Energetic and exhilarating Mwanza is heady and overwhelming in its offering of local life. Perhaps that’s because not many tourists come here, or maybe it’s because this sprawling port town on the shores of Lake Victoria forms the beating economic heart the Tanzanian nation as whole. Whatever the reason, this city enfolded by Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, with its curious Indian heritage and off-the-beaten-track position, makes for some serious cultural immersion.
It’s also a great base point from which to organise budget safari excursions into the nearby Serengeti National Park, whose borders lurk tantalisingly just a couple of hours to the east. Then there’s also the UNESCO-attested Ngorongoro Crater, just a little further afield.
Back in town though, and Mwanza fields a sprawling downtown market bazaar and a healthy array of local eateries, many serving up super fresh talapia fish from the waters of Victoria for the occasional clusters of visitors and locals alike. And then there are the region’s signature rocks perched all over the hills and beaches of the town, a favourite sightseeing recommendation of many a Mwanza tour guide.