10 Places to Visit in Kisumu, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

01

Hippo Point

Lying at an altitude of 6200 feet, the Hippo Point has a near perfect micro climate. You can spot more than 1,200 resident animals wandering around the grounds and some 350 species of birds co existing here.

Highlights: Hippo Point is the ideal place to visit when you wish to let go of your monotonous life and enjoy in the company of nature. It is the place where you can catch up with yourself and enjoy in the company of friends and family. Gazing at the sky filled with stars, fall asleep under the Russian linen sheets soothed by the sounds of Hyenas and Hippos calling out for you in the nights. Wake up early to the cool breeze and enjoy a session of yoga here. You can also jog with Zebra, go biking, meditate, swimming or just unwind while having your breakfast.

Location: Hippo Point is an exquisite private wildlife conservancy that lies on an isthmus between the Lake Oloidien and the Lake Naivasha.

Price: You’ll have to pay a small entry fee to visit the point.

Timings: Open round the year.

02

Kit Mikayi

Kit Mikayi is a tor, a rock formation that is some 40 meters high. It means the "stone of the first wife" or the "the stone of the first woman" in the Luo Language, Dholuo.

Highlights: The locals residing in the region around the stones are referred to as the Luo-Kakello clan. This site is majorly associated with the sacrifices as well as the many legends belonging to the pre-Christian Timingss which bring forth several stories that explain the meaning of the name. It is a prominent sightseeing spot in Kenya especially amongst the neighbouring Luo tribes. Over the years, the Kit Mikayi has also become a prominent local pilgrimage site for the people who come here to the rock to pray and fast for several weeks at length.

Location: The Kit Mikayi lies in western Kenya about 29 km west of the Kisumu town. It is also a km away from the Kisumu-Bondo road.

Timings: Open round the year.

Price: Entry is free.

03

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is nestled on the shore of the largest fresh water lake of Africa i.e. the Lake Victoria.

Highlights: It is a relaxing and a very peaceful place where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that abounds here. The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a home to impalas which is the rare Sitatunga antelope. Further, a number of several primate species and cheetahs, big cats, giraffes and buffalos can be spotted here. Home to the 5 campsites, camping here can amplify the fun given the spectacular views of the Lake Victoria. Other activities that can be enjoyed here include nature walks, bird watching and glass bottomed boat.

Location: The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary lies 355 km north west of Nairobi. It lies 3 km from the city of Kisumu near the Hippo Point.

Timings: The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary remains open from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Price: For citizens of Kenya Adults: KSH 215 Child: KSH 125 For residents of Kenya Adults: KSH 300 Child: KSH 170 For non residents of Kenya Adults: USD 22 Child: USD 13

04

Art Markets

Kenya is widely known for its fantastic art and the artists. There are abundant art markets in Kenya that deserve your attention and appreciation.

Highlights: For every art lover or artists, the art markets of Kenya have a lot on offer. You can find paintings, craft items and local souvenirs of Kenya housed in the markets. These are exquisitely prepared by the skilled local artists of Kenya. If you have a love for art and enjoy collecting these as a token of love and appreciation for Kenya and the artists of Kenya, then do shop to your heart’s content in these fine markets of the country.

Location: The art markets Can be spotted in the different parts of Kenya.

Timings: The opening and closing timing may vary from market to market.

Price: Prices will depend on the type of souvenir you pick for yourself.

05

Kisimu Museum

Kisimu museum exhibits focus on the cultural and the natural history of Western Kenya. The museum features a vast collection of local flora and fauna.

Highlights: South of the town center, the Kisimu museum has three prominent sections. The first section of the museum covers the three key linguistic groups of the western Kenya – Kalenjin, Luo and Bantu. Second section of the museum is a traditional homestead of Luo which brings forth on display the fictitious life of Onyango as he undergoes the rite of passage which was used to establish his own family compound. Third and the last section of the museum is a small aquarium which displays the aquatic assets of the nearby lakes and a reptile house which presents examples of all the local snakes you’ll probably not wish to meet.

Location: The Kisimu museum is located on the Nairobi Road in Kisumu, Kenya.

Timings: The Kisimu museum remains open from 8 in the morning to 6 PM.

Price: To enter the Kisimu museum you’ll have to pay an entry fee of KSH 500.

06

Ndere Island National Park

Ndere Island National Park lies on the Lake Victoria. It is the haven for the birds.

Highlights: Enveloped majorly in the grassland, the island offers phenomenal scenic views of the Mageta Island to the east, Homa hills to the south and the glance of Kampala in Uganda beyond the south western horizon. The beautiful lake shore is a home to a wide range of animals such as monitor lizards, hippos, snakes, rare sitatunga antelopes, monitor lizards, baboons, water bucks, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, impalas, several fish species, zebras and snakes. Besides this, there are more than 100 different species of birds that can be found here. Some notable birds found here include grey headed kingfishers, black headed gonoleks and African fish eagles.

Location: The is Ndere Island National Park is located in Kisumu, Kenya

Price: For citizens of Kenya Adults: KSH 350 Child: KSH 200 For residents of Kenya Adults: KSH 600 Child: KSH 350 For non residents of Kenya Adults: USD 25 Child: USD 15

07

Kiboko Bay

Kiboko Bay is a people friendly resort that offers striking views of the lake. It is definitely the choicest locations for those seeking luxury stay in Kenya.

Highlights: A beautiful resort, Kiboko Bay is a fascination for tourists who visit Kenya. It is largely popular for activities such as hippo spotting, sandy beaches, bird watching, boat rides and the numerous walks. Anyone who comes here to relax and unwind in luxury, this can be a great pick.

Location: Kiboko Bay is a fantastic resort that is located on the shores of the Victoria Lake. It lies in proximity to the tiny fishing village of Dunga that is situated some 5 km from Kisumu.

Price: Prices here are usually variable.

Timings: Open round the year.