Africa is the second largest and the 2nd most populous continent in the world. It is geographically diversified and is surrounded by many water bodies.
Known for its mountains, mangrove swamps, lowlands and deserts, Africa is also home to the African Great Lakes; a series of lakes within the Rift Valley in and around the East African Rift.
There are numerous number of lakes in Africa of which a few spectacular ones are listed here...
Lake Victoria
Yes you guessed it right!! It is named after Queen Victoria and justifying the glory of its name, it is the largest in Africa, second largest freshwater water lake in the world and also the world’s largest tropical lake.
Its charm is the amazing sunrise and sunset, boat rides to enjoy the full view and much more.
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is home to more fish species than any other lake in the world, making it a great place for snorkeling. It is the third largest lake in Africa.
Lake Retba
Getting its colour from Dunaliella salina algae due to the high concentration of salt in the lake, it is also called as the Pink Lake, the high salt content also results in dwarfism of fishes.
Visit this lake between November to June to witness the mesmerising pink hues.
Lake Tanganyika
This longest and second oldest freshwater lake in the world, is surrounded by the walls of a valley, while the mountains reflect within its water.
It is home to Nile crocodiles, Zambian hinged terrapins and the threatened Storm’s water cobra making it fascinating for wildlife lovers.
Lake Kariba
A major attraction at this lake is the houseboat that you can stay in when you wish to spend more time here. It is the world’s largest man-made lake.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu’s shoreline is home to a few beaches, with the most popular being arguably in the seaside town of Gisenyi.
Here, visitors can enjoy the lake’s water and go sea kayaking, swimming or just enjoy the beach, or even can go on a tour to the lake island of Idjwi.
Lake Bunyonyi
This lake in Africa is the deepest and the most beautiful of all. With its lush green hill surroundings and tiny little islands throughout, it is a great place for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking and nature walks.
Lake Assal
With the salinity levels ten times more than the sea, making it the second most saline in the world and the world’s largest salt reserve, Lake Assal is shallow, but it’s quite beautiful with the surrounding Danakil Desert, while hills sit along its western side.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is surrounded by the Nakuru National Park which is home to much wildlife, including eastern black rhinos, southern white rhinos, warthogs, baboons and giraffes.
There are also lions, leopards and cheetahs living within the park. People come here for its flamingos and game viewing, as well as its camping.
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana is the world’s largest alkaline lake and the world’s largest permanent desert lake, as well as the world’s fourth-largest salt lake. It is known for its great wildlife, including Nile crocodiles, snakes, hippopotamus and even the Turkana mud turtles.
Lakes are one of the best gifts of nature to the mankind. So, plan a trip now and indulge into the serenity of these prettiest lakes in Africa!!