Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake, and Tanzania holds about half of it. Mwanza, on its southern shore, is the main city on the Tanzanian side and the gateway to the western Serengeti. The lake sits at around 1,135 metres above sea level but is surprisingly shallow, reaching about 81 metres at its deepest. A stay here suits travellers who want to see a different side of Tanzania, with busy harbours, fishing villages and granite islands, before or after a safari.

What you will see

Mwanza is known as Rock City for the huge granite boulders scattered across its hills and shoreline. The most famous is Bismarck Rock, which rises straight out of the water in the harbour. A short boat ride away, Saanane Island became a national park in 2013 and, at about 2.2 square kilometres, is the smallest in Tanzania. Walking trails lead past impala, zebra, rock hyrax, klipspringer and vervet monkeys, making it a pleasant half-day trip from the city. Back on the mainland, fishing boats come and go from the harbours, and the lakeshore markets give a lively picture of daily life.

Saanane Island: boats leave from the jetty at Capri Point and take 15 to 20 minutes
Ukerewe: Africa's largest lake island, reached by ferry from Mwanza to Nansio
Sunset cruises on the lake
Sukuma culture: visits to learn about the Sukuma people of the lake region

The lake's story

Nile perch were introduced in the 1950s and 1960s and now support a large fishery. Their arrival has been blamed for the loss of around 200 native cichlid species, a well-known example of how an introduced species can change an ecosystem. Please do not swim or wade anywhere in the lake, as bilharzia is present.

When to go

June to October and January to February are the drier periods and suit boat trips and island walks. Our Tanzania weather guide explains the seasons.

Getting there

Mwanza Airport has flights with Air Tanzania and Precision Air from Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, and light aircraft continue to Rubondo Island and the Serengeti.

How it fits your trip

The direct flights from Kilimanjaro make Mwanza an easy next stop after a Kilimanjaro climb. From the city you can drive into the western Serengeti, fly out to Rubondo for chimpanzees, or simply spend a day or two on the water to rest before going home. A night in Mwanza also works well at the end of a Serengeti safari if your onward flight leaves from here.

Where to stay

Mwanza has hotels and lodges along the shore, several with views of the rocks and the lake. Staying near the water keeps sunset cruises and the Saanane boat within easy reach. Send us your dates and we will see how Lake Victoria fits around your safari.