Several of the breathtaking lakes in Africa are found along the East African Rift Valley, which is also home to some of the most amazing mountains on the planet. Here are our top ten lakes in Africa, ranked by reviews, individual visitor experiences, and expert opinions.
1. Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi has been identified as one of the top lakes in Africa after an extensive search. Three countries, Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique, are connected by this lake. Compared to other lakes on Earth, the lake has the greatest variety of fish species, and anglers frequent the lake to fish.
The Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of its side attractions is bird watching. Whilst at the Lake, there are numerous bird species that may pique your attention. One of the unusual birds that may be spotted near the Lake is the enormous Marabou Stork. Various birds can be seen near the Lake, including Pel’s fishing owls, mourning doves, Trumpeter Hornbills, African fish eagles, etc.
You may enjoy various water sports like kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling at the Lake.
2. Lake Retba
Another serene lake can be found in Africa. Senegal is where you can find it. The Pink Lake of Senegal is another name for Lake Retba. Due to the lake’s high salt content, a particular form of algae thrives there and gives the lake its color.
The Lake produces salt, and it can be amazing to see attractive women harvesting salt from the Lake. The lake is home to luxurious and reasonably priced lodges, including Novotel Dakar, Le Chamama, and Le Calao du Lac Rose.
3. Lake Assal
Lake Assal is among the nicest lakes you may visit in the dry season. It lies 155 meters below sea level, and the Danakil Desert encircles it.
The lowest point in Africa is located in Lake Assal, a crater lake in Djibouti. Due to its saline levels being ten times higher than those of the sea, it is also the greatest salt reserve in the world. One of Djibouti’s tourist hotspots is this lake. Due to the severe desert environment, there is no fauna in the area of the Lake.
4. Lake Nasser
Between the borders of Egypt and Sudan stands the massive Lake Nasser. It is the biggest artificial lake on the entire planet. The Lake’s core is in Egypt, and the rest portion stretches into Sudan. The lake is known as Lake Nubia in Sudan.
The Lake is ideal for boat tours where you can see the surrounding sites, such as the monument of Ramses II at the Abu Simbel Temple on the lake’s shore, which is also well-known for its fishing activities.
5. Lake Kyoga
Uganda is home to the little lake known as Lake Kyoga. The majority of the lake’s other areas are below 12 feet deep, while its deepest side is barely 18 feet deep. The shallow Lake, which spans an area of around 660 square miles and is located between Lake Albert and Lake Victoria, is traversed by the Victoria Nile.
Photographers will like the stunning lily’s cover and the papyrus, which also creates floating islands that float around the Lake. Although being a component of Africa’s Great Lakes system, Lake Kyoga is not regarded as one of the best lakes in the world.
There are many fascinating features to observe all around the lake. Wildlife such as zebras, hyenas, hippos, elephants, and crocodiles can also be viewed. Then, there are several bird species totaling over 46 kinds. More than 46 different fish species are available for sport fishing.
6. Lake Nakuru
This lake is the one in the Rift Valley most well-known for having a high number of flamingos, and it occasionally seems like a sea of pink. The Nakuru region, which is located around the lake, is home to many magnificent species, including warthogs, baboons, cheetahs, white and black rhinos, etc.
The Lake is best visited between November and April during the wet summer season. Beautiful and tall flames that emanate from the lake are a sight to behold. The Lake is also a great place to watch wildlife and the abundant birdlife.
7. Lake Chad
Four nations share the famed Lake Chad’s border: Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. It is the largest Lake in northern Africa despite being shallow.
The greatest time to visit Lake Chad is between August and December when rainfall is heavy and the water level rises. If guests want to stay overnight in Lake Chad, there are lodges available.
8. Lake Albert
Visitors to Lake Albert are not primarily tourists. This is due to the fact that it is more difficult to access than other lakes on the African continent, but if you manage to get there, you will appreciate the lake’s lovely scenery.
The Victoria Nile River rushes through a small, rocky opening and then plunges dramatically into a lake while steep mountains around it. The pool is roughly 80 feet deep, and on its shore are protected forest areas and fauna.
The lake, which is the seventh largest in Africa but the second largest in Uganda, provides excellent water for the White Nile River. Elephants, chimpanzees, and other animals can be seen on the shore.
9. Lake Kariba
The world’s largest artificial lake is located here. Zambia and Zimbabwe are its neighbors. Fishing and wildlife are well-known features.
Several intriguing locations surround the lake, such as Matusadona National Park, which is found on the western side of the Kariba Dam. The majority of the animals found refuge there during Noah’s operation. Animals like kudu, waterbuck, zebra, impala, and other species eat well from the green grasses, while predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles may also be seen in and around the lake.
A houseboat trip to the Lake will be enjoyable for you. Additionally, there are places to stay where visitors can do so on their own terms, such as the Rhino Safari Camp, Lyawa Lodge, Bumi Hills Safari Resort, and African Bush Camps. The hot months of June through October are the ideal times to explore this lake.
10. Lake Kivu
This is about halfway between Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo. This lake is also very large. Africa.
The lakeside community of Gisenyi, which is located around the lake, is where you can discover beaches, lodging options, and dining establishments. Here, you may also go swimming, SUPing, or sea kayaking. Interesting water activities like boat cruises, kayaking, fishing, etc., are additional side attractions in this location.
There are mountains all around the lake that people can use for riding and trekking. While doing this, you can admire the lovely tiny towns and the magnificent lake shore.
