On the shores of Lake Victoria...
Lukuba Island Lodge is situated on a small archipelago of rocky islands, that lie in the extensive waters of Lake Victoria, just west of Musoma in Tanzania. This enchanting lodge offers just five stone bungalows with grass thatched roofs, that stand just a few steps away from a deserted lakeside beach.
Shaded by fig trees and ringed by enormous rocks the cottages enjoy stunning views, a soft sand beach, unrivalled bird watching and plenty of activities. At the centre of the cottages is a central mess tent, with lounge, bar and dining area where all meals are served. There is also a small swimming pool set within the spacious garden grounds.
Countless species of birds flock to the granite boulders of this island retreat such as fish eagles and snowy egrets, while the rocks also attract Nile monitor lizards and spotted neck otters. In the extensive grounds, enormous fig and mahogany trees create a lush green canopy which not only filters the equatorial light, but also provides a home for the vervet monkeys and agama lizards that frequent them. Existing in total harmony with its environment, Lukuba Lodge is unique in its calm beauty and untrammeled tranquility and offers the perfect complement to a Serengeti safari.
Location
Lukuba Island is situated in Lake Victoria west of Musoma, Tanzania in an offshore archipelago of three larger islands surrounded by countless smaller islets, each teeming with birds and marine life.
To reach Musoma (where our boat will pick you up), the choices are either to go overland via car or fly via small plane into Musoma which has a year round government airport with Customs and Immigration facilities. There is also an airport at Mwanza, which is a 245 kilometers drive to Musoma on a well-paved road. (Transfers can be arranged upon request.) Guests are met in the town of Musoma by our manager and escorted to the staging point for departure on board one of our boats. The journey to the island takes approximately 45 minutes. The island also has a helipad.
Background: Lake Victoria
Few inland waters measure up to Lake Victoria, which is the world's second largest freshwater lake (after Canada's Lake Superior. Unlike the lakes further west, Lake Victoria is not part of the Rift Valley system and is wide and shallow, being only 80 meters deep.
As a result of its unique climate and unusual composition the lake features papyrus beds and marshlands that harbour birds found nowhere else in Tanzania . It also offers vast fishing potential, the main commercial species being tilapia, which grow up to 2 kg in weight, and the massive Nile Perch which can weigh up to 227 kg and make up 85% of the catch. Until the 1960's the lake was also home to around 320 different species of brilliantly coloured tropical fish known as cichlids. Now only 8 species remain, their demise being due to the re-introduction to the lake in 1956 of the rapacious Nile Perch, which had been absent from its waters for millions of years.
Accommodation at Lukuba Island Lodge
There are five double cottages, each with its own ensuite bathroom and outdoor terrace. Constructed from island stone and thatched with local grass, the cottages are cool and spacious and have presented simply furnished. There are also three double tents (with ensuite bathrooms). Laundry services are provided, generator electricity and limited room service.
Dining and bars
The central mess tent serves all meals on a set menu basis. The lounge also accommodates a small bar.
Family
Children are welcome, additional beds can be provided and babysitting services on request.
Weddings and honeymoons
Lukuba makes an idyllic honeymoon location and the largest cottage is used as the honeymoon suite.
Meetings incentives conferences and events
The lodge offers an ideal corporate retreat for team building events and can accommodate small meetings and workshops.
Lodge Activities
Include boat rides and bird watching on the lake, walking on the island, swimming and fishing in the lake, kayaking and canoeing.
At dawn the sun rises slowly over the offshore islands, cormorants drying their wings as ancient dhows sail past. You eat breakfast in an open, stone-walled dining room overlooking the bay, and afterward can go for a leisurely boat ride around the island, or venture off on a hike, or try fishing with a traditional bamboo fly-rod, or even just sit in one of the canvas beach chairs and listen as the morning waves gently brush the shoreline.