List Of Best Places To Visit In Kisumu County

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kisumu County. Kisumu, which means a place of barter trade (“sumo”) and is officially known as Kisumu City, is the Kenyan inland port city on Lake Victoria and the capital city of Kisumu County, Kenya.

It is the third-largest city in Kenya after the capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa. Kisumu is the principal city of western Kenya, the immediate former capital of Nyanza Province, the headquarters of Kisumu County, and the proposed headquarters of the Lake Region Economic Block, which is a conglomeration of 15 counties in western Kenya. Below is a list of must-visit destinations in Kisumu City.

Affordable Places To Visit In Kisumu

1. Kit Mikayi

Kit-Mikayi is a rock formation, a tor, around 40 m high, situated about 29 km west of Kisumu City. It is about 1 km from the Kisumu-Bondo road. The sign board is on the gate of Kit Mikayi Primary School and the entrance is via N’gop-Ngeso Primary School. Kit-mikayi means “the stone of the first woman”, or “stone of the first wife”, in Dholuo, the Luo language.

Kit Mikayi can be visited on guided tours to learn more about its history and cultural significance. Because it is surrounded by beautiful scenery, the rock is also a popular spot for picnics and other outdoor activities. Climbing the rocks to the top is an exciting adventure. When you hike down, a group of women will perform a traditional dance for you. It has also become a popular local pilgrimage site for members of the Legio Maria sect, who come to the rock for several weeks at a time to pray and fast.

2. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is set on the shore of Lake Victoria, approximately 3km from Kisumu city centre near Hippo Point. The sanctuary is a peaceful, relaxing place to enjoy the natural beauty. The park was gazetted in 1992 to protect the endangered impalas within the Lake Region. Today, the sanctuary hosts impalas, the rare Sitatunga antelope, as well as big cats, buffalos, giraffes, cheetahs, and several primate species.

The sanctuary also has five campsites, namely Impala, Sunset, Albizia, Baboon, and Simba, with stunning views of Lake Victoria. The sanctuary’s activities include bird watching, nature hikes, camping, corporate and social events, game viewing, and glass-bottomed boat rides.

3. Kisumu Museum

The Kisumu Museum, which opened in 1980, has several outdoor pavilions. Live animals can be found in some of the pavilions. One pavilion, for example, contains numerous aquaria containing a wide variety of Lake Victoria fish, as well as explanatory posters. A terrarium with mambas, spitting cobras, puff adders, and other venomous Kenyan snakes can be found in another pavilion. Outside, the museum has a few additional exhibits, such as a snake pit and a crocodile container.

Other pavilions display weaponry, jewelry, farm tools, and other artefacts made by the Nyanza Province’s various peoples. There are also stuffed animal, bird, and fish exhibits. One pavilion houses the prehistoric TARA rock art, which was moved to the museum for its protection after being defaced by graffiti in its original location.

The UNESCO-sponsored Ber-gi-dala exhibition is the museum’s most essential and largest. This is a replica of a traditional Luo homestead. Ber-gi-dala is made up of an imaginary Luo man’s home, granaries, and livestock corrals, as well as the homes of his three wives and eldest son. The exhibition also explains the origins of the Luo people, their migration to western Kenya, traditional healing plants, and the process of establishing a new home through signs and taped programs in both Luo and English. Also dance with The African Genre Shield, a group that keeps Luo culture alive through performances and teaching about aspects of Luo culture.

4. Hippo Point

Hippo Point is located near Dunga village, only 3 km southwest of Kisumu City. It’s an open viewing point for the hippos of Lake Victoria. The site is known for its large population of hippos, which can often be seen from the viewing platform. Aside from seeing the hippos, the area also has a campsite and a fishing port. You’ll also get to see one of the most stunning sunsets over the lake. It’s a great spot for picnics with friends and family, as well as sundowners. The site also has a restaurant and gift shop.

5. Dunga Beach

Dunga Beach is one of the more popular beaches in Kisumu City, found on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria. It’s the ideal chilling destination that’s perfect for picnics and sundowners. Some of the things you can do at Dunga Beach include swimming, fishing, and a nice spot to see boats docking and leaving for fishing. The beach is also home to a variety of fish restaurants selling fish fresh from the lake. Dunga Beach is also a cultural hub, with many local artisans selling traditional crafts and other items. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, Dunga Beach has something for everyone.

6. Dunga Hill Camp

Dunga Hill Camp is a nice place to get away from the heat of Kisumu City. They have boat rides across the lake and plenty of outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the sunset over the lake. Also, they offer camping, a bar, and a kitchen.

7. Ndere Island National Park

Ndere Island National Park is a small island near Kisumu in Lake Victoria. It is home to a wide range of birds and animals, such as fish eagles, pelicans, and crocodiles. Visitors can take guided tours of the island to see the wildlife and learn about their habits and habitats. There are also several hiking trails on the island where you can explore the natural beauty of the area. From Kisumu or other nearby towns, you can take a boat trip to Ndere Island National Park. The island is also ideal for nature lovers and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

8. Luanda Magere Site and Grave

Luanda Magere was a traditional Luo warrior who led the Luo community to numerous battle victories. According to a legend, Luanda Magere could not be killed in battle unless someone stabbed his shadow. The site is in Sidho, 12 kilometres off the Awasi-Chemelil road, and is said to be where Luanda Magere died. It is a sacred site for the locals, with some travelling long distances to pray and perform rituals.

