Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
silt
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
none
Water Quality
Water purity rating
moderate
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
none
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
2.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. Caution: hippos in the water.
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream
Water
Towel
Swimsuit
Flip-flops
Cash
First aid kit
Best Time to Swim
In the morning the water is calmer. Avoid swimming in areas where hippos have been spotted.
Local Rules
Leaving rubbish is prohibited. Swimming while intoxicated is prohibited.
Frequently asked questions
Makoko Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity moderate, average temperature +25.0°C, warms up to +26.5°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Makoko Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.1 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Makoko Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — silt. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Makoko Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — grey. Texture — silty. Beach length — 300 metres.
Makoko Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Makoko Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Makoko Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: hippos. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Makoko Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Makoko Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Makoko Beach Restaurant. Cuisines available: Tanzanian, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Makoko Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, First aid kit.
Makoko Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer. Avoid swimming in areas where hippos have been spotted.
Makoko Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving rubbish is prohibited. Swimming while intoxicated is prohibited.
Makoko Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Not suitable for families with small children or swimmers.
Makoko Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Makoko Beach is one of the few places where you can observe hippos in their natural habitat on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Makoko Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Quiet place, Hippo watching, Birds, Authentic atmosphere. Cons: Muddy bottom, No infrastructure, Hippo danger, No lifeguards.
Makoko Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Lake Victoria, Mwigobero Market. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Makoko Beach: how do I get to the city of Musoma?
The beach is located near the city of Musoma. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Musoma.