Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the beautiful port city of Kisumu should definitely be on your list of must-visit places in Kenya. Kisumu offers an array of exciting activities for tourists seeking nature, wildlife, culture and relaxation.

Exactly what places must you visit to have a complete Kisumu experience? Read on to find out!

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Sitting on nearly 38 hectares some 2 miles from the city center, the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary provides a home for threatened impalas within Kisumu County. It’s also home to other wildlife such as hippos, zebras, lions, cheetahs and buffaloes. Activities offered include picnicking, bird watching and camping. The impala Ecolodge situated within the sanctuary is a state of the art establishment that offers accommodation to the tourists.  The sanctuary is open daily from 6am to 6pm.

Kiboko Bay

Kiboko Bay Resort should be top on your list of places to stay in Kisumu. It has often been rated as the best Kisumu resort because of its amazing charms and natural attractions. Watch the sun setting on the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria and enjoy the gorgeous views of the lake as well. The vibrant birdlife at the resort is something you definitely don’t want to miss.

Dunga Hill Camp

Of all the hills in Kisumu you do not want to miss spending a couple of days on this one. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Dunga Hill Camp is a perfect venue for camping with friends and family. Sit on top of the hill by the lake and unwind as you watch the village life around the lake. The phenomenal vista is something you will want to capture into memories.

Kisumu Museum

This is where the history of this side of Kenya is preserved. Kisumu Museum displays the culture and traditions of the peoples of Western Kenya. The museum contains numerous pavilions that house different aspects such as variety of fish from Lake Victoria, live animals, stuffed animals and the UNESCO sponsored Beir-Gi-dala which is a full scale recreation of a traditional Luo homestead.

Ndere Island National Park

Branded the island of serenity and beauty, Ndere Island National Park lies some 45km west of Kisumu. Explore its lush shoreline and enjoy the scenic beauty that is Ndere Island. Game viewing is one of the activities to carry out while there as well. De Brazza’s monkeys, antelopes, a variety of fish species, and over 100 species of birds make up the wildlife on the island.

Kit Mikayi

Famously known as the ‘weeping rock’, Kit Mikayi is a 70-80 ft large rock with three rocks on top. Located about 29 km west of Kisumu, the rock stands tall over Kangeso village. It is a sight not to be missed on the Kisumu-Bondo road. Many stories and folklore surround the rocks and a visit to Kit Mikayi gets you to listen to them as you explore the caves and climb the rocks.

Hippo Point

Standing on 6oo acres, Hippo Point is a viewing area on Lake Victoria. The breathtaking sunsets over the lake that are experienced here will make you want to keep coming back. Enjoy the boat rides in the lake as you check out the hippos in their natural setting. Indulge in the spectacular scenery of the deep waters of Lake Victoria.

Kisumu Beaches

For a scrumptious meal of big fried/stewed tilapia alongside a plateful of steaming ugali, Lwangwi beach is most notable. Devour the meal as you enjoy the cool breeze from the lake. Dunga beach, situated in Dunga village, offers great fishing. Watch as the fishermen do their daily chores and enjoy the boat rides as you sample Kisumu’s famous cuisine.

Kibuye Market

Dubbed one of the biggest flea/open air markets in East Africa, Kibuye Market is a great place to grab fresh produce from farms in the region. You can also get good deals on various knick-knacks and commodities. The market is most popular on Sundays.

Kisumu nightlife

Sampling the nightlife is required no matter where in the world you’re traveling, and Kisumu is no different. The fun in Kisumu does not stop when the sun goes down. Unwind and shake your groove thang a bit as you dance to lakeside tunes and benga music (as well as international music). Party the night and mingle away in the numerous joints across Kisumu City.

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