I had heard that Mwanza was a pretty city but I never know whether to believe people but their idea of ‘pretty’ is often not the same idea as mine.
So I decided to take a look for myself. \i am was pleasantly surprised by what I found. I was not expecting to see a city built on lots of rocky outcrops.
The city is on the shores of Lake Victoria which I had only seen at Entebbe in Uganda. I had chosen a hotel which was some distance south of the city but had a spectacular location and peaceful environment. I needed some peace and quiet from the craziness of Dar so I was happy to get away from the crowds.
AFter that I headed into the city itself and was keen to explore the hills which dominate the place. Tiny houses clung to the steep slopes with magnificent views across Lake Victoria. I was desperate to walk among them.
I got a driver for the day for 50,000/= and he took me around to see various places and waited (mostly!!) for me to return from my walks.
it was hot and sticky but I walked slowly up stone steps between simple mud brick houses weaving my way through yards and around steep corners on dirt tracks until I eventually got to the top of the hill. I suppose the reason only poor people live on these hills is because there are generally few roads and you have to do a lot of walking to get from the nearest road to your door.
On top of the hill there was a market selling the usual fish and vegetables and there were some sheets on the ground where small fish were drying. i watched as kites circled above and then dived down and picked up a small fish in its beak. Easy pickings for them no doubt.
There were clearly very few foreigners choosing to walk up this hill because I was greeted warmly by the children and adults.
Back in the city centre I decided to have a look at the market with my driver as a guide. He knew the area well which was handy because it would be very easy to get lost in the maze of narrow lanes and streets.
The sky grew dark as we pushed our way past household items, fabric, clothes and other goods hanging in our path. I bought a cheap belt because my trousers were falling down.
I walked to the yacht club to see how it compared to Dar Yacht Club and found a very helpful man who let me in unchallenged and then told me there were “nearly ten boats” at the club but that most members (120 total) do not have a boat. They just come for the live music and other events. I guess Mwanza doesn’t have as many expats as Dar and that even though it’s a tiny club, it’s still worth joining. At $250 per year I would also be tempted if I lived there.
It also has the benefit of the most beautiful lizards I have ever seen lounging on the rock near the gate.
I found Tilapia hotel in the evening where I met up with Susan and Leonard to have chat and food and drinks. What a fine view of the city and what a fine city.
So if you get the chance to visit Mwanza I would recommend it. There is not a lot to do there but walking in the hills and being close to the lake with a cold beer is enough for a couple of days.