Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Mwanza, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Mwanza, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Mwanza is a Tanzanian port city situated on the southern shore of Victoria Lake in the northwestern part of the country at 2°31′ S 32°54′ E. Mwanza is the 2^nd largest city of Tanzania, after Dar es Salaam and the administrative centre of Mwanza Region. It is popularly called as the Rock City, which refers a massive rock formation in Mwanza side of Lake Victoria. Located around 1,140 meters above sea level, Mwanza is blessed by a fresh breeze, calm weather and moderate temperature year round. Fishing and agricultural activities play vital role in Mwanza’s economy.

History of Mwanza:

Prior to beginning of colonial rule in the country, Mwanza had seen the rule of many regional powers, notably of the empires of Kerewe, Kara, Zinza and Sukuma. When the Germans took the control of Tanganyika (today’s Tanzania), Mwanza gained the status of district in the German colonial government. Mwanza also witnessed the British reign after the First World War. Mwanza became town in 1978 and city in 2000.

How to get Mwanza?

Mwanza is well connected to the rest of Tanzania by all three major modes of transportation. Mwanza Airport is situated near the lake shore, around 10 km away from the city’s midpoint. Apart from Tanzanian destinations including Dar es Salaam, the airport also links city to the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

By road, Mwanza is situated around 1160 km northwest of Dar es Salaam and this route is served by Green Star, Princess Muro and many other prominent bus companies with daily buses. Mwanza is also reachable by train from Dar es Salaam.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Mwanza:

Mwanza is a city with people belonging to different religions like Swaminarayan, Hindus, Christians and Muslims along with traditional practices.

The most famous locally produced shopping product in Mwanza is Nile perch fish fillet boxes, is typical and worth a price. Seafood is favorite of visitors in Mwanza that is really mouthwatering.

Things to do in Mwanza:

Serengeti Sange Safari
Shopping
Walking

What to see in Mwanza?

Lake Victoria:

Nearly everything in Mwanza is concentrated on the Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake and the largest lake in Africa. The lake shore is highlighted by Bismarck Rock, a gigantic rock formation. The rock can be climbed to have a charming view of the waters.

CCM Kirumba Stadium:

The CCM Kirumba Stadium is one of the identities of Mwanza as the country’s 3^rd largest stadium. This multipurpose stadium, mainly used for football matches, can hold around 35,000 spectators.

Bujora Museum Centre:

The Bujora Museum Centre is dedicated to the history of Sukuma tribe, who are believed that the largest tribal group in Tanzania. A perfect spot to get the awareness of local culture.

Kageye:

Kageye is a small village and historic site and was one of the parts of the Sukuma Kingdom, one of the regional powers in Mwanza. The village is also the site of the final resting place of an explorer, Frederick Barker and a Jewish descent, Dr Junker.

Saanane Island Game Reserve:

Located around 5 km from the heart of Mwanza, the Saanane Island Game Reserve was initially a zoo, designated in 1964 and became game reserve in 1991. A great site for nature lovers.

Other places of interest in and around Mwanza include:

Williamson diamond mine
Northern Kahama Game Reserve
Maswa Game Reserve
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Lake Manyara National Park
Arusha Clock Tower
The National Natural History Museum
Arusha National Park
Tarangire National Park

When to visit Mwanza?

The weather of Mwanza generally remains pleasant throughout the year, though the most preferred time to visit Mwanza is from June to October.

Where to stay in Mwanza?

Plenty of options, ranging from budget lodges to star rated hotels with superior amenities, served in a lovely and engaging way to make visitors’ tour memorable. Some such nice hotels in Mwanza are listed below: