The "Mwongozo"

On Thursdays the "Mwongozo" docks in Kipili enroute to Zambia, and returns every Saturday on her way back to Kigoma (in the north of Lake Tanganyika). This "ship" is our weekly supply of fresh fruit. Every Thursday we send our small boat to the Mwongozo to buy pineapples from Kigoma.

As there is no dock in Kipili that is large enough for the Mwongozo, the ship anchors in our bay and small, local fishing boats paddle up alongside her to take passengers to the shore. The atmosphere is always one of great festivity as the fishermen tout for business calling to the passengers who would like to be taken to shore.

The fishing boats line up next to one another on both sides of the ship and the fishermen in the closest boats hold onto her bow. There is no ladder on this ship so anyone wanting to get onto or off the boat must climb over the backs of the fishermen who form a human ladder. Babies, suitcases and cargo are passed from one person to the next as they are loaded or offloaded from the ship. It is quite a sight.

The Mwongozo as she comes into the Kipili bay.