One takes Makongoro Road to the north turning to the left just before the airport and drives around the airport near the lake. It is a good gravel road and reaches the large fishing village of Igombe. Then the scenic road winds up and down along the lake to the next large fishing village of Kayenze. Here one could visit the official Fish Landing for Nile Perch which are then transported to the fish factories of Mwanza. Along the beach there are many picturesque and colorful fishing boats. Small sardines (dagaa) are dried on the hot sand.

In 15 minutes, one reaches Kageye at the end of the road. At the entrance gate, symbols show the former importance of the place. Firstly, as the seat or Residence of a Local Sukuma Chief; secondly, as a Harbor and Market for Moslem Arab Traders; and thirdly as a Harbor for the Explorer Stanley and Anglican and Catholic missionaries.

Missionary Society (CMS) missionaries who sailed from Kageye to Uganda beginning in 1877.

On the other side of the memorial stone the Catholic Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) are remembered. They also used Kageye beginning in 1879 as their post going to Uganda. The grave of one of the Anglican missionaries, John Smith, who died here, is clearly marked. Ukerewe Island through an unfortunate misunderstanding may also be buried next to him. The custodian can still take you to the beach which is a nice picturesque picnic site.
Kageye as a historic site was developed by Father David Clement of Bujora. Unfortunately it was handed over from the Church to the Government which does not maintain the place. Therefore, the custodian has to ask for contributions.

The local custodians will explain in Swahili the attractions left over by the chief: his house, graves and grinding stones. A tent made of cement which commemorates the presence of Stanley there. In 1875 he went from Kageye around the lake by boat and verified the outflow of the lake into the River Nile.

Closer to the lake one is shown the place where Arab traders kept and sold slaves from Uganda, Bukoba and Ukerewe. Finally one will see a monument for the British Anglican Church

Enquiry: citysafari6@mwanza-guide.com
Text by: Professor James Spillane
Photos by: Hans Kristoffersen
Guide: Professor James Spillane
Price: 1 - 4 persons: US$ 185 (total), 5 - 8 persons: US$ 250 (total). Plus transport.