuge for ships crossing the lake. There are many large and small islands here.

The largest of them are Ukerewe, Sese, Mansome, Ruvondo and Kome. Archaeologists and geographers have been able to find evidence that several million years ago Lake Victoria occupied a much larger area. Scientists were able to calculate the age of this reservoir. It turns out that the lake bowl was formed back in the Tertiary period, and by the onset of the wet Quaternary period the lake had increased significantly. At that time it occupied the territory of the modern state of Uganda. At the same time, his eastern shores bordered the shoreline of Lake Rudolph.

The surface of the lake is dominated by all types of winds that form over the African continent. This open lake, raised by volcanic and tectonic processes to a fairly large height. In addition, its low banks do not pose a serious barrier to the winds. Even mountain slopes and passes are not able to protect the lake from strong gusts of wind. The movement of air masses is what causes storms and hurricanes. Due to frequent storms and tornadoes born above the surface of the water, the lake is currently recognized as one of the most dangerous (from the point of view of navigation) bodies of water on earth.

Over the course of several million years, a special climate has formed on the coast of Lake Victoria. The sweltering heat here is combined with high levels of air humidity, and prolonged tropical downpours are often followed by long periods of drought. Travelers who come here usually complain about countless poisonous insects. A fairly common occurrence in these parts are various diseases, the carriers of which are the same insects.

On the Victorian coast there is no division of the year into spring and summer. There is no snow or frost here. average temperature air rarely drops below +25°C. At the same time, the average annual water temperature is at least +22°C. The change of seasons of the year is determined by the amount of precipitation. Yes, on winter time year there is a minimum number of them. It is not uncommon for there to be no rain at all for several months. But with the arrival of summer, columns of water literally fall from the sky onto the coast. At the same time, tropical downpours, flooding everything around, can continue for several days. April and May are considered especially wet. In just these two months, the water level in the lake increases by 400–600 mm. Wet monsoon winds are also a kind of source of nutrition for the lake. Every year they bring up to 1500–2000 mm of precipitation.

Since the Victorian coast has a hot climate and windy strong winds, a large amount of precipitation evaporates. Scientists were able to calculate the volume of moisture returning to the sky. It turns out that up to 93 km3 of water evaporates from the surface of the lake every year. This value slightly exceeds the volume of water that the Nile carries into the sea during the year, and is only slightly less than two annual water flows on the Dnieper. However, despite such a large amount of evaporating water, Victoria is never shallow.

This phenomenon is explained by the special nature of the water cycle occurring above the surface of Victoria and the coastal area adjacent to the lake.

Experts have determined that up to 98 km3 of precipitation falls within the surface of the lake. Winds forming over Victoria pick up water vapor, which is concentrated in air currents. The winds carry part of the moisture to other parts of Africa, and the rest returns to the lake, falling in the form of precipitation.

But not only precipitation is the source of nutrition for the lake. A large number of waters are brought to Victoria by its tributaries. According to scientists, the total volume of water brought by the rivers is 16 km³. Thus, together with precipitation, the lake receives up to 114 km³ of moisture. At the same time, as mentioned above, 93 km³ of water evaporates from the surface of Victoria. The remaining 21 km³ of moisture enters the Victoria Nile River and then flows to Mediterranean Sea, along the way fed by tributaries of the Nile.

Annual fluctuations in water levels in Victoria cannot be considered significant. The average indicators of such fluctuations are only from 20 to 40 cm. However, the most significant for the water balance of Victoria are changes in water levels observed over several centuries. Such secular fluctuations often reach 2–3 m. In addition, quite serious rises in the water level periodically occur on Lake Victoria. The largest of these phenomena were noted at the end XIX century, as well as in the period from 1961 to 1964.

The fauna and flora of the Victoria coast are typical of the African continent. Plants such as papyrus, reeds and reeds have become a worthy decoration of the coast of Victoria, and banana palms, growing in abundance on the coast of Victoria, have long become a kind of symbol of the African continent. Local residents in some areas grow cotton and coffee on separate plots.

The numerous bays of the lake and the mouths of nearby rivers are home to hippos and crocodiles. Locals call them "mamba". These are huge and strong animals. The body length of individual individuals is often 5–6 m. Fishing has been developed on Lake Victoria for a long time. For numerous fishing tourists, the African reservoir seems to be a real fishing paradise. According to scientists, the lake is home to up to 100 of the most different types fish Moreover, most of them are not found anywhere else except in the waters of the lake. The species composition of birds living on the coast is no less diverse. Often the shores of Victoria are painted in a variety of colors of the rainbow - millions of birds gathered in huge flocks. Here you can find flamingos, crowned cranes, various types of herons and other birds.

