EXPEDITION SAIL LAKE VICTORIA
Msafara wa Ziwa Victoria
In the summer of 2025 we will be undertaking a research expedition to circumnavigate the lake's 1000km shoreline to visit key restoration projects underway, and shed light on the regenerative investment opportunities in commercial and agriculrural processes that can play such a powerful role in the lake's revitalisation. The story of Lake Victoria is one of natural beauty, community empowerment and optimism.
Summer 2025
2 months
over 1000km
3 countries
3 areas of research
1 dhow
About the Expedition
Our team, largely made up of East African professionals, will visit key restoration projects in all three lake states, raising the profile of the vital but largely unrecognised work already underway.
The team will also carry out water quality research throughout the journey, painting a clear picture of the scale and profile of pollution and indicating its sources.
We will document this work in film and set off on a tour of investment capitals across Europe and Africa to highlight the beauty and richness of the region and its unique potential for regnerative investment and innovation.
Bringin together the varied efforts of local organisations trying to secure the lake's future, this expedition is a key step in a 30 year project to restore and secure Lake Victoria's ability to serve its communities. The Lake Victoria Restoration Alliance will be a new and powerful voice for all those investing in and dependent on the lake's future.
We are currently sourcing key partnerships at all levels from operational expertise, funding, agricology insights, community projects and restoration initiatives. Together, with the countless hearts, hands and heads already committed to this journey, we can secure Lake Victoria's future.
If you would like to know more or get involved, please get in touch.
Mark Haviland
This is an untold story of hope, richness and optimism.
Its time to tell that story.
Key Objectives
Lake Victoria
Raise international awareness
With strong foundations of natural resource and social ambition, the opportunity to raise optimism and investment in the region is enormous. We aim to raise the profile of the lake and highlight investment opportunities that will empower the local communities.
Collect scientific data
Travel local and light...
We intend to buy, build or borrow an African dhow so we can motor and sail around the lake. Options for this are under consideration.
In partnership with the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE), together with other scientific and academic advisors, we will focus on water quality, turbidity and microplastic pollution. We will also agregate insights from each restoration project we visit, highlighting their work and prompting further support.
Produce a documentary
We will be producing a series of short films to highlight key projects and share a unique story of optimism that few outside of Africa have heard. We hope that this intimate glimpse into the remarkable communities of the Lake Victoria Basin will inspire more people to become involved in uplifting this beautiful environment.
European Tour
After the expedition is completed, we will plan a tour of cities around Europe to take the New Narrative of Lake Victoria and its potential to policy makers and investors. These decision makers will be essential in the EU-African partnership that is so important to the future of our two continents.
The Lake Victoria Restoration Alliance
The Sail Lake Victoria research expedition is backed by a coalition of organisations bound by our shared belief in the immense potential of Lake Victoria for environmental regeneration and community growth. Together, through collective action and shared resources, we are dedicated to telling the real and optimistic story of this wonderful and important lake.
