Ndere Island National Park is a small island (4.2 km sq.) in the Winam Golf of Lake Victoria in Kenya. The park was gazetted as the Ndere Island National Reserve in November 1986. The park’s locally known name is Chula Rabour, meaning Chula – Island, Rabour-Red, thus Red Island, the island is covered in Themeda grass species whose mature flowers turn reddish.
Ndere Island is covered mostly in grassland and dotted with walking trails, Ndere Island provides beautiful scenic views of the Homa hills to the south, Mageta Island to the east and glimpses of Kampala in Uganda beyond the southwest horizon. The island offers a unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. The island is home to a variety of wildlife species, including hippos, monitor lizards, Nile crocodiles, several fish species, snakes, baboons, impalas, the rare sitatunga antelopes, water bucks, zebras and warthogs. Over 100 different species of birds can be seen here, including African fish eagles, black-headed gonoleks and grey-headed kingfishers, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Visitors to Ndere Island National Park can enjoy activities such as nature walks, bird watching, boat rides, fishing, and camping. The park provides beautiful scenic views of Lake Victoria, with opportunities for photography and relaxation in a serene environment. The park can be visited throughout the year, although the dry season from June to September is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which ensures the conservation and protection of the island’s natural resources.
How to get to Ndere Island National Park
Ndere Island National Park is 432 kilometres off Nairobi City, and it can be accessed both by road and air. By road, visitors on Kenya safari can set off through the Kisumu-Bondo route, where you will branch off to your left after Holo market or left at the Kombewa shopping centre to the park headquarters straddled between Bao and Asat beach.
Ndere Island National Park headquarters is 12 kilometres away on a tarmac road. Alternatively, intending travellers on safari in Kenya can also take a boat from Kisumu, and it takes visitors approximately 45 minutes for speed boats direct from Kisumu city to Ndere Island National Park at a cost of Ksh 5,000. In case you opt to use a boat ride through Kisumu, you are advised to come along with an umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat, and make sure that the boat that you intend to use is fully equipped with safety jackets.
By air, you can fly to Kisumu Airport, about 60 kilometres away from Ndere Island Park headquarters.
Ndere Island National Park Activities
1. Hiking the rolling Homa hills
For hikers, the park is a great destination to visit for a hiking experience. The park consists of well-marked walking trails in the Homa Hills, offering beautiful views of the park and distant, breathtaking views of Lake Victoria, the Homa Hills, and Magere Island.
2. Bird Watching
Ndere Island National Park is an incredible birding haven, with an abundance of birds recorded to be over 100 different species. Birds in the park inhabit mostly grassland-covered plains of the park. Some of the birds to look out for during bird watching in the park include African fish eagles, black-headed gonolek, grey-headed kingfishers, green-backed Heron, black stork, banded snake eagles, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Booted Eagles, black crake, Helmeted Guineafowl among others.
3. Boat Rides
Boat rides in the park are organised and offered on the waters of Lake Victoria. This experience offers tourists a chance to explore the waters of Lake Victoria and enjoy encountering fishermen fishing.
4. Sport Fishing
Spot fishing is one of the most entertaining safari activities to do in the park. This activity is done on the waters of Lake Victoria at designated sites. When you are going to go sport fishing, boats are prepared days before your experience.
5. Game Viewing
Game viewing in Ndere Island National Park is a thrilling experience, offering you an opportunity to spot various animals inhabiting the park and the waters of Lake Victoria, such as Nile crocodiles, hippos, impalas, rare sitatunga antelopes, monkeys, baboons, and various snakes and fish species.
Ndere Island National Park Entry Fees
High Season (July–February)
| EAC Citizen/Resident (Ksh) | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 300 |
| Child/Student | Ksh 250 |
| Rest of Africa (US$) | |
| Adult | 20 USD |
| Child/Student | 15 USD |
| International Visitors (US$) | |
| Adult | 25 USD |
| Child/Student | 15 USD |
Low Season (March–June)
| EAC Citizen/Resident (Ksh) | Charges |
| Adult | Ksh 250 |
| Child/Student | Ksh 200 |
| Rest of Africa (US$) | |
| Adult | 15 USD |
| Child/Student | 10 USD |
| International Visitors (US$) | |
| Adult | 20 USD |
| Child/Student | 15 USD |
Ndere Island National Park Contacts
Email: nderenp@kws.go.ke
Phone: 0774 747 946