Like many other areas of our planet, the ecosystem of the coast of Lake Victoria was also on the verge of destruction by the middle of the 20th century. The number of rare and endangered species of plants, animals and birds has increased. By now, even such an animal as a rhinoceros has become quite rare on the lake coast. It is exterminated in large quantities by local hunters, hoping to get money for rhinoceros horns, which are used in the manufacture of medicines.

The number of leopards on Victoria's shores has declined sharply in recent decades. Compared to the beginning of the 20th century, giraffes, elephants, lions and hippos are now rarely seen here.

The largest port city in Tanzania, located on the coast of Victoria, is Mwanza. It is connected to the main industrial areas of the country by several railway and highways. Various goods arrive from Tanzania to other African states located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The main items of trade are locally produced products: sisal, sorghum, meat and wool. It must be said that not far from the port are the main deposits of gold and diamonds in East Africa. The export of precious metals and stones constitutes the main source of income for the country's budget. In addition, Mwanza is considered the main transit point for the transfer of products and goods entering Tanzania via sea route(the country is washed by the Indian Ocean).

The largest port on the northern coast of Victoria, in the state of Uganda, is the city of Entebbe. Products and goods delivered to the port are then loaded onto cars, which transport them to the capital of the state, Kampala.

Kissima is considered the largest port in Kenya. By rail, a variety of goods brought into the country from inland industrial areas are transported across the lake to ocean port Mombasa.

Lake Victoria is of great importance for the three African countries not only as a center of fishing, shipping and trade. Lake water is the main supplier of hydro resources and relatively cheap electricity. Victoria's power is used to irrigate fields and also power the turbines of a power plant called Owen Falls. The power plant supplies light to all areas of Uganda, as well as many parts of Kenya.

The construction of a dam on the lake caused a slight rise in the water level. However, modern scientists have been able to find ways to regulate the flow of lake water.

Lake Victoria

Page 5

The main lake port in Kenya is Kisu-mu, a city with a population of more than 30 thousand inhabitants - Africans and Indians.

Kisumu is a significant economic center in western Kenya and an important communications hub: lake routes meet here with railways and highways. Situated inland in Kaviron-do Bay, Kisumu is a center for textile industries, fishing, ship repair and small shipbuilding.

...So, fishing and shipping are the most important areas of economic use in Victoria. But it is also used for water supply - so far mainly for domestic purposes. Victoria provides water and livestock farming in adjacent areas. But huge reserves fresh water This inland sea is still poorly used for industrial water supply: there are still few industrial enterprises around it. There is no doubt that as the economies of East African countries develop, the water resources of the giant lake will be used more and more widely, primarily in industry.

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Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is one of the seven African Great Lakes located in the Rift Valley of the East African Rift. The area of the reservoir is 68.8 thousand square meters. km. This is the second largest freshwater lake in the world. In first place is Lake Superior in North America with an area of 82.1 thousand square meters. km. But among the tropical lakes of the planet, the African reservoir takes first place. In Africa it is also considered the largest. But in terms of volume of fresh water (2750 cubic km) it only reaches 9th place.

The length of the lake is 337 km. The width is 250 km. Maximum depth equal to 83 meters, and the average depth is 40 meters. The reservoir is located at an altitude of 1133 meters above sea level. The length of the coastline is 4828 km. It is divided between three countries: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. All figures are taken from the US Gazetteer.

Lake Victoria

The coastal strip around the lake is considered one of the most densely populated on the planet. More than 30 million people live here. Through northern part The lake passes the equator. The city of Entebbe is located right on it. The capital of Uganda, Kampala, is located 40 km southeast. It is home to 1.2 million people. In the south of the reservoir is the city of Mwanza with a population of 1.2 million people. It belongs to Tanzania. On west coast is the city of Bukoba with a population of 100 thousand people. And in Winam Bay in the northeast is the Kenyan city of Kisumu. It has 345 thousand inhabitants.

Concerning geological history, then Lake Victoria is considered relatively young. Its age is estimated at 400 thousand years. The reservoir periodically dried up and was filled with water again. According to experts, there were 3 such cycles. The last time the lake dried up was 17,300 years ago. Refilled with water 14,700 years ago. This is associated with ice ages, during which the amount of precipitation sharply decreased. But it is the rains that feed the lake 80% with water, and only 20% comes from tributaries.

