Top Five Things to Do in Mwanza
Top Five Things to Do in Mwanza : Tanzania is a glorious nation in East Africa. Its beautiful nature, wildlife, landscapes, and culture set it apart from the rest of the world. It is in Tanzania where you can meet major highlights like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mount Kilimanjaro, etc.
Most visitors coming to Tanzania land at its two major international airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha and Julius Kambarage International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.
Only a few visitors take a trip to Mwanza. Nestled in the northwestern part of Tanzania, Mwanza is an incredible destination worth visiting. It is the second largest city in Tanzania after Dar es Salaam.
In this article, you’ll discover the top five things you must do while in Mwanza. You’ll discover amazing attractions, including Lake Victoria, stunning rocks, culture, wildlife in Saanane Island and Rubondo Island, and the bustling Mwanza City.
#1. Lake Victoria Boat Cruising
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Cruising on this lake is an exhilarating experience. Boat cruises are available from multiple locations including Mwanza City. While on a boat cruise, you can engage in other activities, including sport fishing, fishing with local fishermen, etc.
Sport fishing is fishing for fun. A fishing hook is cast into the water with a bait. Once, the fish try to devour the bait, you pull the hook out. This activity is meant for sports only. It is a catch-and-release activity.
As you sail on Lake Victoria, you may encounter some of its freshwater life. It is home to over 200 fish species. The most common species is the tilapia. The Nile perch is also common, though it was introduced in Lake Victoria several decades ago.
In the evening, a sundowner boat cruise awaits you. It is usually done from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You’ll witness the lake turn into a pale tint of orange as the turquoise waters reflect the sunset rays. Wrap up the day with a comfortable night’s stay in your hotels in Mwanza.
#2. Explore local culture and traditions
90% of people living in Mwanza are Sukuma. You probably know a little about them or not. They are the largest Bantu ethnic group in Tanzania. They live in extended families.
Finding a family of up to 10 adults living together is prevalent. Their main economic activities are subsistence agriculture and livestock keeping. However, those living near Lake Victoria practice fishing.
Visiting at least one Sukuma family is an incredible experience. They uniquely represent African culture and are welcoming to visitors (Bageni). You’ll be amazed by their hospitality.
If your trip falls in the dry season, you may be lucky to witness their traditional dances, the Mbina sports. It is a traditional dance that goes together with drumbeats and songs. The dances feature two sides, Wagika and Wagalu. The winner is the side with many spectators at the time being.
The Sukuma also traditionally celebrates marriage festivals. The bride exchanges a dowry for a bridegroom, after which ceremonies follow.
It is important to note that the Sukuma have many dialects. Some dialects have different cultural practices, though they don’t differ much, and usually, they understand each other.
#3. Visit Bujora Cultural Center
At the heart of the town of Mwanza is Bujora Cultural Center or the Sukuma Museum. It houses many cultural sculptures and resources about the history and culture of the Sukuma tribe.
There are a lot of things to learn from this museum. Watch the surroundings, including the big drums and others. The Sukuma Royal Game (or Isolo in Sukuma) is amazing. You can try to beat locals by playing this game.
Traditional performances are also available on request. Other things to discover include the Royal Pavilion, Bujora Church, etc. You’ll also discover the history of Sukuma, including their chiefdoms, ntemiships, and more. Not only this but also, you’ll learn about the herbs used by the Sukuma.
#4. Visit Saanane Island
On your safari around, don’t miss out on visiting Saanane Island National Park. Although it is the smallest national park in Tanzania, it offers a lot. Several wild animals call it home. They include buffalos, impalas, elephants, zebras, giraffes, hippos, antelopes, and vervet monkeys.
Saanane Island is just 2.18 square kilometers big. It is situated just 2 kilometers southwest of Mwanza City, and it is the gateway from the hustle and bustle of Mwanza. It is among the destinations where you’ll relax in the middle of the jungle.
The name “Saanane” comes from a local conservationist called Saanane Chawandi who pioneered its foundation. He started it as an animal garden. Currently, it is home to a diverse wildlife.
How many days to spend on Saanane Island? A day trip is quite enough to discover the beauty of this island. The day is always busy as you’ll engage in activities like wildlife viewing, bird-watching, canoeing, rock climbing, and walking tours.
#5. Explore Rubondo Island
Rubondo Island is a majestic island in Africa. It is the largest island park in Africa. Rubondo offers the views of the endangered chimpanzees, the most primitive primates in Africa.
Other wild animals include elephants, giraffes, antelopes, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and the rare sitatunga antelope. Many water birds, crocodiles, and hippos can be spotted on shallow shore.
Rubondo is good for day trips. Multi-day trips are available from Mwanza. There is an accommodation facility available here, Rubondo Island Camp. The rooms are spacious and luxurious.
The freshwater beaches are not things you should miss on your safari in Mwanza. Notable beaches include Pasha Beach, Rock Beach Garden, and Tunza Resort. While on these beaches, you can enjoy bathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and many water sports.
Mwanza is home to a dozen of must-see attractions. Other stunning destinations include the Bismarck Rock, Rocky City Mall, Mwaloni Market, Fortes Africa, etc.
If you wish to explore this vibrant city up close, inquire. Focus East Africa Safari organizes unforgettable Tanzania safaris to any destination of your desire. Reach out to our safari planners to get your safari done.
