The lovely Lake Victoria is the setting for a holiday that’s about as far away from it all as you can possibly get.

It’s the world’s second largest freshwater lake and is the magical source of the Nile. A century ago European explorers risked their lives to claim this prize for their Empires. It was famed as the pearl of Africa.

The Lake is rich in fish and birdlife, it’s islands lush and verdant. The deep blue waters support an abundant ecosystem. It’s shores are lined with groves of banana trees and fishing villages where you’ll always be greeted with a friendly smile and a wave.

The chance to catch the giant Nile perch draws many. Some come for the abundant birds, fish eagles, kingfishers and pelicans, others to glimpse the playful otters.

Above all Mfangano Island Camp is an ideal place just to relax, swim, read and feel yourself a million miles from anywhere. A place to soothe the mind, to treat yourself to fish caught fresh that day, to fruit and vegetables from our own lakeside gardens.

Even if you don’t take advantage of the many activities we organise, there’s plenty to enthral you. Each morning fleets of brightly-painted fishing boats glide past, each evening their lights shimmer across the water.

Day trips are possible from the Masai Mara Game Reserve using our own light aircraft, but we recommend staying for at least two nights, if only for the spectacular sunsets, the sky aflame as the sun sinks beneath the Lake.

PRACTICALITIES

• Lake Victoria to Masai Mara: 40 minutes by air, daily service
  Lake Victoria to Nairobi: 1 and half hours by air, charter flights only
• Day trips from Masai Mara depart early morning, return afternoon (in time for an evening game drive), or depart morning return late afternoon (allowing for an early morning game drive)
• Day trips include flight, breakfast (early departure), lunch and fishing, birdwatching or boat rides
• We recommend you stay at least 2 nights to take advantage of fishing, bird watching, boat trips and the island’s unique atmosphere, flight charters can be arranged from the Masai Mara

FRIENDLY FACES, MAGIC PLACES

A tug on the line, the whine of the reel as the giant Nile perch you’ve hooked dives to the lake bottom, the fight is on. Whether you’re a keen fisherman or just fancy a go, catching a perch is something you won’t forget.

But there’s much more too on Lake Victoria. The bird and wildlife is fascinating. The people amongst the friendliest you’ll meet anywhere. The sparkling waters perfect for a refreshing dip.

Mfangano Island Camp is an ideal base for all these. Our fleet of fibreglass speedboats are staffed by local boatmen. If you fancy a whole day on the water we’ll pack a picnic and a cooler full of cold drinks.

BIRD LIFE

The cry of the fish eagle is a sound you’ll hear often. These majestic birds are the most spectacular of the lake’s many species. If you’re lucky you’ll see one swoop to pluck a live fish from the waters. Our specialist ornithologist can help you discover colonies of diving cormorants colourful kingfishers and pelicans.

TO CATCH A KING

The Nile perch is the king of the lake’s fish. It can grow to 1.8 metres (6 feet) long, weigh 140 kilograms (300 pounds) and is delicious eating. In the shallows there are tilapia. We provide all the specialist fishing tackle you need.

ISLANDS OF MYSTERY

For the adventurous there are enchanting villages to visit. And if you feel like exploring, the island has an ancient history, with prehistoric rock art hidden in caves high in the interior. Or we’ll take you round Rainmaker’s island, fabled locally as a site where magicians practice their art.

PRACTICALITIES

• All activities are included in the room rate
• We provide all fishing equipment, just bring a hat and sunscreen
• Fishing is for all standards, newcomers and non-fishermen are as welcome as experts binoculars are recommended for bird watching
• Good walking shoes are necessary to explore the island

© Governor's Camps  / Choices Wild Limited, 2005. All rights Reserved.