Things To Do
in Kashasha

Fresh-taken-from-the-lake fish, grilled over charcoal and served with ugali, rice or vegetables — widely available at lakeside stalls and family eateries.

Must-Try!

Maize-meal porridge (ugali) served with sautéed greens (sukuma wiki) or other seasonal vegetables — a local staple and good vegetarian option.

A popular, affordable street-food omelette mixed with fried potatoes — filling and widely sold by roadside vendors.

Sweet fried doughnuts enjoyed with tea for breakfast or as a snack; commonly sold at markets and by small vendors.

Early-morning fish market where boats unload their catch; great for watching local trade and buying very fresh fish to have cooked at a nearby eatery.

A compact daytime market selling vegetables, bananas, maize flour, snacks and drinks — ideal for trying fresh fruit, mandazi, and roadside samaki stalls.

Polite verbal greetings and handshakes are important — start interactions with 'Jambo' or 'Habari' and inquire about wellbeing. Use polite forms and greet elders first.

Dress conservatively in rural areas: avoid very revealing clothing, especially when visiting homesteads or religious sites. Women may prefer covering shoulders and knees.

Always ask permission before photographing people, homes or religious gatherings. Some people may expect a small payment or a printed photo in return.

If invited into a home, accept tea or a small refreshment; it’s polite to remove your shoes if hosts request it and to compliment the food.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. In Kashasha, small tips (a few hundred to a couple thousand TZS) to boat operators, guides or helpful staff are common; in restaurants round up the bill or leave 5-10% for exceptional service.

Cash (Tanzanian shilling, TZS) is king in Kashasha. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) is increasingly common for local transactions. Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted in small towns; ATMs and banks are found in larger centers (Bukoba), so bring enough cash.

Expect heavy afternoon downpours and muddy, sometimes impassable dirt roads; birdlife increases and the landscape is lush. Boat travel can be choppier — check local conditions before heading out.

Cooler evenings and mornings with lower humidity, easier road access and good conditions for hiking, cycling and boat trips. Peak for clearer skies and photography at sunrise/sunset.

Intermittent rains and warm temperatures; fewer tourists than dry season and abundant green scenery. Some local events and harvest activity may occur.

Warmest months with higher humidity; afternoons can be hot but lake breezes provide relief. Good time for early-morning activities and evening lakeside relaxation.

Vegetarian options are available (ugali, rice, cooked greens, beans), but menus are simple. Communicate clearly — say you don't eat meat or fish — and expect limited variety in small eateries.

More challenging: many sauces or stews may contain fish or meat stock. Rely on plain ugali, fresh fruit, and vegetable sides; bring snacks if necessary.

Many meats are prepared locally and may be halal in Muslim-run establishments; if halal certification is important, ask hosts or choose eateries recommended by local Muslim community members.

Street food is common; if you have allergies, communicate them clearly. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat cooked food from busy vendors to reduce risk of stomach upset.