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Mwanza International Airport International Hub illustrationInternational Hub
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MWZlarge airport

Mwanza International Airport

Mwanza, Tanzania
Explore Mwanza city guide Navigate to this airport
6
Routes out
4
Destinations
HTMW
ICAO
3763 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Gateway to Lake Victoria and Tanzania's second city.

Opened
1950s
Location
Mwanza, Tanzania
Mwanza International Airport (IATA: MWZ, ICAO: HTMW) serves Mwanza, Tanzania's second-largest city, situated on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. The airport functions as a key regional hub for northwestern Tanzania, connecting the lake zone to Dar es Salaam and other domestic destinations, as well as select international routes. The airport has undergone infrastructure improvements in recent years to expand its capacity and upgrade facilities in support of growing passenger traffic. Its international designation reflects scheduled cross-border services, particularly to Kenya and Uganda, making it an important node in East African air connectivity. Mwanza city itself is a major commercial and fishing center, and the airport plays a significant role in supporting trade, tourism to the Serengeti and Lake Victoria, and regional economic activity.
Terminals
The airport has a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transport into Mwanza city is primarily provided by taxis and minibuses available at the airport, with no dedicated rail or bus rapid transit link.
Airlines here
Major carriers operating at Mwanza include Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and Kenya Airways, providing connections to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and other regional destinations.
Notable facts
  • ›Located approximately 10 kilometers north of Mwanza city center.
  • ›Serves as a gateway to the Serengeti National Park and Lake Victoria tourism.
  • ›Mwanza is one of the largest freshwater ports in Africa, adding to the airport's regional significance.
  • ›The airport holds international status, supporting cross-border flights to Kenya and Uganda.
  • ›Runway upgrades have been part of broader Tanzanian government aviation infrastructure investments.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (4 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Kenya Airways
KQ
Precision Air
PW

Routes

MWZ → NBOKQ · AT4
MWZ → JROKQ · AT7
MWZ → BKZPW · AT5
MWZ → DARPW · AT7 AT5
MWZ → JROPW · AT7
MWZ → NBOPW · AT5
Hotels near MWZ

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City & Place Guide

Rock City on the Shores of Africa's Greatest Lake

Mwanza is Tanzania's second-largest city, perched along the southern shore of Lake Victoria amid dramatic granite boulders that give it a distinctive, almost otherworldly skyline. A major port and commercial hub, it serves as a gateway for travelers exploring the lake, the Serengeti, and Rubondo Island National Park.

Despite its size, Mwanza retains a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The waterfront buzzes with fishing boats, ferries, and local markets, offering an authentic slice of East African lake-town life far from the typical tourist trail.

  • •Bismarck Rock — iconic balancing granite boulder rising from the lake's edge
  • •Saa Nane Island National Park — small wildlife sanctuary reachable by short boat ride
  • •Rubondo Island National Park — remote forest reserve with chimps and rare waterbirds
  • •Sukuma Museum (Bujora) — fascinating open-air museum celebrating Sukuma culture and dance
  • •Mwanza Central Market — vibrant hub for fresh produce, dried fish, and local crafts
  • •Rock City Mall viewpoint — elevated spot for panoramic views over the lake and boulders

Getting around: Within the city, shared minibuses called daladalas are the cheapest option, while bodaboda motorcycle taxis offer faster point-to-point trips. Auto-rickshaws (bajajis) are common for short hops. Bolt ride-hailing operates in Mwanza and is a reliable, safer choice. Ferry services connect the city center to nearby islands and cross-lake destinations.

Best time: The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, June to October and December to February, when roads are passable, skies are clear, and wildlife viewing in the wider region is at its peak.

Local food: Don't miss fresh Nile perch or tilapia grilled or fried straight from Lake Victoria, paired with ugali and accompanied by a bowl of dagaa (tiny dried sardines) at any waterfront restaurant.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via MWZ? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Tanzania from official government sources.

Tanzania visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification