Some of the biggest lakes in the world are the size of multiple countries. It would take days and weeks to even drive around some of these lakes. But you can partly visit all of them. Lakes are measured both by surface and by depth. But the good news is you can learn almost everything about them before you plan to visit these majestic wonders of nature.
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10. Great Slave Lake
This impressive lake is the second largest in Canada’s North. Its size is impressive even if it sits on our 10th spot. This lake has a total length of over 200 miles. Its width differs from one location to another. At its narrowest point, it measures 20 miles. At its widest width, this lake measures 200 miles. As expected from its Northern location, this lake can even freeze in the winter when cars run over it.
9. Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is found in 3 African countries. It has a length of 360 miles and a maximum estimated depth of 2.300 feet. Its natural appeal is also matched by a political and historical appeal. This lake marks the border between Malawi and Tanzania. An agreement between the Brits and the Portuguese set the boundaries between these 2 countries right in the middle of the lake. You can start sailing on its Western Tanzanian shores and end up in another country as Malawi on its Eastern shore.
8. Great Bear Lake
The Great Bear Lake is entirely found in Canada. It has multiple rivers flowing in such as the Whitefish River. With a length of over 200 miles, this lake is also hard to circle by foot or even by car. Sitting at the edge of the Arctic Circle, the lake has cold waters most months of the year. But it attracts plenty of tourists together with the local grizzly bears which inspired its name.
7. Baikal
Lake Baikal is found in Russia. It measures an incredible 395 miles in length. The size of the lake means the nature around it can look very different. From sandy beaches to rocky mountains, the nature around the lake looks impressive. Several species of fish are also found here, mainly through the rivers that flow into its waters. But this lake is also a UNESCO-protected area due to its incredible ecosystem.
6. Lake Tanganyika
The narrow lake has a length of more than 400 miles. Found in Africa, it stretches over countries such as Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Congo. It is the world’s longest lake and its irregular shape doesn’t stop it from being deep as well. It’s the second deepest lake in the world following Lake Baikal. The lake has an impressive fish population. People around the lake can even be known to feed entire communities simply by fishing in its waters.
5. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has a length of 307 miles. Most people who live in the Chicago area know this lake as an excellent summer holiday destination. It features tens of beaches and tens of parks where you can relax with your family. There are even multiple islands you can see here.
To see some of the islands on Lake Michigan, you can board one of the local cruise ships. But during the winter, the tourists’ number coming here diminishes considerably. On the other hand, the lake provides fresh drinking water to many metropolitan areas around it.
4. Lake Huron
Lake Huron borders Canada and the USA. It’s known for being one of the largest lakes in the world and as the home of the largest lake island in the world. Interestingly, it can be an area of historic exploration. It has been shown that the lake has over 1.000 shipwrecks. Some of the first shipwrecks here are believed to be European and they have been exploring the area of the Great Lakes since the 1600s.
In terms of the fish you can find here, you shouldn’t get your hopes too high. It has changed its fish population considerably over the past few decades. This is partly due to the introduction of a few predatory species to its waters.
3. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest in Africa. It has a length of 200 miles and it borders Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is home to very rare species of fish such as the Nile Perch and Cichlid fish. The local importance of the lake is impressive.
Communities around Lake Victoria use their water for drinking and farming purposes. It is also a lake that facilitates boat transport between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Unfortunately, the lake is also one of the most negatively impacted by human behavior. It is believed water pollution is responsible here for the disappearance of many species of fish.
2. Lake Superior
Bordering Canada and the United States, Lake Superior has a length of 383 miles. Lake Superior has a major historic route in the trade of grains and iron between the United States and Canada. But interestingly, it is also an area of research. It has been found that the lake warms up a bit faster than its surrounding area and this could stop its freezing process which normally occurs every 20 years.
1. The Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea is regarded as the world’s largest lake. It borders Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran. It has a length of just over 750 miles making it almost impossible to drive around even in a few days.
Today, the sea is part of political conflict as it has been known as a rich oil resource. But it has been part of various political agreements and its neighboring states have tried to draw their borders in the year 2000. It also has multiple transportation methods such as ferries that link various cities. For example, you can travel between Iran and Russia by taking a Caspian Sea ferry. This lake also features several navigation canals to make these journeys more pleasant and even to make them faster.
