Speke Bay Lodge

Speke Bay Lodge is a serene retreat nestled on the south-eastern shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, just 15 km from the Ndabaka entrance to Serengeti National Park and 125 km north of Mwanza. The lodge harmonizes with its surroundings and attracts abundant birdlife, small mammals, bushbuck, hippos, and even a resident crocodile. The lodge is named after Speke Gulf, discovered by famous explorer John Hanning Speke in 1858 when he identified Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile.

Rooms

The lodge features 8 lake-facing bungalows built as traditional Rondavels (round structures) lined along the lake shore, each designed as a separate structure ensuring privacy. Each bungalow has private bathrooms, private sitting-out areas with lake views, and self-locking doors. The roofs are thatched with thick grass, providing excellent insulation. Additionally, the lodge offers 12 safari tents (some sources mention 9 tents), each covered by a thatched roof creating private shady sitting areas, fully furnished with two beds, and with hot showers and toilets situated close-by.

General facilities

The main buildings and luxury accommodations are round in form, painted white, and thatched with grass roofs in the traditional style of the local Sukuma tribe, giving the lodge an authentic village-like charm stretched along the lake shores. The lodge's bar, restaurant, and lounge are joined by a large terrace overlooking Lake Victoria, creating a gathering space for guests. Since the lodge is outside but close to Serengeti National Park, it's the ideal place to start or end your safari or relax during long overland travels.

Restaurant

The restaurant offers a blend of international and Tanzanian cuisine, specializing in fresh fish from Lake Victoria (including Tilapia and Nile perch) and vegetables and fruits from local fields. There are no large buffets – guests make their own choices, and staff cater to special wishes and diets. Breakfast or lunch can be served on your bungalow's terrace, on the restaurant terrace, in the garden, or on the beach. The restaurant and bar area provide peaceful settings with stunning lake views.

Activities

Activities include guided boat excursions in local canoes, fishing for Nile perch and Tilapia from the beach, mountain biking, and birdwalks in the savanna. Guests can enjoy the peacefulness of the lakeshore paradise, wander through the lodge's 100 hectares of savannah looking for birds, or take traditional boat rides. The lodge offers authentic African experiences through these activities, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the African environment and wildlife.

For over 25 years, Speke Bay Lodge has been owned and operated by two Dutch entrepreneurs who have cultivated deep connections with the surrounding community. The lodge maintains close ties with locals, including support for a nearby school and clinic, offering guests an opportunity to engage meaningfully with the people of this beautiful region. The location is praised for stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, with clean, well-maintained rooms appreciated by many guests.