Mwanza

Mwanza is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. The city is surrounded by the picturesque Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, it is also known as the “Rock City” due to the large granite formations that surround the area.

The primary traditional economic activity in Mwanza region is agriculture, with farmers growing a range of food crops and cotton for export markets. Other activities which have created new opportunities for social economic development in the region include fishing and industrial processing of fish for export markets, and large-scale gold and diamond mining activities in neighbouring regions. Mwanza is also experiencing major infrastructural development, with new highways opening to connect NW Tanzania to the city of Dar es Salaam and other parts of Tanzania, as well as other major cities in neighbouring East African countries.

Transportation

The city is served by the Mwanza International Airport, which has daily flights to and from Dar es Salaam and other major cities in Tanzania. The airport is served by passenger airlines such as ATCL, Air Express, Precision Air, and hired shuttle planes to various destinations including Nairobi.

Once you arrive in Mwanza, there are several options for getting around the city. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around the city.

Train service The City is at the railhead of the Mwanza – Dar es Salaam railway line receiving at least three passenger trains per week. The train journey takes about 35 hours through some of the most amazing scenic views. The continuous fleet of Cargo trains which are almost daily.

Buses there are daily buses from Dar es salaam to Mwanza. The bus journey takes about 20 hours covering a distance of 1152 kilometres. Both economy and super luxury coaches are available.

Accommodation

Mwanza has a variety of options to suit every budget. Some of the most popular hotels in the city include Hotel Tilapia, Gold Crest Hotel, Charming Bungalows, and Wag Hill Lodge and Spa. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and spa services.

Attractions

Lake Victoria Named after Queen Victoria this is one of the best lakes of Africa, bearing the titles of the continents biggest lake by area, worlds biggest tropical lake, and second biggest fresh water after the lake Superior. Lake Victoria is placed in north western Tanzania, an area otherwise called as Africa great lake area.

Bujora Sukuma Museum is an open-air museum in the pleasant countryside located in Kisesa about 18 km East of Mwanza off the Musoma/ Serengeti Ndabaka gate road.  In the museum are guided tours in English and Swahili which last nearly two hours. Afterward, one can still walk around and take pictures.

Saanane Island National Park This park is located on an island in the middle of Lake Victoria and is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and impalas. You can take a boat tour of the island and go on a safari to see these animals up close.

Bismarck Rock a large granite formation that is named after the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.

fishing and try your hand at catching Nile perch, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.

Rubondo Island National Park is a must. This park is located on an island in Lake Victoria and is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, elephants, and hippos. You can take a boat tour of the island or go on a safari to see these animals up close.

Foodies and shopping

The must-try dishes in Mwanza is ugali, a type of maize porridge, and nyama choma, grilled meat that is a popular street food in Tanzania.

The Rock City Mall puts Mwanza on the Map, its an iconic location where everyone who goes through the City must come to. Its a place where you can find all necessary services under one roof

Healthcare

Aga khan is full-fledged Hospital with specialized care in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Paediatrics.

Important notes

• bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, as the sun can be strong and there are mosquitoes in the area.
• comfortable walking shoes, as there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring in Mwanza
• Bring local cash as not all places will accept credit cards.
• For easy communication learn the basic Swahili words.