Mwanza & Ukerewe Island

Mwanza is Tanzania's gateway to Lake Victoria. A freshwater coastal city with a long history of fishing and commerce. Often referred to as Rock City for the prominent outcrops of rocks on its waterfront, Mwanza is a multi-cultural city with an array of attractions for visitors. Out on Lake Victoria on nearby islands a laid back environment offers the few tourists that venture out here an opportunity to take it slow, relax, and connect with local communities,

Tour Itinerary

Day One

After being picked up from the airport or bus station, we will head to your hotel to check in and drop off your bags. We will then travel to the Sukuma Museum – Bujora Cultural Centre to lean about the Sukuma people who populate the surrounding region. Songs, dance, and snakes are all part of the activities that your guide will walk you through. In the evening, we will travel to Samaki Corner in the centre of Mwanza to grab some dinner and check out the heart of the city.

Day Two

The next morning will be an early start as we head out to Mwaloni Market to watch the morning's catch be sold. Grab breakfast on the way and then head to the ferry terminal for the trip to Ukerewe Island on Lake Victoria. In the main town of Nansio, we will grab lunch and then explore the local area.

Day Three

On Day 3, visitors have a choice of either travelling to the Dancing Stone on Ukara Island, or visiting an elementary school. The Dancing Stone is a large rock that is a fixture on the local mythology of Ukara Island. It is attended over by a family that performs a song to make the rock move. For those that prefer to visit a local elementary school, we will head to a village near Nansio where you will have a chance to meet the students and exchange stories.

Day Four

In the morning we will head out with some local fishermen in a dhow to try and catch some tilapia or Nile perch for lunch. At noon we will catch the ferry back to Mwanza and head back to the hotel. In the afternoon, we will stop by the Hindu Sree Sanatan Temple, then check out the shops on Makoroboi Street.

Day Five

On our last day, we will hire a boat to take us to Saanane Island National Park. Although its Tanzania's smallest park, it has abundant monkeys and zebras, along with other animals. After returning to Mwanza we will grab lunch together, before taking you to the airport or bus station for your departure.

Trip Cost - $400

As part of our planning process, we help customize the sample trip itinerary to suit your respective interests and needs.

Mkalimu's trip cost estimates are inclusive of accommodation, transportation, entrance fees, and guiding services. They do not include food costs and gratuities. We price our trips based on the use of public transport or private taxis, and modest but well-maintained hotels with AC rooms and mosquito nets. We are more than happy to quote prices on request for trip options that involve higher end accommodation and private vehicles.