The Great Lakes of East Africa

An alternative sort of Safari

Heather
Heather
Travel Writer
Published on
02 Mar 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Mumbo Island Sea Kayak

It’s always a good idea to combine a safari with something a little different. Variety is the spice of life after all. Often it’s the beach, and both Kenya and Tanzaniahave some beautiful spots to relax in the sun after your adventuring in the bush. Yet there is another option – the Great Lakes of East Africa.

The three largest lakes are Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi, and between them they hold over a quarter of the world’s fresh water. It’s the most ecologically diverse freshwater system in the world, and with colourful endemic fish species, crystal clear warm waters for snorkelling and even yellow sandy beaches, the Great Lakes are understandably a popular option to explore after a safari.

Found along the Rift Valleys in East Africa, the lakes are some of the oldest and deepest in the world and are known for their beauty and history. Loldia House boasts beautiful views over the Lake,

Loldia House Lake View
Loldia House Lake View

Lake Victoria

Africa’s largest lake is located along the continental fault lines between the Eastern and Western Rift Valleys and is surrounded by mountains and highlands. Bordered by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda it is one of the sources of the River Nile and the shores are densely populated with local communities who rely on the lake for their survival.

At less than half a million years old it’s one of the ‘youngest’ lakes (it’s all relative!), with shallow water and a diverse ecosystem of reefs and islands. Whilst it isn’t considered a suitable lake for swimming, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as fishing, bird watching and island hopping.

The jungle clad island of Mfangano (Mfangano Island Lodge) is famous for its numerous bird species, as well as potted-neck otters, monkeys and monitor lizards. If you’re into archaeology, go back in time to Rusinga Island where 18 million year old fossils of early humans have been found.

Mfangano Island Camp
Mfangano Island Camp

Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is an older big sister with millions of years under her belt. Also found within the Rift Valleys, this lake is the second oldest in the world (after Lake Baikal in Siberia) as well as being the second deepest – down to 4,700 feet in places. Tanganyika is long and narrow and runs along the entire border between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has superb water quality which makes it perfect for swimming and sport fishing. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular, thanks to more than 350 fish species living here. In fact 10% of the world’s entire fish species are found in the Great Lakes of East Africa.

The lake is less populated than Victoria because the surrounding land is steep and unsuitable for human inhabitation. The perfect place to come if you want to get away from it all. If you haven’t quite had your fill of animals, then the remote Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Parks in the far west of Tanzania are considered to offer some of the best wild chimpanzee viewing in the world. Take a look at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel that over looks Lake Tanganykia

Kigoma Hilltop Aerial View
Kigoma Hilltop Aerial View

Lake Malawi

Another ancient lake clocking in at millions of years old, Malawi (or Nyasa as it is known in Tanzania) is the third largest lake in Africa at 365 miles long and 52 miles wide. Bordered by Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique, it is the most southerly lake in the Rift Valley system.

The waters here are warm, clear, and full of freshwater tropical fish, whilst the shores are sandy and golden. Tourist developments (Nkwichi Lodge) can be found along the shoreline of the Malawi side of the lake, with everything from upmarket lodges on private islands to rustic backpacking guest houses where visitors can indulge in the ultimate of lakeside beach holidays. It’s a fabulous place for sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving and even windsurfing and water skiing. Or even just swinging in a hammock. By night, Lake Malawi is known as the ‘Lake of the Stars’ due to the celestial reflections in the clear waters. It’s a place of magic and romance, and the ideal accompaniment to any safari in East Africa.

Nkwichi Lodge Snorkelling
Nkwichi Lodge Snorkelling

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024