Lake Victoria on the map

There are a lot of tributaries feeding the reservoir. The main one is considered Kagera River. Its length is 420 km. It flows into a vast reservoir from the east, but its main attraction is that the river is considered the source of the great African Nile River. Actually, Kagera has its own tributary, Rukarara. It is from its source that the waterway is calculated, ending in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

In the north, the Victoria Nile flows out of Victoria, which further downstream is renamed the White Nile, and then, after the confluence of the Blue Nile, a single water stream is formed, bearing the name Nile. Second large river, flowing out of the lake is called Katonga. It rushes its waters to the west and after 220 km flows into Lake George in Uganda, which is connected by the Kazinga Canal to Lake Edward.

The Nzoya River also flows into the reservoir. Its length is 257 km. It is an important waterway in Western Kenya. There are many waterfalls on it, which means great energy potential. Lake Victoria itself contributes to the production of electricity. energy through a dam near the city of Jinja in Uganda. This is where the Victoria Nile River flows out of the lake. But the water level in the reservoir is very capricious and unpredictable, so the hydroelectric power station does not operate at full efficiency. In addition, there is an opinion that the hydroelectric station takes more water than was provided for in the agreement between the states.

These are the ships that sail around Victoria

Water transport on a huge reservoir it is well developed. Since the early years of the 20th century, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya have been connected by ferries. In 1963, the fastest ferry built in Kenya was launched. In 1966, a train ferry was created between Kenya and Tanzania.

But the achievements of civilization sometimes bring grief to people. On May 21, 1996, the ferry Bukoba sank in the lake. It carried passengers between the Tanzanian cities of Bukoba and Mwanza. The ship was designed for 430 passengers and 850 tons of cargo. The tragedy occurred 56 km from Mwanza. The ferry sank to the bottom at a depth of 25 meters, killing 987 people. The main cause of the disaster was overload vehicle. This tragedy is considered one of the largest in Africa.

People board the ferry between Mwanza and Bukoba

Lake Victoria was discovered in 1858. Humanity owes this to the British officer John Hennig Speke (1827-1864). He reached south coast during the exploration of Central Africa. Seeing a huge water surface, the Englishman named her in honor of Queen Victoria. The officer also stated that he had finally found the source of the Nile, as he believed that the great river flows from this huge reservoir. But this statement caused disagreement among his partner Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890). All this gave rise to long discussions.

These days, any schoolchild knows that John Speke was right.

The Nile actually flows from Victoria, and the huge reservoir also provides food and work a huge number people who live on its banks. The picture is darkened only by the merciless lake pollution. Industrial enterprises discharge untreated wastewater into it. lake bottom serves as a burial place for chemical fertilizers and household waste. All this negatively affects the ecosystem. The situation is aggravated by the decrease in water level in the reservoir. So the prospects are not bright, and life on the shores of Victoria is hard and difficult.

Yuri Syromyatnikov

Lake Victoria is one of the most striking natural attractions in Africa, no less famous than Mount Sinai, Colored Canyon, Cameroon Volcano or Lake Chad. Victoria is the largest freshwater body of water on the black continent and the second in the world after one of the American Great Lakes - Lake Superior.

The outlines of the coast resemble a huge oval of irregular shape.

Its surface area is about 68,000 square kilometers, in some places the depth of the lake reaches 80 meters.

It is in this lake that the most majestic African river, the Nile, originates.

Where is Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the natural border between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

There are a significant number of Aboriginal people in the coastal areas - according to various sources, from 30 to 35 million people. Local residents have a different name for this place - Nyanza, which means “big water”.

In 1858, this reservoir was discovered by the famous English explorer John Speke, who named it in honor of the British Queen.

The lake and its surroundings are very popular among hunting and fishing enthusiasts. These waters are home to more than 100 species of fish, including rare ones such as Nile perch.

And also this the only place in a world where fossil lang fish, which lived on Earth 300 million years ago, are preserved. This unique species is considered a transitional link from fish to land animals, as it has an amazing respiratory system, which includes both gills and lungs.

Hunting and fishing

Fishing on Lake Victoria is a fascinating activity, but quite dangerous. These waters are simply teeming with crocodiles, so that an unwary fisherman can turn into prey himself.

