Tanzania > Musoma on Lake Victoria

During the night, it was quite windy and a few raindrops fell. Fortunately, the tent is sturdy. With the sound of the water in the background, I sleep wonderfully. Because other travelers chose a cabin, I now have a double mattress. By African standards, I sleep in. Around half past seven, I step into the shower. The water is warm, even hot. I have to turn down the hot tap a bit for a pleasant temperature. Today we have a free day. There is an option to take a boat trip on the lake. The price is per boat. Interest is limited. I decide not to go. As an alternative, I walk with a fellow traveler to the town of Musoma. Other travelers take a tuk-tuk to the village. Just outside the gate of the Watvilla Beach Lodge, fishermen are bringing their catch ashore. From the small colorful wooden boats, they bring in the fish. The haul is disappointing; some boats contain only a few fish. Further on is a fish farm. Here, caught fish are kept in floating cages until they can be sold. The lodge is about two and a half kilometers from the market in the center of Musoma.

Tanzania - The local market of Musoma

We pass fish processing companies and a small school. The children playing outside come to the gate to wave. People on the street respond enthusiastically. “Jambo, Jambo” is called out frequently. In the center, I order a cappuccino at a bakery. I also order a cookie. From the terrace, we watch people passing by. The coffee tastes great, though the cookie is a bit dry. When I want to use the toilet, it turns out to be quite a challenge. A waitress accompanies me. I have to go through a narrow, messy alley. I end up in a courtyard. A man is digging open the sewer here. At the back are primitive toilets. Perfect for me. We cross the street and enter the market. Small stalls with various goods are everywhere. As Patrick advised, I ask permission before taking photos. Most people are fine with it, but I also respect those who prefer not to be photographed. From the market, we walk to the shore of Lake Victoria. The ferry is about to leave. Although the boat is already quite full, more people run up. I wonder where the boat is headed? Given the size of the boat, it’s probably not a full crossing of the lake. At a small shop, we buy something to drink. It’s warm, and that makes me thirsty. Then we walk back to the Watvilla Beach Lodge.

Tanzania - A woman misses her chance for a photo

On the way, a boy makes a gesture for food. I still have half a bottle of cola left. I give the bottle to him. I’ll buy a new one later. We return just in time for Silvia’s lunch. In the afternoon, I lie down in my tent for a bit. While I’m lying there, I hear the wind picking up. The tent fabric flaps loudly. Will the tent hold? One of the other tents, which barely has any luggage inside, slides across the ground. The tent is quickly weighed down with stones. At the end of the afternoon, we go birdwatching with a small group. Around the lodge are various birds: black kites, kingfishers, weavers, and ibises. The lake is an ideal place for them. When we return, we are just in time for the beautiful sunset. The sun sets into the lake. In the evening, after dinner, I have another beer. The bar area is occupied. A local group has come to eat. When I sit on the bench at the reception, I sink deep into it. I stick to one drink. I feel the wooden slats of the bench pressing into my back. Around half past ten, I go into my tent. The wind has died down by then.

Tanzania - Various birds in the trees around the campsite