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16 December 2024
Scenic lakes of the world
|Waterside locations offer some of the most attractive scenery in the world. For adventurous and laid-back travelers alike, the pools and lakes of the world are sure to have something to offer. In this run-through of the best lakes in the world, we recommend a selection of the loveliest and most beguiling bodies of water, handpicked by our local experts.
Central America
Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua
Serene and peaceful, Lake Nicaragua is a haven of natural beauty which remains mostly undisturbed by human development. It is renowned for the beauty of its main island, Ometepe, which consists of two volcanos standing proudly above the water. Ometepe and its 35 neighboring islands make up this unique archipelago but, with proposed plans for an industrial canal under approval, it’s unlikely to remain unchanged for long.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Known all over the world as one of the most beautiful lakes in existence, this oasis of incredible scenery is a peaceful and culturally fascinating destination. Lying at 1,500m altitude, the sparkling lake is surrounded by a string of volcanic peaks and is also the deepest lake in Central America.
If you ever tire of gazing at the views, take some time to explore the charms of the lake’s many shoreside villages. You’ll soon discover a community rich in Maya culture, where locals go about their daily life wearing their traditional dress.
Middle East
Dead Sea, Jordan
The salty waters of the Dead Sea are unique. Set in a landscape of arid ochre hills, the salt deposits that build up along its shore are eerily beautiful, contrasting with the milky turquoise waters. The saltiest body of water in the world sits at the lowest point on Earth, bestowing some peculiarities of climate and sediment. The waters are also believed to be curative, particularly for skin disorders or respiratory complaints.
South America
Argentinian Lake District
A spectacular corner of a picturesque country, the Argentine Lake District in South America is an alpine playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Some come for fishing, others for trekking and mountaineering, and many to potter around the charming towns which line the shores of the lakes.
The entire Lake District is in northern Patagonia, and is a mosaic of sapphire-colored lakes all situated deep within the heart of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The main lakes on your Patagonia bucket list should include the park’s central lake, Nahuel Huapi; the pristine Lago Lácar; mirror-like waters of Lago Moreno and Lago Espejo; and Lago Correntoso for fishing.
If it’s powdery snow and skiing you’re after, head to the area between June and September, when the area is blanketed in snow. Whatever the season, Patagonia’s Lake district is a fantastic year-round destination.
Asia
Tonlé Sap, Cambodia
With its fluctuating water levels, Tonle Sap expands during the rainy season into Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. It is within reach of Siem Reap – gateway to Angkor – and makes a fascinating destination in its own right. The shore is scattered with a succession of stilted and floating villages which offer a fascinating insight into traditional life. Many of the locals make their living from the lake, either fishing or growing crops in the rich fluvial soil.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Myanmar’s magical Inle Lake lies in Shan state and is a highlight of any visit. Take a longboat to visit some of the stilted villages that line the lake shores, and immerse yourself in the comings and goings of rural life. The floating islands are an unusual feature in their own right, as is the unique rowing technique used by the fishermen of Inle Lake.
Africa
Rift Valley lakes, Ethiopia
This string of eight attractive lakes line the bottom of the Ethiopian Rift Valley, which divides the country’s highlands in two. Among the most impressive are the lakes of Ziway and Langano. Ziway offers visitors the opportunity to spot hippos wallowing in the shallows and to explore secluded, monastery-topped islands. Langano, on the other hand, is notable for its apparently bilharzia-free waters (although it’s always best to check locally before swimming).
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
A few days of downtime on the undeniably picturesque shores of Lake Bunyonyi make a perfect counterpoint to the serious wildlife-watching that most visitors come here for. Paddle around the lake in search of its 29 islands, or settle in onshore for some birdwatching. Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’, so avian enthusiasts will not be disappointed!
Lake Malawi, Malawi
Forming part of Africa’s great lakes, the expansive Lake Malawi is the southernmost lake in East Africa’s Rift system, and holds an impressive 7% (estimated) of the world’s surface freshwater. Often called an island paradise because of its fish-filled, crystalline waters and sandy beaches, Lake Malawi is a top choice for water lovers everywhere.
There are roughly 1,000 species of fish teeming beneath the surface, with endemic species like Cichlids in their hundreds. Given that there’s a visibility of up to 30m (98ft) it’s quite easy to spot an array of these colorful species beneath the surface while snorkeling, kayaking or sailing.
North America
Great Bear Lake, Canada
The Great Bear Lake in Canada encompasses 31,328 sq km of rugged Canadian terrain, offering a fantastic Arctic beauty. On its shores you’ll discover remarkable scenery characterized by dense cedar forests, pulsating waterfalls, mountains, moss-covered boulders and sharp fjords.
Located in the Boreal forest of Canada, this untouched and remote lake is the fourth largest in North America and offers crisp graphite-color waters ideal for angling and trout fishing. From walking to hiking and boating (summer), this remote lake is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also one of the best places in the world to see the famous celestial light displays of the northern lights. When it comes to lakes of the world, this one is a top notch choice for intrepid explorers.
Make it happen
If you’re a lover of lakes and enjoy exploring some of the world’s most serene spaces in nature, then chat to our local experts who can help you explore the lakes of the world. From start to finish, they can plan the perfect vacation, tailor-made to your preferences. Whether it’s the volcanic crater lakes of Uganda or the Arctic beauty of Canada’s Great Bear Lake, our team will source the ultimate destination.
