SAANANE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK - (0.5 Sq Km): The Park is situated 2km Southwest of Mwanza city, which lies in the gulf of L. Victoria. Named after Mzee Saanane Chawandi who was the owner of the island and who established it as the first zoo in Tanzania in 1964. Between 1964 and 1966 the first species of animals were ferried to the island for conservation purposes.

These included buffalo, bushbuck, Dik Dik, elephant, Impala, Black rhino, Topi, Warthog, Wildebeest, Zebra and monkeys. Animals like rhinos and buffalo were caged while others were in free range. The island was given Game Reserve status in 1991. About 40 species of resident and migratory birds are common in the island.

On the list of things to do on the island include boat excursions  rock hiking, picnicking, game & bird watching along the shores of Lake Victoria, walks along designated trails, canoeing along the lake in local boats (dhows) can be arranged in Mwanza town.

Accommodation: Mwanza town has a wide range of Tourist Hotels, including Hotel Tilapia, Lakairo, Chrismas Tree and Isamilo Lodge, the island has resting huts for that reason.