Tourism Around Lake Zone in Tanzania
Let’s face it. The northern circuit is like the face of Tanzania. Hosting world-famous destinations like Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the culture-rich Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this circuit receives the largest volume of visitors. But is this the only place with captivating attractions? No…, there are other zones, including the southern circuit, western circuit, and coastal or eastern circuit.
And what is this Lake Zone? Lake Zone encompasses all attractions in and around Lake Victoria. The main gateway to this hidden, remote zone is Mwanza, the second-largest city in Tanzania. This wonderful city has a unique landscape, with granite rock formations dominating the largest portion of it. These rocks have earned Mwanza the nickname, ‘Rock City.’
How to get to the Lake Zone.
The best way to get to the Lake Zone is by flight. It’s the most comfortable and cheapest. Mwanza Airport, the largest airport serving this zone, receives daily scheduled flights from main entry points like Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The airport is also connected to some wildlife destinations like the Serengeti. You can also fly to Mwanza from Ruaha or Nyerere (on charter). Alternatively, you can drive to Mwanza from any location within Tanzania, only that you’re okay with long drives (taking more than 7 hours).
Attractions in the Lake Zone.
Being remote doesn’t necessarily mean lacking attractions: it means raw, untamed beauty unveiling right before you without competition. There are some fascinating attractions in and around the Lake Zone. We’ve carefully picked some of the best destinations.
Rubondo Island National Park
Nestled in Lake Victoria is the remote Rubondo Island. This island spans 456.8 square kilometers, making it Africa’s largest island national park. Visitors lucky enough to reach this wonderful island often come across undisturbed wildlife, aquatic species, and birds.
Top highlights
Chimpanzees: Rubondo Island is one of the only three locations where people go to watch the endangered chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This island is home to the ancient Congolese forests, a kind of habitat preferred by these beautiful primates. Chimpanzee trekking is not as good as in Gombe, but the chimpanzee habituation experience (CHE) is another level.
Wildlife: Rubondo’s diverse habitats host an array of wildlife species. The number is good enough for a full-day game drive. The lush forests host Maasai giraffes and the gentle giants (elephants), while the marshes and lake shores house giant hippos and crocodiles. This park is home to the rare sitatunga antelope, which deserves a special treat in every wildlife game drive in northern parks.
Birdlife: Think, thick forests, woodlands, rocks, and lake shores. All these are perfect hideouts for birds. Over 300 species of birds call Rubondo Island home. African fish eagles, African grey parrots (introduced), cormorants, egrets, and herons.
Boat cruises: While on this island, you’ve the chance to explore Lake Victoria from the comfort of a boat. Boats for hire are available. And excursions are available from Rubondo to nearby islands or just around the endless waters of this freshwater lake. Expect to mingle with local fishermen on their daily routines.
Saanane Island National Park.
Saanane Island is a wildlife sanctuary within the reach of Mwanza City. It’s Africa’s smallest park – spanning just 2.18 square kilometers. This island is a gem for escaping the hustle and bustle of Mwanza, offering calmness and silence perfect for unwinding and relaxing.
Top highlights
Wildlife: Naturally, Saanane started as an animal garden. Today, large animals have been introduced here and seem to love their new home. So, here you’ll watch impalas, zebras, and dik-diks. There’s a den of a lion (and a lioness), where you can watch this apex predator. In addition, primates also exist in the natural forest of this park, including the vervet monkey and De Brazza’s monkey, which is only found in Saanane. Other creatures include leopard tortoises, rock hyraxes, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and pythons.
Walking tours: In most busy towns (like Mwanza), walking can be difficult, especially when you’re hurrying to work. But in the Saanane, you can stretch your legs with simple, short walks and hikes. Guided by experts, these strolls take course through well-established walking trails accessible to even the youngest guests.
Rock jumping: Guests going to this island never miss this chance. They climb up a rock to explore the crystal-clear waters of this lake and for photo opportunities. How? There’s a rock where people go to jump. As they do, a photographer will find the best shot when they’re up in the air, which usually looks like they’re jumping into the lake.
Serengeti National Park.
Surprised? Please don’t be. While many people access Serengeti from Arusha, it’s possible to get there from Mwanza. The drive usually takes 6-7 hours to reach the central part of this beautiful park through Ndabaka Gate, the main gate in the west.
Other Destinations worth mentioning.
Burigi-Chato National Park: It’s a newly established park spanning 4,700 square kilometers. People often come here to view wildlife elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffes, waterbuck, roan antelopes, and bushbucks.
Ukerewe Island: It’s Lake Victoria’s largest island (around 530 km2). You can go there to explore cultures, forests, and cultural spots like the Chief Palace. Wonderful cultural dances are often displayed here by the locals. You can also visit the dancing stone on Ukara Island.
Bujora Cultural Center and Sukuma Museum: This cultural museum is within Mwanza City. It houses some of the best Sukuma antiques, arts, and history. Here, you’ll find traditional huts built uniquely.
The bottom line.
Tanzania’s North is perfect for a unique intro to its finest destinations. It makes a good trip for first-timers, but may be boring for repeat visitors due to the large volume of visitors. For that, we recommend avoiding the crowd by heading to the Lake Zone, where you will find wildlife and a myriad of other things. Let’s plan your adventure.
