Africa’s Top 10 Lakes for Camping and Wildlife Viewing
Africa is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes, each offering unique opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing. Whether nestled in vast national parks or surrounded by dramatic landscapes, these lakes provide a front-row seat to nature at its most spectacular.
From spotting hippos and crocodiles to waking up to the calls of fish eagles, camping by these lakes is an experience unlike any other. Here are ten of Africa’s top lakes where you can enjoy both adventure and relaxation in the wild.
1. Lake Victoria (Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya)
Why Visit?
As the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria spans three countries and supports an incredible array of wildlife. The lake’s islands, including Uganda’s Ssese Islands and Tanzania’s Rubondo Island National Park, offer serene camping spots, excellent birdwatching, and the chance to see rare species such as the sitatunga antelope.
Wildlife Highlights:
Hippos and Nile crocodiles in the shallows
Fish, eagles, kingfishers, and herons along the shores
Monitor lizards, otters, and primates on nearby islands
Camping Experience:
Several lodges and campsites provide lakeside accommodation, ranging from basic tented camps to more luxurious options. In places like Rubondo Island, visitors can enjoy secluded camping while exploring the island’s forest trails and waters by canoe.
2. Lake Malawi (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania)
Why Visit?
Known as the “Lake of Stars” due to its sparkling waters at night, Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its biodiversity. The lake is home to more species of freshwater fish than any other lake in the world, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Wildlife Highlights:
Over 1,000 species of colorful cichlid fish
African fish eagles soaring over the water
Monitor lizards and baboons along the shoreline
Camping Experience:
Lake Malawi has numerous beachfront campsites, particularly in Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay. Many allow direct access to the lake for swimming and kayaking. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite for overlanders and nature lovers.
3. Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania, DR Congo, Zambia, Burundi)
Why Visit?
Stretching over 673 km, Lake Tanganyika is one of the world’s longest and deepest lakes. It is an excellent location for observing aquatic life, chimpanzee trekking, and enjoying scenic landscapes.
Wildlife Highlights:
Hippos, otters, and crocodiles in the water
Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania)
Unique freshwater fish species
Camping Experience:
The Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks offer remote camping options where visitors can enjoy the combination of lake activities and primate trekking.
4. Lake Nakuru (Kenya)
Why Visit?
Located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo populations and the surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park, which provides excellent safari opportunities.
Wildlife Highlights:
Thousands of flamingos (seasonal)
White and black rhinos in the national park
Giraffes, buffalos, and leopards
Camping Experience:
There are designated campsites within Lake Nakuru National Park, offering visitors a chance to wake up surrounded by wildlife. The park’s well-maintained roads allow for easy exploration.
5. Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)
Why Visit?
Surrounded by rolling green hills, Lake Bunyonyi is often called “the Switzerland of Africa” due to its stunning scenery. This deep, freshwater lake is bilharzia-free, meaning it’s one of the few lakes in Africa safe for swimming. (trust me, you don’t want to get Bilharzia!)
Wildlife Highlights:
Otters and small fish species
Over 200 species of birds, including kingfishers and grey-crowned cranes
Clusters of islands with rich vegetation
Camping Experience:
Several lakeside campsites and eco-lodges provide spectacular views and access to canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching. Bushara Island is a popular choice for a peaceful retreat.
6. Lake Kariba (Zambia, Zimbabwe)
Why Visit?
One of the world’s largest man-made lakes, Lake Kariba, is a wildlife-rich destination perfect for fishing, houseboat safaris, and lakeside camping.
Wildlife Highlights:
Elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the shore
Abundant birdlife, including fish eagles, and cormorants
Nearby Matusadona National Park, home to lions and buffalos
Camping Experience:
Campsites on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides offer stunning lake views, often with elephants wandering nearby. Houseboat stays are also a unique way to explore the lake.
7. Lake Turkana (Kenya, Ethiopia)
Why Visit?
Known as the “Jade Sea,” Lake Turkana is the world’s largest desert lake, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich cultural history.
Wildlife Highlights:
Crocodiles and hippos in the lake
Rare Grevy’s zebras and oryx in the surrounding desert
Flamingos and pelicans in the shallower areas
Camping Experience:
Camping at Sibiloi National Park or Eliye Springs provides an off-the-beaten-path experience, ideal for those seeking remote adventure.
8. Lake Assal (Djibouti)
Why Visit?
One of the saltiest lakes in the world, Lake Assal is a geological marvel set within a crater surrounded by barren volcanic landscapes.
Wildlife Highlights:
Flamingos and other migratory birds
Salt-adapted aquatic species
Unique desert wildlife such as oryx and jackals
Camping Experience:
Camping here is a wilderness experience, with few facilities but incredible views of salt flats and crystal-clear waters.
9. Lake Albert (Uganda, DR Congo)
Why Visit?
Part of the Albertine Rift, this lake is an excellent place for birdwatching, fishing, and cultural interactions with local fishing communities.
Wildlife Highlights:
Hippos and Nile crocodiles
Shoebill storks, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds
Monkeys and antelopes in the surrounding forests
Camping Experience:
Lakeside camping is possible at Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, both offering a mix of lake activities and safari experiences.
10. Lake Kivu (Rwanda, DR Congo)
Why Visit?
With its scenic beauty and warm waters, Lake Kivu is a top destination for relaxation, kayaking, and exploring nearby mountain trails.
Campsites along Rwanda’s Karongi and Gisenyi shores provide stunning lake views, often with access to local fishing villages and hiking trails.
Final Thoughts
Africa’s lakes are more than just scenic landscapes—they are thriving ecosystems that offer incredible opportunities for camping and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re drawn to birdwatching, safaris, or simply the tranquility of a lakeside retreat, these ten lakes provide unforgettable experiences.
Have you visited any of these lakes, or do you have other favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