By the way, hunting tours for crocodiles and hippos are one of the most extreme local entertainment offered to tourists.

There are several famous nature reserves and national parks around the lake.

One of the most popular places among tourists is park on Rubondo Island, home to several hundred bird species and dozens of animal species. Flocks of colorful tropical birds “paint” the coast in all the colors of the rainbow - perhaps there are few places in the world where you can observe such a fantastic spectacle. In the park you can see elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, mongooses and many other exotic animals.

The special pride of the park is the population of Sitatunga antelopes, distinguished by their unique grace and beauty.

No less interesting is the Ruma National Park - beautiful place to observe wild animals in their natural environment a habitat.

Within the lake there are numerous islands, both quite large and small. Some of them are inhabited by people, they have conditions for accommodating tourists.

Landscapes of fabulous beauty, romantic walks on the lake in a canoe, the opportunity to watch rare animals or study the life of local fishermen - such a vacation is perfect for those who are looking for peace and quiet.

One of the most unique islands here is Mgingo Island. The island is famous for its excellent fishing and has a very original history. For a long time, Mgingo was uninhabited - residents of the coastal areas believed that an evil spirit lived on the island.

In the early 90s of the last century, one of the local shamans performed a ritual of exorcism, and two daredevils, Kenyan fishermen, settled on the island. Soon other fishermen began to settle on the island, attracted by the excellent catches. Currently, about 130 people live on Mgingo. Catching the expensive Nile perch allows fishermen to earn up to $200 a week, which is considered a lot of money by local standards.

Due to the fact that the island is a disputed territory, local inhabitants are forced to pay taxes to the treasury of both Kenya and Uganda.

At the same time, the islanders consider Mgingo a free republic, have their own government and live in a friendly community according to their own laws. The worst punishment for violating these laws is expulsion from the island.

The lake also has its own legends. According to one of them, Lukwata lives near the island of Rubondo - mysterious monster, from time to time rising from the bottom of the lake and taking away prey from fishermen.

Of course, the mysterious Luquata is not as popular as its “colleague” from Loch Ness, and yet thousands of tourists come to these parts every year in the hope of meeting a strange creature.

On the coast there is no clearly defined division of the year into seasons. Air temperature all year round It stays around 25°C; the water temperature rarely drops below 22°C.

The change of seasons in these places is determined by the amount of rain. Spring and summer are the time of tropical showers, That's why best time The period for visiting Victoria is November-February.

Photos

Lake Victoria is a freshwater lake in Africa.

There are a great many amazing and fascinating places on our planet. Some of these are considered the largest on the planet or continent, while others, on the contrary, are the tiniest.

In our article we will talk about one of such places on the planet - Lake Victoria. Local residents call it “big water” and tell many mysteries and legends about it.

Lake Victoria, where it is located

On the map, Lake Victoria is easy to find on the African continent, in its eastern part. The lake is located on a tectonic trough of the East African Plateau. Formed due to changes in the landscape many millions of years ago. The lake is the natural border of 3 states: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Lake Victoria on the map

Characteristics of the lake

Lake Victoria is a relict lake. Thanks to climate change and the movement of tectonic plates, this body of water was formed many millions of years ago. Today it is of scientific interest to many scientists. This is the largest lake in Africa and the second in the world.

Altitude above sea level - 1134m
Lake length 320 km
Width – 240 km
Maximum depth of the lake – 80m
Average depth 40m
The length of the coastline is more than 7000 km
Area - 68870 km 2

The shores of the lake are heavily indented, there are many bays and depressions, many of them are swampy. The lake with lakes in the valley forms the Great Rift Valley.

Climate

What rivers flow into

Many rivers flow into Lake Victoria. The main one is the Kagera River. It flows from the east, the total length is more than 400 km. The Nzoya River, whose length is 250 km, also flows into the lake. She comes from Kenya. In this country it is important water resource. The river has many waterfalls. Thanks to them, hydroelectric power stations were built on the lake and it was turned into a reservoir.

Fauna

There are more than 200 species of fish in the lake. The commercial species is tilapia. This is a small gray fish. Popular in the industry due to its taste and calorie content - 96 kcal per 100g. She has big amount amino acids, easily digestible protein.

Lake Victoria. hippo photo

The most valuable trophy that can be caught while fishing in the lake is Nile perch. This species can reach a weight of up to 200 kg. The species is endemic and very valuable for science. In general, the lake contains a huge number of fish of ancient origin. The most famous in these places is the protopter. This fish has both gills and lungs. Scientists believe that it was these fish that gave birth to amphibians.

