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Africa is home to some of the most majestic and expansive lakes in the world, each with its own unique story, ecosystem, and breathtaking beauty. The biggest lakes in Africa are not just vast bodies of water—they are ecosystems teeming with life, cultural landmarks, and essential sources of livelihood for millions. These lakes are not just resources to millions, but also tourist and cultural destinations. From the wide-open expanse of Lake Victoria to the salty-inhabited waters of Lake Natron, each of these lakes has a story to tell.
10 Biggest Lakes In Africa
Here is a list of some of the biggest lakes in Africa, offering scenic views and perfect spots for picnics:
1. Lake Victoria
Photo: VickyOmondi / Wikimedia Commons
At 68,800 square kilometers, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake by surface area and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. It is the main source of the Nile River, and its historical and cultural significance is enhanced by the fact that it is divided between Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The lake sustains more than 30 million people who rely on it for fishing, agriculture , and transportation.
Area: 68,800 sq. km
Best Time To Visit: June to October
2. Lake Tanganyika
Photo: Emesik / Wikimedia Commons
Spanning 32,900 square kilometers, Lake Tanganyika is Africa’s second-largest lake (by surface area) and the world’s second-deepest lake (1,470 meters). It spreads over four nations — Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the D.R.C. — and contains about 18 percent of the world’s freshwater supply. Lake Baikal is famed for its pristine waters and unique biodiversity, being home to more than 350 species of fish. Snorkeling, diving, and exploring its rugged, scenic shores are popular activities there.
Area: 32,900 sq. km
Countries: Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, Zambia
Best Time To Visit: June to September
3. Lake Malawi
Photo: Joachim Huber / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Malawi, or Lake Nyasa, covers 29,600 square kilometers and lies in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The biodiversity in this lake is what makes it so unique, it is home to more fish species than any other lake on earth, including over 1,000 species of cichlids. Popular for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, it has clear waters and sandy beaches. For local people, the lake is an important resource, sustaining fishing communities and agricultural irrigation.
Area: 29,600 sq. km
Countries: Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
Best Time To Visit: May to October
4. Lake Turkana
Photo: CaptChandra / Wikimedia Commons
Dubbed the “Jade Sea”, Lake Turkana the world’s largest desert lake, sits over 6,405 square kilometers. Situating chiefly in Kenya with a small slice in Ethiopia, its jade-green waters are at stark variance with the desert surroundings. The lake also acts as a crucial breeding ground for Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a wide variety of bird species. Archaeological sites around its shores, including fossils of ancient humans, attest to its historical significance.
Area: 6,405 sq. km
Countries: Kenya, Ethiopia
Best Time To Visit: July to October
5. Lake Albert
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh /Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located between Uganda and the DRC in the Albertine Rift Valley, Lake Albert covers 5,300 square kilometers. It is a vital link in the system of the Nile River, supplying water for agriculture, fisheries and drinking. Nature lovers will be delighted, as the region is home to numerous animal species, from hippos and crocodiles to more than 400 different bird species. Its closeness to national parks such as Murchison Falls makes it even more attractive to eco-tourists.
Area: 5,300 sq. km
Countries: Uganda, DRC
Best Time To Visit: June to September
6. Lake Chad
Photo: Hike395 / Wikimedia Commons
The shallow Lake Chad used to spread over an area of 25,000 square kilometers. Today, it occupies an area of less than 1,500 square kilometers, shared between Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria. Though much smaller, the lake is still critical to millions who rely on it to farm, fish, and graze livestock. Its wetlands are a haven for various species of birds, so it’s an important ecological area in a fragile landscape.
Area: Varies due to seasonal changes
Countries: Chad, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria
Best Time To Visit: November to February
7. Lake Kivu
Photo: Tobi / pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lake Kivu is located between Rwanda and the DRC, covering 2,700 square kilometers. Alberta has fossil reserves that can be a potential resource for energy production. The beauty of the lake, which features many islands within its azure waters and is surrounded by rolling hills, attracts a lot of tourists looking to both relax and have some fun. Locals depend on its fisheries and agricultural resources, and scientists study its volcanic activity and potential for gas extraction.
Area: 2,700 sq. km
Countries: Rwanda, DRC
Best Time To Visit: June to September
8. Lake Kariba
Photo: SuSanA Secretariat / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Kariba, the world’s largest artificial lake by volume, spans 5,580 square kilometers between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Constructed through the building of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River, it is one of the world’s largest providers of hydroelectric power. The calm waters of the lake and its rich wildlife, including elephants and hippos, make it a popular destination for houseboat cruises and fishing safaris.
Area: 5,580 sq. km
Countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe
Best Time To Visit: May to October
9. Lake Edward
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lake Edward (2,325 square kilometers) straddles the Albertine Rift Valley between Uganda and the DRC. The lake is part of the Virunga and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, famous for their biodiversity and scenic beauty. Hippos, crocodiles, and many types of birds live in and around the lake, making it a great destination for wildlife tourists. Fishing continues to be a crucial source of income for local communities, who rely on its resources for sustenance and income.
Area: 2,325 sq. km
Countries: Uganda, DRC
Best Time To Visit: June to September
10. Lake Natron
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
At an area of 1,040 square kilometers, Lake Natron is one of the most exotic lakes in Africa, located in northern Tanzania. Its extremely alkaline waters, due to volcanic activity, make it a surreal shade of reddish. The lake is an important breeding ground for lesser flamingos and has almost 75% of the world’s population of those birds. Despite its punishing conditions, Lake Natron draws adventurous travellers to its alien landscapes and ecological importance.
Area: 1,040 sq. km
Country: Tanzania
Best Time To Visit: June to November
Lakes of Africa testify to the natural diversity and ecological richness of the continent. These lakes, from the freshwater stretches of Lake Victoria to the saline wonder of Lake Natron, are critical to both the region’s ecology and its communities. Taking a journey through these water bodies is diving into the heart of Africa’s splendor. Plan your next vacation with TripXL and enjoy the beauty of the biggest lakes in Africa.
Cover Photo: Jiame Josh / Wikimedia Commons
