What is the largest lake in Africa?

Lake Victoria is recognized as the largest lake in Africa and is also the largest tropical lake in the world. It has an approximate surface area of about 68,800 square kilometers (26,600 square miles), making it significantly larger than the other lakes mentioned.

Lake Victoria is located in East Africa, bordered by three countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is an important resource for the region, supporting millions of people through fishing, transport, and agriculture. Furthermore, it plays a critical role in the ecosystem and has a rich biodiversity, including numerous species of fish.

In contrast, Lake Tanganyika, while being the second largest lake in Africa by surface area, is deeper and located further west, bordered by four countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. Lake Malawi is known for its unique biodiversity but is smaller than Lake Victoria. Lake Chad is also significantly smaller and has become increasingly shrunk due to climate change and other factors. The prominence and vastness of Lake Victoria clearly establish its status as the largest lake on the continent.