Saanane is one of only two Island National Parks in Lake Victoria on the Tanzania side. Writer and Researcher Mboneko Munyaga recently visited the Island and talked to the Chief Park Warden, Assistant Conservation Commissioner (ACC), Tutindaga George. Excerpts…
QUESTION: Can you share the history and significance of Saanane Island National Park and how it has evolved over the years?
Answer: Saanane Island National Park derives its name from Mzee Saanane, a member of the Wazaniza tribe from nearby Kome Island, who settled there with his family in the 1940s until his death in 1951 aged over 80. He was buried on the Island, while his son, Wilson and daughter Martha, are buried at nearby Capri Point Cemetery in Mwanza city. A German site area that is also the resting place of Tanzanian soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1979 Kagera War against Uganda’s Dictator, Iddi Amin. Generally, the significance of Saanane Island National Park is deeply rooted in its rich and layered culture, historical and environmental heritage.
Q. What makes Saanane National Park unique compared to other national parks in Tanzania, especially in terms of wildlife and visitors experience?
A. The foremost thing is that the Park is located within Mwanza city. That is one of its uniqueness. Over the years it has attracted quite a good number of tourists, both local and foreign. As you may know, City Point is one of Mwanza’s special areas and most visitors have told us that they were just lured by the Island’s proximity but wish to return given their thrilling views. Secondly, Saanane Island is just fascinating to simply see. It’s rocky outcrops and caves once you visit, sort of invite you to come again. Thirdly, the short boat ride or a cruise around the roughly 2.8 square kilometer Island is a once in lifetime experience for any visitor to Mwanza city. We also offer exotic lunch and dinner packages for ordinary revelers or wedding groups and guests. Saanane Island has fantastic sceneries and settings for wedding ceremonies. We intend to promote wedding tourism.
Q. How does the Park balance conservation efforts with increased tourism?
A. One of our mission goals is to conserve the breeding sites for all aquatic species found in Lake Victoria while promoting socio-economic activities, particularly through tourism. Our Park is a “Hiking only Park.” Visitors are not allowed to step off the designated trails, except for camping and a few games and sports. Our sport fishing trips have minimal impact on both the environment and conservation efforts. Littering the Park is still a big problem but we educate our visitors on the importance of keeping the Park clean, and I can say we have gained quite good progress in that area too. Our spirit is: “Trash in, Trash out.”
Q. What role does the Park play in supporting local communities, economically and socially?
A. As you know, we are part of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). At Saanane, we work with nearby communities under TANAPA’s Community Conservation Services programme (CCS), to improve livelihoods so that stakeholders can see both the need and importance of tourism and conservation. Through CCS the Park has been implementing both support for community-initiated projects and income generating projects, including the now very popular, cage fishing projects.
“Through CCS the Park has been implementing both support for community-initiated projects and income generating projects, including the now very popular, cage fishing projects.”
Q. Are there any recent or upcoming projects aimed at improving infrastructures or tourist facilities?
A. Yes, we have a very bright future. TANAPA has set aside funds (Phase 1) for construction of a big landing jetty at Saanane Island. The plan is to promote tourism in Lake Victoria by ferries to Rubondo Island National Park in Geita Region and to the Serengeti National Park via a pier on the shores of the Speke Gulf. Tourists, thus, would have the option to either start from Lake Victoria and end up in the Serengeti or start with the Serengeti and end in Lake Victoria, which would be a true taste of Northern Tanzania. Visitors have been telling us to increase the number of animals they can see on Saanane Island, in which case, we are working on their wish list. On June 1, 2025, we opened our luxury tented camp, yes. You can now check in to that, guarded of course by our very loyal Nile crocodiles. (Just kidding).
Q. What final message would you like to share with both local and foreign tourists?
A. Make it your wish to come see for yourself this prime jewel of nature in Lake Victoria. I nearly forgot to tell you about a place we call the Jumping Rock. It is a genuine place, not AI generated effect, where you can take a photo and disappear. It’s one hidden in a cave and that has to be explored in Lake Victoria. It is a surreal experience. We are not a zoo but come to have that unbelievable experience and feeling of getting up-close to zebras, impalas, wildebeests, lion in family, rock hyraxes, and monkeys in their habitat. You may be lucky and explore the “Secret Corner,” once a hideout for German soldiers escaping the British, or exchange solemn vows, including the “Love you forever.”
