Mwanza City Tour
Experience the vibrant city of Mwanza with arrangements made by VOT management. This includes a visit to Capri Point Peninsula, where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history influenced by German, British, and Indian cultures.
A highlight of the trip is the iconic Bismark Rock, a unique landmark perched atop an array of boulders by the Kamanga ferry harbor. There are boat cruise activities conducted on the shores of the lake and these can be done on extra charges if you find yourself interested.
Additionally, you'll stop at the Rock City Shopping Mall, Tanzania's largest mall, featuring a children's entertainment area, a large cinema, a casino, a restaurant and a supermarkets. During this tour, you have an opportunity to visit popular Chinese and Indian restaurant for you to try international dishes.
Other areas that might interest you include CCM Kirumba and Nyamagana stadium if you are a fan of football, The Hanging tree in the city center and Mwaloni Fish market (Eastern and central Africa's largest fish market). Also Mlango mmoja, Makorobi (if interested in shopping), Germany Gunzet house, Indian old buildings, Maasai market, Railway station and Bugando Hospital.
Bujora Cultural Museum Tour
The Sukuma Museum is a community-oriented organization committed to promoting and honoring the traditional and contemporary arts of the Sukuma culture (The majority and origin residents of Mwanza). It provides an interactive and educational environment where Sukuma elders share traditional history and arts with younger generations, inspiring them to explore and develop their creative talents and new artistic movements.
The Museum also welcomes visitors to join workshops that offer training in the traditional arts of the Sukuma. As the sole institution dedicated to Sukuma culture, it is exclusive steward of artifacts from ancient Sukuma chiefdoms and dance societies.
The Sukuma Museum in Bujora village is an open-air museum where, among other things, you’ll see traditional Sukuma dwellings, the grass house of a traditional healer, blacksmith’s tools and a rotating cylinder illustrating different Sukuma words for counting from one to 10. It is the site of the well-known Bulabo Dance Festival in June, where dancers compete using a variety of animals as props.
Our shared bedrooms are all self-contained room whereby each room has two bunk bed to accommodate up to 4 people. They also have tables for extra activities in the room.
Kageye Historical Site
At about 40 kilometers northeast of Mwanza lies the village of Kayenze, which has recently become a tranquil fishing community. The late 19th century, however, it was the most important port on the southern shore of Lake Victoria.
The historical site of Kageye, located just outside the village, is the only trace of its history. While it is managed by the Sukuma Museum, it is not as impressive as the museum near Mwanza and was once a center for the slave trade until missionaries ended it in 1878.
The site includes a tree-filled meadow, where visitors can find various monuments, graves, and remnants from different periods, such as traces of one of the oldest Sukuma chiefdoms, Arab settlements, slave market remnants, and the graves of missionaries and travelers.
Trip to St. Agustine University of
Tanzania
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), is the catholic university, the largest private university and the third largest overall in Tanzania. Just three kilometers from our Hostel.
The university was founded by the Catholic Bishops of Tanzania in 1998 (accredited in 2002) as a nonprofit, private institution. Before 1998, SAUT was called first Nyegezi Social Training Centre and then Nyegezi Social Training Institute. SAUT has over 10,000 students with an anticipated minimal rise each new academic year. The university attracts students from Tanzania and elsewhere, particularly,Kenya, Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Burundi, Malawi,Zambia and recently Germany and other foreign nations. SAUT admits students of all nationalities and religious affiliations.
SAUT extends over 600 acres (2.4 km2) in the Nyegezi-Malimbe area, 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria. The university is divided into two campuses. The main campus (old campus) houses the administration buildings and the Faculty of Business Administration. The Malimbe campus, located one km away, is home to the Faculty of Law, Social Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration, Education and Mass Communication.
Day Trip To Serengeti
Recognized as one of the 'Seven New Wonders of the World, Serengeti National in Tanzania is a renowned destination globally, particularly famous for the spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration that occurs in May or early June.
The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and bird species, many of which are unique to this region. With its rich ecosystem, including the Big Four and various reptiles and mammals, Serengeti an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Located just a two-hour drive from Mwanza, at VOT Hostel we can offer a day trips for those short on time, or you can extend your visit to fully explore the park's incredible offerings. Packed lunches or breakfasts, along with beverages and a four-wheeler safari vehicle guided by an expert, can be arranged upon request.
Boat Trip To Ukerewe Island
Ukerewe is biggest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa, covering about 530 km². is located in Ukerewe District, roughly 50 km north of Mwanza, and can be reached by a ferry that takes 3 to 4 hours. The island connects to the shore by a 3.8 km vehicle ferry and is surrounded by 27 smaller islands, three of which are uninhabited. The main town is Nansio, known for its simple lifestyle beautiful views.
Key attractions include Kagunguli, the oldest Roman church built in 1895, and the Chief’s palace in Bukindo, built between 1922 and 1923. Other attractions are Irondo Point, which offers great views of Mwanza and a chance to enjoy traditional dance with the Buzegwe band, as well as the famous dancing stone on Ukara Island.
WHAT TO SEE / DO IN UKEREWE
-
THE FOREST OF RUBYA: This is the largest forest in the district. There are fishing spots and a natural beach on Lake Victoria, about a half drive from Nansio.
-
RUTARE HILL & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: Visitors can climb Rutare Hill, which overlooks Ukerewe. It takes about an hour to reach by bicycle. You can also enjoy cultural experiences like watching traditional dances, visiting local healers and meeting farmers.
-
THE DANCING STONE ON UKARA ISLAND: The "dancing stone" is located on Ukara Island, close to Ukerewe. It is important to the Kara people's culture. The trip from Nansio to the Island takes about three hours, so it may not be possible to go and return on the same day. The legend says the stone is said to dance when a special family member requests a traditional dance. The story involves a conflict between two brothers, one of whom hid in a cave beneath the dancing stone.
-
THE CHIEF'S PALACE: The chief's palace, once the most impressive building Ukerewe Island, is in Bukindo hamlet. The king communicated with his people using drums. It takes about 53 minutes to bike to the palace.
NOTE: You may not be interested in Volunteering but only available for a short time tour in Tanzania, if so, do not hesitate. Let us know and we will assist you