Top on the list of places to visit is
Lake Victoria. The whole lake is about the size of Ireland
covering an expansive 67,850 sq km and forming a natural
boundary between the three East African countries; Kenya,
Tanzania and Uganda. Kenya’s share is the smallest
about 3785 sq km. The lake is also the source of the
Nile River – the second longest river in the world.
The lake boasts of sandy beaches and many small islands.
Rusinga Island hosts the mausoleum
of the late Tom Mboya – a Kenya nationalist leader
and political genius who was assassinated in Nairobi
during the political unrest of the late 1960’s.
There are also plans to develop a Mary Leakey
Archaeological Site. The island also has a
club built on the beach. There are several activities
like fishing, sport fishing, sight seeing and water
skiing activities. Mfangano and Takawiri
Islands have fishing camps that offer several
activities. The Mbasa and Namolo
islands are a few meters apart. These uninhabited
islands have many bird species including egrets and
the fish eagle. There are also many monitor lizard,
wild goats and sheep. Ruma National Park
formally known as the Lambwe Valley National Reserve
was established in 1966. At Ruma, you will have a chance
to see roan antelope and jackson’s hartebeest,
a larger and redder species than coke’s hartebeest
which is found in most parks in Kenya.
At Sidi Crater Lake, you can catch
flamingos foraging through a surface of emerald algae.
Sidi is located halfway between Kisumu and Homa Bay.
Hippo Point, just outside Kisumu is
an exceptional vantage point for viewing hippo, and
is known for its beautiful sunsets. Also near Kisumu
town you can spot plenty of large water birds that nest
and breed between March and July.
The Kisumu Museum is located in Kisumu
city. It was officially
opened to the public in 1980. It serves as an educational
and recreational centre for visitors. The museum has
natural exhibits in the form of a fresh-water aquarium
and outdoor snake park and tortoise pens. The museum
is home to a 300 year old giant tortoise imported from
the Seychelles in 1930.
You can experience the Luo culture by visiting the
traditional Luo homesteads and get to see how the Luo
lived in traditional African Society.
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary (and also
an animal orphanage) is home to the rare sitatunga antelope.
Kibuye Market is one of the busiest and largest markets
of Kenya. Here you can see, breathe and experience the
day-to-day life of the people of Nyanza.
The 4.2 sq km. Ndere Island National Park is just a
short distance from Kit Mikaye. The park is just off
the northern shore of Lake Victoria, and is home to
the lesser known spotted crocodiles, monitor lizards,
birds and water antelopes. According to the Luo legendary
story Kit Mikaye is the rock where
Mikaye the (mother of the Luo tribe) sheltered herself
after a long journey. A visit to the famous Kit Mikaye
rock will give you insight to the Luo community.
Jaramogi Museum is located at Kang’o
ka Jaramogi the home of the Late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga
– Kenya’s first vice president in Bondo.
You will have the opportunity to experience the life
of the late Odinga, once described as the undisputed
father of the opposition in Kenya. The mausoleum was
built above Odinga’s grave in front of the house.
Other displays include Odinga’s briefcase, ceremonial
hats and clothes he wore at various stages of his political
life.
Kisii town is home to the Kisii soapstone.
Visit Tabaka where most of the Kenyan soapstone is extracted
and later sit back and enjoy some fresh pineapples and
bananas. Kendu Bay is a small lakeside
town located a few hours away from Kisumu City and visit
the volcanic lake and listen to the myths behind its
formation. At the Odino Falls gaze
at the speeding water that has formed gullies in the
area and later sample Ondago Swamp
for birdlife. Close by you will find Awach Self Help
Women group -a project initiated by the local women
for weaving and pottery. There is also Lake Simbi -
the salty lake that hosts the flamingoes when they migrate
from Lake Nakuru. |