Ukerewe Island

Ukerewe Island is situated 45 km (25 nautical miles) north of Mwanza, to which it is linked by ferry. Still, a shorter vehicle ferry crossing of only 3.8 km also links the island across the Rugezi Channel to a dirt road on the eastern lakeshore, which runs to Kibara and Musoma.

The shoreline of Ukerewe Island is carved into numerous bays, and at least a dozen smaller islands surround it. Ukerewe is the largest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa, covering approximately 530 km².

Ukerewe Island is located in the Ukerewe District, approximately 50 km north of Mwanza. The island is linked to the mainland by ferry; the journey takes 3 to 4 hours.

The shoreline of Ukerewe Island is carved into numerous bays and is surrounded by 27 small islands; 3 are uninhabited, and fishermen and their families occupy the rest.

Its largest community is Nansio. Its simple lifestyle and rocky terrain, broken by lake vistas and tiny patches of forest, make an intriguing, offbeat diversion.

The few proper sights include agricultural activities in which the residents farm maize, sweet potatoes, millet, cassava and rice, including the main activity here, fishing.

From Nansio, 27 small islands are visible surrounding the neighbourhood; 3 are uninhabited, and fishermen and their families occupy the rest.

They are visits to Kagunguli, the oldest Roman church, built in 1895, located near a hill of the same name; the old school and dispensary, constructed between 1902 and 1913 and still in use, are also located there.

The Chief’s palace, Bukindo, built from 1922 to 1923, the modest European-style palace of the island’s former king, which is still in use, is a must-see place if you are in the area and find out from the palace guide why one of its rooms has remained closed for more than half a century.

Others include Irondo Point, where visitors can see panoramic views of Mwanza City, Entebbe in Uganda, and Nairobi in Kenya; a chance to join the traditional dance group, the Buzegwe Staff Band, which is sure to leave you fascinated; and a visit to historic sites, including local graves.

The dancing stone in Ukara, a neighbouring island, is another attraction in the area, along with the crocodile tree and the knife of truth. Visitors can learn how people eke out a living.

As part of the activities here, visitors are introduced to local fishing, canoeing, biking, village tours and more.

They are mildly interesting, but the deeply rural life between them is the real attraction.

Things to do on Ukerewe Island

Rubya Forest. Rubya Forest is the largest forest in the district. It is a very peaceful place with a fascinating environment.

Also in the forest’s area are fishing activity areas and a natural Beach on Lake Victoria. It takes about 50 minutes by car to reach the place from Nansio.

Rutare Hill. We can climb Rutare Hill, which offers excellent views of Ukerewe’s scenery. It takes an hour by bicycle to reach the Hill.

Cultural Tour. These can include traditional dance shows, visits to conventional Healers, visits to local families, trips to meet Farmers on their Fields, and preparing and eating local food.

I would be happy to share everything about the life of the Kerewe people.

Dancing Stone of Ukara Island. Ukara Island is the home of the ‘dancing stone. It reflects the cultural and traditional values of the Kara people.

The island is also a good place to cycle as there are no cars.

It takes about three hours to get to the island from Nansio.

Note: It is not possible to return the same day, as you may be late for the ferry back to Ukerewe.

Cycling. Ukerewe Island is a good place to cycle, especially in villages where traffic is minimal. When you do, you have the opportunity to see the natural beauty of the villages.

Visit a local Primary School. A visit to local schools is a great way to understand Tanzania’s education system better.

The local children are eager to ask you questions about the education system in your country.

Chief’s palace. In Bukindo village is the chief’s Palace, which was once the most magnificent building on the island.

In the palace, drums were used as a means of communication between the ruled and the ruler.

It takes about 53 minutes to reach the Palace by cycling.

Tanzania Travel Tips

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.

The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park’

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

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