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Lake Victoria is simply huge and its location straddles three countries, bordering Tanzania to the North West, touching the Serengeti National Park. There are a number of options in how to visit and get there but in terms of safaris, Lake Victoria is best seen as part of a Serengeti safari.

The entrance gates to the Serengeti are over 300km from Arusha. Arusha is the starting point for most safaris to Serengeti National Park which can be seen after Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is served by its own regional airport (ARK) that can be reached via Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyere International Airport, or the closer by Kilimanjaro International Airport where regular KLM flights from Amsterdam land as well as new Qatar and Turkish Airlines routes.

Alternatively, a shuttle bus can take you from Kenya to Arusha but most safari operators will pick you up at the airport and take you from there.

However, if Lake Victoria is your only interest, the best way for getting there is via Mwanza which lies on its South Eastern shores. Mwanza is well served by its own airports which can be reached from chartered flights from Arusha and is regularly flown to from Dar es Salaam.</p>
The best time of year to visit Lake Victoria depends on your preference. If you are coupling with a Serengeti safari, between December and July is best to witness the great wildebeest migration or between June and October to see more predatory and general game. The Serengeti offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year however and Lake Victoria is accessible throughout as well. However, Lake Victoria is not the best swimming area and it is advised to take the decision to swim there carefully ask where is a safe place.