The lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater in the world. It is about 68,800 sq. km. Located in the North of Tanzania, the lake is shared by 3 other East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania However, more than half of the lake lies within Tanzanian territory. It is considered to be the source of River Nile that run through Uganda, Sudan, Egypt and pour its water in Mediterranean Sea. Near Mwanza and Musoma, there are countless small and large islands, which some of them turned to be wildlife sanctuary (Saanane Island) and National park (Rubondo Island). Regions around the lake are of high importance to the country’s economy. A large percentage of coffee is farmed in Kagera, large percentage of cotton production and hides come from Mwanza and Mara. Gold is mined in Geita and Ulyankuru Shinyanga and Diamond in Mwadui Shinyanga (just south of MwanzaThe lake itself is the source of protein and income to local people, main activities being fishing and tourism. There are ferry boats providing transport services to different part of the lake, from Mwanza to Bukoba. The main ports on the lake are Kisumu, Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Port Bell and Jinja. Activities: Bird-watching and fishing trips make popular excursions in the Lake Victoria, or visiting Rubondo Island by boat for walking safari
