Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria - Rubondo and Saanane Island National Park

By far the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria’s fishing industries and the agricultural land for coffee and cotton production are increasing the economic importance of the area, especially in Mwanza. Trade with neighbouring Uganda to the east and Kenya to the north means that the ports on Lake Victoria are bustling with growth and economic activity. It gives an opportunities of visiting Saa Nane Island, Ukerewe Island as well as exploration at Rubondo Island National Park.

Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island is tucked into the corner of Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest lake, an inland sea sprawling between three countries. Rubondo provides protection for fish breeding grounds, while tilapia and the rapacious Nile Perch, some weighing more than 100kg, tempt recreational fisher-folk with challenging sports fishing and world record catches. But Rubondo is more than a water wonderland. Deserted sandy beaches nestle against a cloak of virgin forest. Papyrus swamps host the secretive Sitatunga, a shaggy aquatic antelope, and the dappled bushbuck.

Rubondo is a bird watchers paradise, with the Malachite Kingfisher’s azure brilliance competing with the Paradise Flycatcher’s glamorous flowing tail. Rubondo is home to African Fish Eagles and is a global stopover for hundreds of migratory birds, as well as a sanctuary for sweet smelling wild jasmine and 40 different species of orchid. Ninety percent of the island is covered with humid forest, the remainder ranges from coastal grassland to lakeside papyrus beds. A number of indigenous mammal species – hippo, bushbuck, genet, and mongoose – share their protected habitat with introduced species such as chimpanzee, elephant, and giraffe.

Rubondo’s wild flowers are at their best from November to March. For migratory birds, visit December to February. The island’s climate is at its most pleasant from June to August.

Saanane Island National Park

The Magestic Isle Saanane, a Park that is located on an island in the Lake Victoria covering an area of 2.18 Km2. It’s the only National Park within the city limits.The island was named after Mzee Saanane Chawandi, a local farmer and fisherman. The park is a home to free roaming mammals such as zebra, impala, rock hyrax, velvet monkey and wild cat. It’s the only place in Tanzania where you might encounter the De-brazza’s monkey.

Is an ideal place for game viewing, bird watching, rock hiking, boat cruise, walking, picnics, bush lunch, photographing/ filming, meditation and sport fishing, special occasions like wedding, engagement, team building, family day and birthdays can also be organized.

How to get there:

The Park can be reached by rail, ship, air or by road followed by a boat trip to Saanane.

• Road and boat: One can drive to Mwanza from Dar-es-salaam, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Tabora or by ferry from Uganda, Kenya, Bukoba and nearby islands. It takes short boat ride about 10m from Mwanza to Saanane
• Air: A flight from dar-es-salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport to Mwanza.

Properties:

Tourists can camp inside the park but can as well obtain budget hotels and lodges from Mwanza.

Best time to visit:

• Wild flowers from November to March. For migratory birds, visit December to February. The island’s climate is at its most pleasant from June to August.

Activities around Mwanza and Lake Victoria:

• Hiking
• Bird Watching
• Visit Saa Nane Island
• Visit Ukerewe Island
• Visit Rubondo Island
• Boat riding to Bismarck Rocks
• Capri Point - For great views over the Lake

Properties:

• Malaika Resort
• Hotel Tilapia
• Gold Crest Hotel
• Wag Hill Lodge
• Isamilo Lodge
• New Mwanza Hotel
• Lake Hotel
• Speke Bay Lodge
• Buguza Village Homestay
• Monarch Hotel & Beach Resort