The world is home to incredible natural beauties that make us wonder and one such beauty is lakes. Lakes are one of the most beautiful and peaceful creations of nature and man-made items. When these lakes are located in between the gorgeous and breathtaking wildlife, it’s even more fascinating. If you are planning to make your tour to Africa, you cannot miss these beautiful lakes from your itinerary.
Here is the list of the topmost beautiful lakes in Africa to add to your bucket list:
1. Nile
Who doesn’t know the Nile? Since our childhood, we have been reading about the Nile being the longest river in the world. The Nile is merged from two rivers Lake Victoria and Blue Nile. More than 6000 km long, the Nile moves through Egypt and Sudan and later flows into the Mediterranean sea. Throughout the lake flow, there are several spots where tourists can explore various wildlife animals and gorgeous views of sunset and sunrise.
2. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s Largest lake covering three countries with a space of 68000 sq km. The lake was named after Queen Victoria which receives most of its water from rainfall or the river Nile. Lake Victoria is the second biggest freshwater and biggest tropical lake in the world. Many passenger ferries traverse between the countries of the lake, so you can travel to 3 countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in Africa through Lake victoria. Tourists can view the gorgeous views of sunset and sunrise across the different spots in the countries.
3. Lake Tanganyika
The biggest freshwater lake in the world spread across 4 countries in Africa namely Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania with a length of 673 km. The 9 to 12 million years old lake is the second oldest freshwater lake in the world. The is home to more than 300 fish species, some of these species are not found anywhere in the world. The lake also hosts threatened wildlife such as Nile crocodiles, Zambian hinged terrapins, and Strom’s water cobra.
4. Lake Kariba
Lake Kariba borders Zambia and on the Zimbabwe side it’s called the Zambezi river spread across an area of 5580 sq km. Lake Kariba is one of the biggest man-made lakes in the world. Tourists can find lodging on both sides of the lake. Moreover, you can opt for a houseboat, it’s a one of a kind experience. If you like fishing, an annual Tiger fishing competition is organized in May that you can explore and participate in.
5. Lake Malawi
Malawi, the third biggest lake in Africa, is spread across 29000 sq km within three countries: Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The lake is home to large fish species, larger than any other lake in the world which makes it the best place for snorkeling. Tourists can explore underwater and fall in love with the beautiful fish species. You might see some locals fishing to feed their families. One of the most gorgeous lakes in Africa is 1-2 million years old and is surrounded by beautiful and picturesque scenery.
6. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is like the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite being the majority of the lake on the Congo side, many travelers enjoy the scenic beauty in lodges on the Rwanda side. As there is the town of Gisenyi on the Rwanda side which include various hotels, beaches, and water activities to explore such as sea kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.
7. Lake Assal
Lake Assal is located at Africa’s lowest point below 155 meters of sea level. Located in Djibouti, it is the main tourist attraction of the place. The gorgeous lake is the largest salt reserve in the world with a saline level 10 times greater than the usual sea. The lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa, surrounded by desert and no wildlife tourists can spend some peaceful time here.
8. Lake Retba
The lake is popularly known as the pink lake of Senegal that gets its color from Dunaliella Salina algae. With the mesmerizing hues with sunset and sunrise views, this should be on your bucket list. Instagrammers are going to love this place, located in Senegal, where you can float around some sections of the lake. November is the best time to see the pink hue of the lake.
9. Lake Chad
The largest lake in North Africa bordering Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. Surrounded by the Sahara desert, the lake is very shallow, only 30 feet deep. The lake is popularly known for birdwatching, tourists can explore different species of the birds. August to December is the best time to visit as the river has the highest water level at that time.
10. Lake Bogoria
Do you love flamingo’s? If yes, this Bogoria Lake in Kenya is the perfect place to explore the gorgeous flamingos. The lake is home to the largest flamingo population in the world and is a protected national wetland reserve. You can find various hot springs along its shoreline. Stay in the lodge or hotel nearby and enjoy the hot spring. Tourists can also enjoy camping near the southern shoreline.
11. Lake Albert
Located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the lake is harder to access as it is surrounded by steep mountains that’s why you will not see a crowd of tourists here, but if you manage to reach here, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in the world. The lake is one of the main sources of water for the White Nile river protected by wildlife and forest reserves. You can also explore wildlife such as chimpanzees, hippos, and elephants.
12. Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana located in Kenya is surrounded by Sibiloi national park, lake Turkana national park which are UNESCO sites, popularly known for the active volcano within the lake. You can explore numerous bird species, and animal species such as Nile crocodile, etc.
13. Lake Nakuru
It’s part of Kenya’s safari trail and it’s known for its flamingo population which can resemble a sea of pink. The gorgeous lake is surrounded by Lake Nakuru National park, so you can explore various wildlife animals around the lake such as baboons, lions, giraffes, warthogs, cheetahs, etc.
14. Lake Sibaya
Another beautiful lake located in South Africa is a freshwater lake spread over 64 km. It’s home to a large population of wildlife species such as hippos, crocodiles, etc. Tourists can spot wildlife and explore birdwatching activities.
15. Lake Nasser
Located in Egypt and Sudan, it was created as a result of the dam along the Nile river, popularly known as lake Nubia. One of the largest man-made lakes, tourists can explore the gorgeous views and beauty of Egypt through a boat cruise
16. Lake Kyoga
is one of the prettiest lakes in Uganda, you can see water lilies floating on a large section of the lake and papyrus forms of islands around the lake. The 660 sq km lake is situated between Victoria and Albert lake. Despite being part of the African lake system, it is not known as the greatest lake in Africa.
17. Lake Naivasha
The freshwater lake is located in the Capital city of Nairobi and is part of the Great rift valley. Lake is part of popular safari tours of Kenya specially Massai Mara and Hell’s gate national park. Tourists can explore activities like spotting wildlife and boating.
18. Lake Edward
The smallest part of Africa’s great lake system is located between the border of Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo. It was named after Prince Albert Edward, son of Queen victoria. Being a part of Virunga national park, a UNESCO site, tourists can explore amazing wildlife on the bank of lakes.
19. Lake st. Lucia
the lake is one of the largest lakes of south Africa surrendered by the UNESCO site Isimangaliso wetland park. There are more than 150 species of fish in the lake to explore. Moreover, tourists can spot waterbuck, hippos, and reedbucks on the lakeshore.
20. Five lakes of Wilderness, the golden route
five lakes situated in Sedgefield and wilderness along with some other lakes have formed a passage that looks gorgeous. Being the only source of water for local birds and home to several species, you can explore the beauty of lakes in the eastern cape and western cape provinces. Apart from the lake, there are several restaurants on the bank of the lake serving local cuisines.
To wrap up: these are some of the beautiful lakes located in various parts of north and south Africa. Whether you are planning to visit South Africa or explore the wildlife of the northside, these lakes are a must on your bucket list.
