Hotel Tilapia

Hotel Tilapia is in a fabulous location, right on the Lake at Mwanza. It's a very comfortable western style hotel, green lawns with bar and breakfast restaurant on it, pool first floor bar, and a scattering of rooms arranged around the grounds, all looking like the Africa Queen, which is moored next to the hotel.

Location would be one of the few positive aspects of Hotel Tilapia.

It's set by Lake Victoria, and from the dining areas, you can enjoy the beautiful view.

It is possible to walk to the town, which would take around 10mins at a comfortable pace.


Our room itself was spacious and clean, and mosquito nets were provided, but we were disappointed by the view that looked out onto the roofs and fences on which the hotel laundry was drying.

Some Other Hotels and Safari Lodges

The restaurant was good for an Indian dinner however the buffet breakfast in the morning could have been given a miss.

I wouldn't stay here again. We actually found another hotel in Mwanza which was stunning, and much better value. I'd recommend the restaurant at Tilapia for dinner, but I'd suggest to look around carefully before choosing to stay at this hotel unless the service improves.

It's frequented by a lot of westerners, and is one of the more expensive hotels in Mwanza, but you get what you pay for. If you're travelling and want a taste of luxury, or are on safari and want to keep up the luxury of a lodge, then try this. Staff & food are excellent too.