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  Where to visit  
  While in Nyanza, you will be spoilt for choice on places to visit.  
     
  Lake Victoria  
 

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.

 
         
 

TRAVEL DISCOVER KENYA 2006 - 2007 ©