9. Rao M’City previously Kiboko Bay

Kiboko is Swahili for hippos, and the resort was named after the hippos that live in that part of the lake. Kiboko Bay has consistently been rated as one of Kisumu’s best resorts. It has the ideal balance of adventure and luxury. It is also close to Impala Park and Dunga fishing village. You can enjoy excellent service and accommodations, boat rides, and excursions to Dunga fishing village while staying in Kiboko Bay.

10. Winam Gulf

Winam Gulf is a significant extension of Lake Victoria’s northeastern shoreline into western Kenya. It is a shallow inlet connected to the main lake by Rusinga Channel, which is partly hidden from the main body of the lake by islands. Kisumu, Kenya’s third-largest city, has its port on the northeastern shore. It is 25 kilometres wide on average and 64 kilometres long from Kisumu to the channel. The gulf’s notable bays include Naya Bay, Asembo Bay, Nyakach Bay, Osodo Bay, Kendu Bay, Homa Bay, Ruri Bay, Mirunda Bay, Asembo Bay, and Olambwe Bay. The Gulf’s islands include Maboko, Rusinga, and Ndere.

11. Nyamasaria market

Nyamasaria Market is a bustling market in Kisumu, Kenya’s town of Nyamasaria. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it is a great place to shop for a variety of goods such as local crafts, clothing, and other souvenirs. There are also several stalls selling traditional dishes and snacks, making the market an excellent place to sample local foods and beverages. The market is well-known for its lively atmosphere and is an excellent place to learn about local culture and meet members of the community.

12. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is located in western Kenya and is shared by three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is the largest lake in Africa and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. It is home to several islands, including Ndere Island and Rusinga Island. Its shores are home to picturesque locations such as Kendu and Karungu bays. Boating, fishing, competitive water sports, and picnics are all popular activities.

13. Susan Owiyo Art Centre

This location is home to some of Kenya’s most talented artists, and it is well worth a visit. The centre is located in the heart of Kisumu, and it features a wide range of artworks from various disciplines. Paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other works are on display here, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts. Additionally, the centre is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable locals who are always happy to chat about art. This is the place to go if you want to learn more about Kenyan culture.

14. Maseno Equator

Maseno Equator Kisumu is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kisumu. As the only spot in Kenya where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area. While conducting the Coriolis Effect experiment, water appears to move clockwise to the north and anti-clockwise to the south.

15. Maboko Island

Maboko Island is a popular tourist and local destination, known for its beautiful beaches, recreational activities, and cultural attractions. The Island also has several small villages where residents work in fishing and farming. The island is accessible by boat from Kisumu, and several tour operators offer guided tours and activities on the Island. Swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching, and visiting local markets are all popular activities on Maboko Island.

16. Bingo Beach

Located in Usoma, just after the Kenya pipeline, this place has a coastal feel with a beautiful ambience. It has sand by the lakefront, and there’s a kid’s play section, so it’s perfect for family hangouts too. The beach is clean and has a nice atmosphere. You will have a lot of fun playing mini-golf. 

17.  Locco Beach

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out with your family, Locco Beach is the perfect destination. Situated on Nkrumah Road, opposite the Coca-Cola Factory, Pipeline, Kisumu. There’s a playground for kids, a campsite, and a picnic area all by the lake. You can even have private functions or exchange vows in this stunning location.

For those who need to work, Locco Beach offers an outdoor co-working space with a reliable Wi-Fi connection and free coffee. And if you’re worried about your kids, don’t be; this is a family-friendly environment that caters to everyone’s needs.

Locco Beach also has an open barbecue and a rustic bar that serves delicious cocktails. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Kisumu CBD on one side and the mesmerising tides of Lake Victoria on the other while savouring your food and drink.

18. Hideout Dunga

Hideout Restaurant is situated near the Old Kiboko Bay Dunga, en route to Dunga Hill Camp in Kisumu. It has become a popular spot that every visitor to Kisumu must pass by or consider visiting.

The restaurant has a unique hammock that gives off a Lichthaus Watamu vibe, and it’s the reason why Hideout Dunga is always packed. You can sit on the hammock over Lake Victoria and watch the sunset. You don’t have to pay for the nets; you only have to buy food or drinks. They serve freshly cooked fish from Lake Victoria, and there is also a bar section where you can order your drinks. Additionally, there is a pool area where you can enjoy playing pool games.

19. Dunga Boardwalk

The Dunga Wetland Swamp Boardwalk was constructed in 2015 by a group called Dunga Beach Ecotourism. This structure has gained tremendous fame both locally and internationally. It is a raised walkway that stretches over the Dunga wetland. It is a peaceful and serene ecosystem that supports a diverse range of birdlife, fish, and vegetation. As you walk along the boardwalk, you can hear the sounds of nature, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of the trees. You can also observe the rich biodiversity of the wetland, which includes over 100 species of birds. It is a perfect place for bird watching, and you can even see the rare and endangered Papyrus Gonolek.

The boardwalk is also a perfect place to experience the local culture and community. You can visit the local businesses and restaurants around the boardwalk and sample the local cuisine. The locals are friendly, and they are always ready to share their stories and experiences with visitors.

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