Mwanza is a 30 minute dala dala (minibus) ride from Buswelu where the orphanages are located.  Dala dalas leave their termini as soon as they are full and the service is frequent.

Mwanza is a large town, reputedly with a population of 300,000 including its sprawling suburbs and large numbers of squatters who live on the various large rocky outcrops which are a feature of the town.   It has grown up because of its position on the South East shore of Lake Victoria.   It is typically African, without the bustle of Dar es Salaam or the tourist hype of Arusha or Zanzibar, but with all the facilities volunteers are likely to need.

There are several banks, Moneygram and Western Union agents for money needs.   For medical emergencies there is the large Bugando Medical Centre run by the Catholic Church, the regional Sekou Toure hospital and a number of small private clinics.   Travel and holiday arrangements can be made through one of the several travel agencies.   For a break from cooking there are a number of restaurants, including the Kuleana restaurant which is owned by an NGO which works for childrens' rights and serves a range of excellent low price pizzas.   The two largest hotels have swimming pools.   Fresh fruit and vegetables can be bought from roadside stalls as well as from the central market,   Two supermarkets sell a range of western frozen, tinned and packet products.   Dukas (small shops) can provide most other needs although many goods are imported from the Far East and are of variable quality.

Keeping in touch with home and friends is easy.  Mobile phones are widely used and there are several internet cafes.

The population is mainly an equal mix of Christians and Moslems with a minority of Hindus from the small but influential Indian population who own many of the businesses.   Their various places of worship are spread throughout the town.

The town is linked to Nairobi and Dar es Salaam by air.   There is a reliable daily coach service to Nairobi and on to Dar es Salaam.   A twice weekly ferry crosses Lake Victoria to Bukoba for onward travel by road to Uganda.   There is a slow rail link to Dar es Salaam which is presently suspended.