Kisumu Impala Sanctuary lies on the shores of the scenic Lake Victoria in Kenya. The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a refuge to the rare Sitatunga antelope. Although the pack exists to protect these rare Impalas from poachers, it is still home to a range of other wildlife.
The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary has giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and even the mighty cats. It also houses more than 115 bird species and five camping spots for perfect sightseeing. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a tourist attraction you can explore alone or with family.
The entrance of Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
Things to do at Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
Game viewing
Have you ever been to an animal sanctuary? If not, I recommend you try a game drive at Impala Sanctuary. Nothing is exciting like seeing the Impalas roaming around and being able to go up close with them.
It’s quite special. However, the Impala is not the only animal you will spot in the sanctuary. captivating animals such as lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, monkeys, Jackals, and several primate species reside here.
Also, the sanctuary is a safe grazing area for the local population of hippos. If your main interest is the Sitatunga antelope, you should visit the swampy areas early in the morning.
Camping
At Impala sanctuary every scenery suggests that you consider a camping safari. After a long day of game viewing, you can spend the night close to the wild in an indigenous forest. Popular camping sites like Simba give you a spectacular view of lake Victoria. The camping sites provide tourists with basic needs such as food, guidance, and electricity.
Camping here is best suited for a solo adventure, corporate events, weddings, and family bonding.
Picnics
The sanctuary provides the best sites for picnics especially group travels. You can prepare your food at the self-catering camping sites and enjoy your meals out in the wild.
Hiking
For tourists who love to explore indigenous forests or keep fit, this is your paradise. Indigenous herbs, birds, rocky areas and a serene environment invites you to take a walk.
Boat riding
Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa. A thrilling glass bottom boat ride is good for memories. While at it you can view a school of hippos if you’re lucky. A boat riding event is held every November to create awareness against the poaching of Impalas.
Bird watching
So far, there are about 115 bird species to see while hiking or from your camping site. Rare bird species like sunbird, kingfisher, and bee-eater can be found in this sanctuary.
Where to stay
Where to stay depends on your budget and personal taste. From camping sites, accommodation units within the sanctuary, and hotels around, it’s up to you to make that decision. Accommodation units around the area include; Imperial Hotel Kisumu, Clarice House, Triple Trojan Hotel, Kiboko Bay Resort, and Shalom Hotel.
But you may also want to look into those within the park, like Impala Lake Victoria Ecolodge that gives your a perfect view of hippos and sunset. Book your hotel early room earlier, for a stress-free trip.
What to carry
Come with a camera to capture the memories and a pair of binoculars to make bird watching simple. Additionally wear comfortable clothing like boots, pants, and cotton shirts. For your skincare carry your sunscreen and insect repellent.
How to get there
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is easily accessible and you can use various means of transport.
Road: By road, the sanctuary is 355km from Nairobi and 3km from Kisumu. You can board a bus/matatu/hire a van from Nairobi. From Kisumu, you can use the same means or decide to go with a local boda boda operator.
Air: You can book a flight from Nairobi to Kisumu provided by the local airlines.
Water: Access the sanctuary by water through a ferry from Homabay Mbita and Kendu bay.
Click the map for directions.
Entrance fee
Kenyan citizens will pay KES 200 or USD 2 for adults and KES100 or USD1 for children. Non-Kenyans are expected to pay KES 2000 or USD20 for adults and KES1500 or USD15 for children. Mobile money ( M-Pesa ) or smart cards are the only modes of payment available at the moment. Further, you will be required to show identification documents before entry. If you’re in Kenya you need a national ID while non-residents need a valid passport.
The best time to visit
The sanctuary is open throughout the year and tourist-friendly (domestic and international tourists ).
Usually, it’s open between 6 am to 6 pm working days.
