Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is a huge lake in the middle of Africa. It touches three countries: Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It is the largest lake in Africa and the second biggest freshwater lake in the world. The lake is one of the sources of the Nile River.

A Giant Lake

Lake Victoria covers more than 26,000 square miles. It is so big that it has its own weather. Waves and storms can make it dangerous for small boats. The lake is not very deep for its size, about 270 feet at most.

The sparkling waters of Lake Victoria stretch for miles.
The sparkling waters of Lake Victoria stretch for miles. (Henry Morton Stanley / Wikimedia Commons)

People and Fish

Millions of people live around Lake Victoria. Many of them catch fish to eat and sell. A big fish called the Nile perch lives in the lake. People also grow crops near the shores. The lake is very important for life in East Africa.

Fun Facts

  • Lake Victoria was named after Queen Victoria of England.
  • The White Nile, one branch of the Nile River, starts at Lake Victoria.
  • Over 200 kinds of fish live in Lake Victoria.

Did You Know?

Small, colorful fish called cichlids are found in Lake Victoria, and many of them live nowhere else in the world.