Resting on the shores of the magnificent Lake Victoria, the laidback port city of Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya. This city features wide streets, fine colonial architecture and boasts great viewpoints over the lake at Hippo point and Dunga Hill Camp. It is home to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which shelters herds of free roaming impalas and zebras as well as an animal orphanage caring for lions, cheetahs, leopards, baboons, duikers, hyena and buffaloes. Visitors to the city can look forward to an array of wonderful attractions including: the Kisumu Museum, which displays local cultural artifacts and the nearby Ruma National Park, which protects the only indigenous population of rare roan antelopes within Kenya and features sheer cliffs, diverse wildlife and many species of bird.
The massive 6.5 million-hectare Lake Victoria is three times the size of Wales and is shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Known as one of Africa’s ‘Great Lakes’, it is world-renowned as both Africa’s largest lake and the source of its biggest river, the Nile. Its waters are rich in fish life with shimmering shoals of colourful cichlids and large Nile Perch which is sought after by fishermen. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including excellent fishing; wildlife viewing; and savouring local dishes at restaurants with a phenomenal lake view. While Kenya only encompasses around 6% of the lake’s shore, it is here that the country’s third-largest town is located, Kisumu, known for its wonderful markets and an excellent museum. Make sure to visit the Impala Sanctuary and Hippo Point, which showcases spectacular sunsets.
