Kisumu County remains a gem in Kenya’s tourism circuit. It dominates the Western Kenya region with a rich menu of tourist attractions. While many largely associate Kisumu with Lake Victoria, there are actually many places a tourist can visit and take the lake just as a supplement. Here we explore five interesting places tourists can enjoy in Kisumu which have been backed up by amazing flight and accommodation offers through a partnership between Jambojet and Magical Kenya.
1. Hippo Point
Lying at an altitude of 6,200 feet, the Hippo Point has a near-perfect micro climate. You can spot more than 1,200 resident animals wandering around the grounds and some 350 species of birds co-existing. Hippo Point is the ideal place to visit when you wish to let go of your monotonous life and enjoy in the company of nature. You can catch up with yourself and enjoy in the company of friends and family.
Gazing at the sky filled with stars, you can be soothed by the sounds of Hyenas and Hippos calling out for you, especially at night. Early morning presents a cool breeze perfect for a session of yoga. You can also jog with Zebra, go biking, meditate, swim or just unwind.
2. Kit Mikayi
Kit Mikayi is a rock formation that is some 40 metres high. It means the “stone of the first wife” or the “the stone of the first woman” in the Luo Language. The locals residing in the region around the stones are referred to as the Luo-Kakello clan.
This site is majorly associated with the sacrifices as well as the many legends belonging to the pre-Christian times, which bring forth several stories that explain the meaning of the name.
It is a prominent sightseeing spot in Kenya especially amongst the neighbouring Luo tribes, giving its rich mythology. Over the years, the Kit Mikayi has also become a prominent local pilgrimage site for the people who tour the rock to pray and fast for several weeks. The Kit Mikayi lies about 29 km west of the Kisumu town.
3. Impala Sanctuary
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in Africa. It is a relaxing and very peaceful place where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that abounds here. The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a home to impalas which is the rare Sitatunga antelope.
Further, a number of several primate species and cheetahs, big cats, giraffes and buffalos can be spotted. Home to the five campsites, camping here can amplify the fun given the spectacular views of the Lake Victoria. Other activities that can be enjoyed here include nature walks, bird watching and glass bottomed boat. It is only 3km from the city of Kisumu, and lies near the Hippo Point.
4. Kisumu Museum
Kisumu museum exhibits focus on the cultural and the natural history of Western Kenya. The museum features a vast collection of local flora and fauna. South of the town centre, the Kisumu Museum has three prominent sections.
The first section of the museum covers the three key linguistic groups of the western Kenya – Kalenjin, Luo and Bantu. Second section of the museum is a traditional homestead of Luo which brings forth on display the fictitious life of Onyango as he undergoes the rite of passage which was used to establish his own family compound.
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The third and last section of the museum is a small aquarium which displays the aquatic assets of the nearby lakes and a reptile house which presents local snakes you’ll probably not wish to meet. The Kisumu museum is located on the Nairobi Road in Kisumu town.
5. Ndere Island National Park
It is often referred to as the Island of Serenity and Beauty. Located on Lake Victoria, this island is a haven of birds. Covered mostly in grassland, Ndere Island provides beautiful scenic views of the Homa hills to the South, Mageta Island to the east and the glimpses of Kampala in Uganda beyond the south west horizon.
The lake shore supports a wide variety of animals including hippos, monitor lizards, Nile crocodiles, several fish species, snakes, baboons, impalas, the rare sitatunga antelopes, water bucks, zebras and warthogs. Over 100 different species of birds can be seen here including African fish eagles, black headed gonoleks and grey headed kingfishers.
To make your holiday memorable, @FlyJambojet has partnered with @magicalkenya and Hotels across the destinations to offer amazing flying and accommodation packages. Whether you are looking for a Coastal getaway in Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, Malindi, Watamu or Kilifi… a visit to run with Champions in Eldoret… or relax by Lake Victoria in Kisumu, this partnership has hotel packages to suit all budgets and tastes.
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