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Speke Bay Lodge, Tanzania

Speke Bay Lodge is situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, East Africa. It is located just 15 kilometres from the famous Serengeti National Park, and 125 kilometres north of Mwanza. Speke Bay forms part of Speke Gulf, which got its name from renowned explorer John Hanning Speke who discovered Lake Victoria to be the source of the Nile River in 1958.

Embraced by the savannah, Speke Bay Lodge has the appearance of a small village stretched out along the lakeshore. The central building and deluxe accommodation are round in structure, constructed to perfection and painted white, with thatched grass roofs in the traditional style of the local tribe – the Sukuma. Because the Lodge is outside but close to the Serengeti National Park, it is the perfect base from which to start or end your safari, or to unwind during your adventures. Outings in boats and on mountain bikes are offered here, giving you the chance to experience true Africa in authentic manners. You can fish from the beach for Tilapia, admire the tranquility of the area, or roam around the Lodge’s 100 hectares of savannah in search of the exquisite birdlife present here.

Speke Bay Lodge offers guests eight luxury bungalows that are set along the lakeshore. Every unit is a separate building designed to guarantee privacy. Roofs are made of thick thatched grass, allowing for wonderful insulation. The custom-made furniture is solid Mkola wood which enhances the inviting and sophisticated ambience of the bungalows. An entrance hall leads to a bathroom and a spacious main room, equipped with a sleeping area, big lockable cupboard, and writing table. The sitting area boasts large French windows that look out to a bougainvillea-shaded deck where you can enjoy breakfast. Every unit comes with a loft with two twin beds, making them all suitable for those travelling with children. The bathroom is furnished with a big table that has a built-in basin, as well as a spacious shower with hot water, and a hygienic wall-mounted toilet. All appliances and fittings are top-quality and the water system is one of the best on the market, with a big sand filter, UV-treatment, and Ozone-injection.

There are also twelve deluxe tents offered here, each covered by a thatched roof, which also makes for a private and shady sitting area. The tents are fully furnished and come with two beds, hot showers, and nearby toilets. Three detached round buildings are joined by a big veranda that overlooks Lake Victoria. There is a well-stocked bar with fine South African wines on offer, as well. The lovely restaurant offers a combination of delicious international and Tanzanian cuisine, and specialises in fresh fish from the Lake, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits from local fields.

At Speke Bay Lodge there are various activities in which guests can partake, including outings on canoes. During these trips, you will be picked up by fishermen and taken to their village of Mwaburugu, where you can explore the village on foot before you are taken back. Mountain biking into the middle of Sukumaland is a marvelous experience, with various small tracks that lead you to a myriad of interesting places. This provides guests with a good idea of what most of authentic Tanzania looks like ‘off the beaten track’. Fishing is excellent here, giving guests the chance to catch tilapia, catfish, barbell, or small fish such as cichlids. Another popular activity is birding, due to the 250+ species of bush, swamp and water birds that reside in the Lodge’s 85 hectares of savannah.

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About Bronwyn Paxton

Article by: Bronwyn Paxton
on March 3, 2016
Filed under  Accommodation • Africa Blog • Tanzania 
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