Lake Victoria

Known by names including Nnalubaale and Nyanza, Lake Victoria spreads across a shallow basin in the East African plateau. It is Africa's largest lake by surface area, with deeply indented shores and many islands, among them the Ssese archipelago and Ukerewe. The Kagera River enters from the west, but much of the lake's water comes directly from rainfall. At its northern end the Victoria Nile carries water away towards Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert.