UKEREWE is the largest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa, with an area of approximately 530 square kilometre.
Ukerewe Island is situated in the Ukerewe District, nearly 50 km north of Mwanza to which it is linked by ferry, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to travel.
Ukerewe Island is situated 45 km north of Mwanza to which it is linked by ferry, but 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 lake shore, which runs to Kibara and Musoma.
The shoreline of Ukerewe Island is carved into numerous bays and it is surrounded by at least a dozen smaller islands. The shoreline of Ukerewe Island is carved into numerous bays and it is surrounded by 27 small islands surrounding the neighbourhood with 3 of them not occupied by humans and the rest are occupied by fishermen with their families. Its largest community is Nansio.
Its simple lifestyle and rocky terrain broken by lake vistas and tiny patches of forest, makes 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.
Seen from Nansio are 27 small islands surrounding the neighbourhood with 3 of them not occupied by humans and the rest are occupied by fishermen with their families.
The are visits to Kagunguli, the oldest Roman church built in 1895 located near a hill with the same name; the old school and dispensary which were built between 1902 and 1913 and surviving to date with few repairs all are still in use.
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 more half a century.
Others include, Irondo point where visitors see amazing views of Mwanza city, Entebbe in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya; a chance to be part of a traditional dance group Buzegwe staff band that is sure to leave you fascinated; a visit to the historic sites, including graves in the area.
The dancing stone in Ukara, a neighbouring island is also another attraction in the area, including crocodile tree and the knife of truth and learn how the people eke out a living. As part of the activities here, visitors are introduced to local fishing, canoeing, biking, village tour and more, are mildly interesting, but the deeply rural life between them is the real attraction.
Accommodation is available in a few small hotels in Nansio. The list includes: Labima hotel, Kondeni hotel, Holiday Motel, Monarch beach resort and Bwiru cultural thatched simple traditional houses. Camping grounds are available in some villages; the Ukerewe cultural tourism program will be able to guide visitors accordingly.
Ukerewe Island is known for having a large population of Africans with albinism. Many of the first of them to live there were taken to and abandoned on the island by their families as children.
Despite comprising an exceptionally high percentage of the island’s population, they are still, as throughout Tanzania, an oppressed minority on the island, though it appears to have avoided the killings of albinos, who are “harvested” for black magic rituals, that regularly occurs in Tanzania.
What to see, do in Ukerewe
There are many great places to been seen, but among the key sights are the following:
Rubya Forest
Rubya Forest is the largest forest in the district. Is a very peaceful place with fascinating environment. Also in the forest’s area are Fishing activity area and natural Beach on Lake Victoria. It takes about 50 minutes on car to reach the place from Nansio.
Rutare Hill
One can climb Rutare Hill, which is great for viewing the scenery of Ukerewe. It takes an hour by bicycle to reach the Hill. Special cultural tours These can include traditional dance shows, visit to traditional Healer, visit to local families, trip to meet Farmers on their Fields, and Preparation and eating local food. I will be very happy to tell you everything about the life of Kerewe people.
Dancing stone of Ukara Island
Ukara Island is the home to ‘dancing stone. It has the cultural and traditional value to the Kara people. The island is also a good place to cycle in as no cars. It takes about three hours to get in the island from Nansio. the ferry backs to Ukerewe.
Cycling
Ukerewe Island is a good place to cycle in, especially in villages where no more traffic. When you do, you get a chance to view the natural beauty of the villages.
A visit to local primary school
A visit to local schools is a great way to understand more about the education system of Tanzania. The local children are very keen to ask you some questions about the education system in your country.
Chief’s palace
In Bukindo village is the chief’s Palace which used to be the most magnificent building on the island. In the palace are drums that were used as means of communication between the ruled and the ruler. It takes about 53 minutes to reach the Palace by cycling.
Tour prices
The tour prices are based on what you wish to do, and your preferred method of transport (walk, bicycle, motorbike or car). So you had better explain to me what you wish do with me and how we do, and then I will tell you the real price.
Accommodation
There are many nice hotels in Nansio, the town of Ukerewe. A tour guide can make accommodation reservation for you if needed.
Services done by Ukerewe Island tours
Making accommodation reservation for you if needed and to organize safaris to other attractions in Tanzania, such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Rubondo Island, Mount Meru, and so on.