Mwanza

Mwanza is Tanzania's most important port on Lake Victoria. The city sits on the southern shore of the lake. Mwanza is the terminus of the central railway line from Dar es Salaam.

Although there is little of interest in Mwanza, it is an attractive town, surrounded by rocky hills. This is why the locals call Mwanza the 'Rock City'. One of the most famous rock formations is known as Bismarck Rock

. It lies in Lake Victoria, just several meters from the shore.

Mwanza is home to the Wasukuma tribes people. Mwanza's port handles the cotton, tea and coffee that is grown in the area.

Point of interest

The forementioned Bismarck Rock is a striking rock formation just offshore in Lake Victoria.
The Mwanza Railway Station.
The Jamatkhana Mosque.
The Nyakahoja Catholic Church.
About 15 km east of town, on the main road to Musoma is the Sukuma Museum (or Bujora Museum), which has displays about the culture and traditions of the Wasukuma tribe. The so-called Sukuma Snake Dance is performed there once a week. You can get there by bus from Mwanza.

National Parks

Saanane Island National Park is located on a rocky island in Lake Victoria. It is only 500 m from Capri Point in the center of Mwanza.
Rubondo Island National Park is in Lake Victoria, 110 km west of Mwanza. You can get there by car, by boat, or by plane, as there are direct flights from Mwanza to the island.
The Ndabaka Gate is the westernmost gate of Serengeti National Park. It is about 150 km from town and day trips to the park are available in Mwanza.

There are numerous hotels and guesthouses in town, as well as a whore range of restaurants. The railway station is south of the center, while the market and bus station are a few blocks east of there.

The city has bus connections with Arusha. Mwanza sits on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, 860 km northwest of Dar es Salaam.

Hotels in Mwanza

Images

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