Places To Visit In Kisumu

Places To Visit In Kisumu : Kenya’s third-largest city is Kisumu, behind Mombasa and the nation’s capital, Nairobi. After Kampala, it is the second-largest city in the Lake Victoria Basin. The population of the city is just over 600,000. Kisumu is the cultural epicentre of the Luo people of East Africa. For residents of the Kavirondo region, it was the most significant urban centre during the pre-colonial, post-colonial, and modern periods. Port Florence was used as a temporary name before being changed back. The city is the seat of government for Kisumu County and formerly served as the immediate capital of the long-gone Nyanza Province. Its rail and water links make it a crucial link in the commercial route connecting Lake Victoria and Mombasa.

There are frequent flights from Kisumu International Airport to Mombasa, Nairobi, and other nearby cities. The first “Millennium City” in both East Africa and the rest of the world, Kisumu is now acknowledged by the UN as a significant city. It rises 1,131 metres (3,711 feet) above sea level. On the beaches of Lake Victoria, Kisumu lies 320 kilometres (200 miles) northwest of Nairobi. It is located at the northernmost point of the Winam Gulf, a long, shallow arm of Lake Victoria that extends from the main body of the lake. Kisumu lies 24 kilometres (15 miles) south of the equator and experiences moderate temperatures because to its elevation.

Kit Mikayi

A tor, or rock structure, called Kit-Mikayi is around 40 metres high and is located 29 kilometres west of Kisumu City. The distance from the Kisumu-Bondo road is around 1 kilometre. The entry to Kit Mikayi Primary School is through N’gop-Ngeso Primary School, and the sign board is on the gate. In the Luo language of Dholuo, the phrase “the stone of the first woman” or “stone of the first wife” is known as kit-Mikayi.

You can take guided tours of Kit Mikayi to learn more about its significance to culture and history. The rock is a well-liked location for picnics and other outdoor activities because it is surrounded by stunning surroundings. It is a thrilling journey to scale the rocks to the top. A group of women will dance a traditional dance for you as you walk back up. Additionally, it has developed into a well-liked local pilgrimage destination for followers of the Legio Maria sect, who come to the rock for extended periods of fasting and prayer.

Kisumu museum

In Kisumu, Kenya, there is a museum called the Kisumu Museum. Its displays concentrate on Western Kenya’s natural and cultural history. It has a variety of regional plants and animals in addition to a typical Luo farmhouse.

The 1980-opened Kisumu Museum features a number of outdoor pavilions. Some of the pavilions have live animals. For instance, one pavilion houses multiple aquariums filled with a variety of Lake Victoria species in addition to educational displays. Another pavilion houses a terrarium that is home to deadly Kenyan snakes such puff adders, mambas, and spitting cobras. The museum contains a few more displays outside, including a crocodile tank and a snake pit.

Other pavilions include jewellery, farm implements, weapons, and other relics created by the diverse populations of the Nyanza Province. Exhibits of stuffed animals, birds, and fish are also available. The prehistoric TARA rock art, which was relocated to the museum for its protection after being vandalised by graffiti in its original position, is housed in one pavilion.

The most significant and largest exhibition in the museum is Ber-gi-dala, which is supported by UNESCO. A traditional Luo dwelling is being recreated here. A fictional Luo man’s house, granaries, and livestock corrals are all included in Ber-gi-dala, along with the residences of his three wives and oldest son. With the use of signs and recorded programmes in both Luo and English, the exhibition also describes the Luo people’s history, their migration to western Kenya, their use of traditional medicinal plants, and how to start a new life. Dance with The African Genre Shield, an organisation that promotes and preserves Luo culture via performances and instruction.

Hippo Point

The Hippo Point is around 3 km southwest of Kisumu City, close to the village of Dunga. It is a public viewing area for Lake Victoria’s hippos. Hippos are common sights from the viewing platform at the location, which is well renowned for its enormous hippos population. The region contains a fishing port and a campsite in addition to hippos. A breath-taking sunset across the lake will also be visible. It’s a terrific location for sundowners as well as picnics with friends and family. A café and a gift shop are situated on the property.

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located on the shore of Lake Victoria not far from Hippo Point, around 3 km from Kisumu’s downtown. The Sanctuary is a calm, tranquil location to take in the beauties of nature. To save the critically endangered impalas in the Lake area, the Park was gazetted in 1992. Impalas and the endangered Sitatunga antelope are currently housed in the refuge together with big cats, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, and many primate species.

The sanctuary features five campsites with breath-taking views of Lake Victoria, including Impala, Sunset, Albizia, Baboon, and Simba. Activities at the sanctuary include glass-bottomed boat tours, nature hikes, camping, corporate events, and game viewing.

Dunga Beach

On the eastern side of Lake Victoria, in Kisumu City, is Dunga Beach, one of the more well-known beaches. It’s the ideal relaxing location and a great place for picnics and sundowners. Swimming, fishing, and enjoying a scenic location to watch boats dock and depart for fishing are just a few activities available at Dunga Beach. Additionally, there are numerous fish eateries on the shore that serve lake-fresh fish. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Dunga Beach is also a centre of local culture. Dunga Beach offers plenty to offer everyone, whether they are searching for a tranquil beach retreat or an exciting experience.

Ndere Island National Park

A small island in Lake Victoria close to Kisumu is home to Ndere Island National Park. Numerous birds and animals, including fish eagles, pelicans, and crocodiles, call it home. In order to witness the wildlife and learn about its behaviours and habitats, visitors can join guided excursions of the island. On the island, you can discover the area’s natural splendour on a number of hiking paths. To go to Ndere Island National Park, you can take a boat from Kisumu or one of the adjacent cities.

Luanda Magere Site 

Traditional Luo warrior Luanda Magere guided the Luo people to several wins in battle. Luanda Magere was said to be impervious to combat death until his shadow was stabbed. It is believed that Luanda Magere passed away at this location near Sidho, 12 miles off the Awasi-Chemelil route. Some residents go great distances to pray and carry out rituals there because it is a sacred place to them.

Lake Victoria

Three East African countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—share the western Kenyan lake known as Lake Victoria. It is the second-biggest freshwater lake in the world and the largest lake in Africa. Ndere Island and Rusinga Island are just two of the islands that call it home. Kendu and Karungu bays are only two of the gorgeous spots that line its beaches. Popular pastimes include boating, fishing, competitive water sports, and picnics.