Nile perch photo

Ancient fish include a whole group of fish - haplochromis. They are brightly colored and can change color depending on their mood. Many aquarium fish lovers prefer these wonderful inhabitants of the lake world of Victoria.

Lake Victoria also attracts many animals. The waters are home to crocodiles and hippos. Surrounded by the lake you can find giraffes, elephants, porcupines, mongooses, various birds (flamingos, cranes, herons, etc.), pythons, many insects and tsetse flies.

On some large islands nature reserves have been created on the lakes. The largest is the Rubondo Nature Reserve in Tanzania. Very rare animals live here. For example, the sitatunga antelope. In Tanzania it was practically exterminated. On the island you can find various species of monkeys, elephants, birds, and mongooses.

Flora

The shores of the lake are varied. There are thickets of reeds and reeds, papyrus. Banana trees are growing. Of course, there are many aquatic plants and among them is Eichornia (water hyacinth). It grows quickly and causes damage to the lake.

Attractions

The main attraction of the lake is that it is the source of the famous Nile River, which feeds Egypt and gives life to its inhabitants. It is from Lake Victoria that this river flows. In the beginning they call her Victoria Nile. Then it flows into the White Nile, then into the Blue Nile, and the Egyptians simply call it the Nile.
Another attraction of the lake is the ancient monster Luquata. Many tourists come here to see this beast, but so far no one has had the chance.

The lake is named after the English Queen Victoria
The lake was discovered by John Speke in 1858
The lake ranks 9th in the world in terms of displacement
The lake is still inhabited by endemic and relict animals
35 million people live around the lake. This valuable object of nature is mercilessly used local population, which causes great harm to the preservation of the ecosystem of the lake and surrounding areas.
Lake Victoria unique place habitats of animals and fish.

Lake Victoria on the map (pictures are clickable)

Victoria belongs to the Great African Lakes and is considered the second largest freshwater lake in the world.

British officer and explorer John Speck discovered this mysterious place in 1858 during one of his expeditions and named it after the then reigning Queen of England. It is comfortably located in a gentle tectonic trough in the northern part of the East African Plateau at an altitude of more than 1100 m above sea level and is the largest on the continent.

The reservoir is located on the territory of three states: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Its length is 320 km, its width is just over 250 km, and its total area is 68 thousand km². The depth in some places reaches 80 meters, but on average it is 35-40 m.

Natural resources of Lake Victoria

The reservoir and its internal landscapes can undoubtedly be considered one of the main natural attractions of Africa. Here you can get acquainted with both the picturesque flora and the diverse fauna of this paradise. More than 200 species of fish alone hide in its underwater depths.

Lake Victoria photo

This reservoir is inhabited mainly by hippos, crocodiles and waterfowl. A lot of various types commercial fish, including tilapia, which serves as the main source of food for local aborigines. The lake is teeming with alligators, and the traveler will often have to think about how to avoid danger, so as not to become prey himself.

There are also many representatives of the local fauna here that you will not find anywhere else. For example, the lang fish, the main secret of its invulnerability lies in its lungs. With their help, the creature is able to survive during periods of severe drought, lasting up to 1 year. The fish simply burrows into the dry mud and hibernates.

Coastal area Lake Victoria became a haven for populations huge amount birds. Ornithological scientists use this place as a large natural laboratory where they can study birds in their natural habitat. Exotic animals include the shy sitatunga antelope, which lives on Rubondo Island and is distinguished by its unique and exquisite beauty.

According to local residents, another unique animal lives not far from the island - the lukvata. Periodically, it emerges from the depths of lake waters and scares fishermen. Moreover, he also takes away their entire catch, without touching the people.

Note to tourists

Lake Victoria photo

winding coastline The lake consists of many headlands, bays and islands. Thanks to this, coastal tourism is very well developed here - boats and yachts in cozy bays are reliably protected from fierce storm winds.

Aboriginal people live on the coastal territory of Lake Victoria and on its islands, numbering about 30-35 million people. To the southwest live the famous Wahaya tribe, which grows what many consider to be the best coffee in Africa.

As already mentioned, the lake is full of crocodiles and swimming in it is unsafe. The famous tsetse fly, which is a carrier of sleeping sickness, is also found here. There is a high risk of contracting yellow fever and malaria, so travelers should never forget to take precautions.