Mwanza

In the far north east corner of Tanzania sitting just below the Equator on another African Great lake - Lake Victoria, lies the capital town of the Lake Victoria region, Mwanza. Despite the efforts of town planners with roundabouts aplenty, rubbish bins (a rarity in Africa) and a few very new sparkling glass buildings, it’s still a rather dirty dump in the town centre. Maribou storks have urbanized, and scavenge and feast in droves at overflowing dumpsters by the dock-side. The surrounding area looks quite pretty however, with buildings scattered amoungst green hillsides.

decorative roundabout sculpture

I’m staying at the centrally located Lake Hotel on Station Road, i’m paying Tsh10,000 for a basic attached room with net, but as so often through Africa, no hot water. Breakfast is included.

It's kinda weird but on the wall is a photograph of Ko Nuang Yuan, one of my favourite places in Thailand which i take for a lucky omen.

Fortunately there are a few good restaurants to check out whilst i await the departure of the MV Victoria.

The best of the bunch is probably The Diner situated close to the Clock Tower on Nyerere Road offers a choice of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Mains start at about Tsh8,000. Service can be slow.

small park by the dock with interesting rock formations

The Coffee-shop in the New Mwanza Hotel offers similar prices for their mains but also has a mix of snacks including hamburgers and fish fingers. Despite the name, they only provide instant coffee. They also have the Seabreeze restauant upstairs.

The Yun Long Chinese restaurant along the waterfront is a prime location with prime prices to match. I am tempted by the Beijing duck, but at Tsh42,000 i don't have too much difficulty in resisting. Mains start at around Tsh8,000.

The Kuleana Pizzaria on Post Street has a range of pizzas starting at around Tsh7,000 and fresh fruit juices from Tsh1500. It has a more informal atmosphere. It is worth bringing mosquito repellant along.