Mwanza (pop. 800K) is the second largest city in Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania. Mawanza is surrounded by rocks and is known as the “rocky city.” Lake Victoria borders the country’s East African neighbors – Uganda to the Northwest, and Kenya to the northeast.

Volunteer Programs in Mwanza

Children’s Homes
Teaching In Tanzania
Health Care Internships
Wildlife Conservation
Organic Farming and Crop Plantation
Building
Media Internships

Around the city of Mwanza, the land is primarily devoted to agricultural enterprise. Tea, cotton and coffee plantations throughout the area produce large volumes of cash crops that pass though Mwanza on their way to market.

The town’s industrial harbor and busy streets make it a prosperous and busy place to explore. For visitors, the city makes a good base from which to explore the nearby Saa Nane Island, Rubondo Island National Park and the western parts of the Serengeti.

Mwanza is also the center of the Sukuma tribe, the largest tribe in Tanzania, who have inhabited and farmed the region for centuries.

Mwanza with several grand views of Lake Victoria, lush green gardens, natural ponds and an infinity pool. Looking across the lake from our balcony, this spot makes your perfect base camp. The weather in December is quite hot and humid, nice breeze coming from the lake made it pleasant.

Exploring the city
Walk through the City down to the famous Bismark rocks. These granite rocks sit in the waters of Lake Victoria and are iconic for Mwanza. The Bismarck Rocks are found near the busy Kamanga ferry station. From here, ferry boats take people, cars and goods across the lake to different locations.

Fish Markets
The Fish Market at Mwaloni is massive, busy and loud. Dagaa is à famous name for small fish found in lake Victoria. Small sardine-like fishes – which were packed in large sacks and piled up. The fishermen said a full sack of about 70 kilograms cost roughly 50 USD. While many families have fished here for generations, it is getting harder to make a living as fisherman at Lake Victoria due to over-fishing.

Jiwe Kuu (“Dancing Rocks”)
These granite rocks are quite high up on a rocky outcrop and offer simply the most spectacular view of Mwanza and Lake Victoria. It is said that once upon a time a powerful witch doctor wanted to prove his strength to the people, went to the Dancing Rocks and left his marks on the rocks turning them soft.