The Lake Victoria City of Kisumu is Well Off-the-Beaten-Track

Kisumu is one of only 3 Kenya cities with the others being Nairobi, the capital, and Mombasa, the port city that is also a popular beach getaway.

Situated on the shores of the vast Lake Victoria, the lakeside city is one of the country's best-kept secrets.

Surprisingly insulated from the march of technology, it promises a combination of sights and sounds that will likely blow you away...

Tantalizing glimpses of shy antelopes. Startled herons and egrets taking flight in a flutter of wings. Glorious fiery sunsets over Lake Victoria. And More.

Tourist Attractions in Kisumu

• Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located only 3km from the city center, close to Hippo Point. With an area of only 1 sq km (0.4 sq miles), it is home to a surprising number of animal species. These include the impala, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, hippo, the endangered Sitatunga antelope, birds and reptiles.

• The Bird Sanctuary is highly recommended for ornithologists as it is a natural breeding ground for egrets, storks, herons and cormorants. It is best to visit in April or May

• While you could spot the odd hippo at Hippo Point, the location is more famous for some breathtaking sunsets over Lake Victoria, the world's second largest freshwater lake and the source of the Nile River

• You get to enjoy unbridled views crocodiles, hippos, impalas that grace the verdant Ndere Island National Park.

• When you tire of the being so close to the natural world and want to step back in time, be sure to make a date with the Kisumu Museum.

  It showcases aspects of the Luo people's culture such as art, crafts, food and even a homestead referred to as a Ber-gi-dala in Dholuo.

  The museum also contains a reptile enclosure full of slithering venomous snakes such as the python, adder, cobra and mamba. These are likely to wow even the most discerning reptile lover as they offer an opportunity to observe these creatures from just a few feet away.

• If the artist in you beckons, be sure to visit Kit Mikayi. This unique rock formation is much visited for its splendor and the amateur climbing opportunities it offers.

  The Kit Mikayi is also rich in cultural meaning. Because water perennially oozes out of the stones, they have been christened the "weeping rocks." Legend has it that a broken-hearted Mikayi fled to the rocks after her husband took a second wife. Evidently, her tears continue to flow to this day!

• If you would like to go shopping in Kisumu's markets, be sure to visit Kibuye Market which sells everything from food to furniture. It is an expansive open air market so if you want to do justice to it, set aside plenty of time.

  For those who are looking for local handicrafts, check out the innumerable craft stalls near Imperial Hotel

• The Lake Victoria city's latest claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Barrack Obama Senior, father to the US President. The older Obama was born in Nyang'oma Kogelo village on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Hotels

As is the case with the other cities in Kenya, there are several decent Kisumu hotels to choose from. The top-of-the range ones are Kiboko Bay Resort as well Imperial and Sunset Hotels.

Kiboko Bay Resort is located by Lake Victoria adjacent Dunga Fishing village. Only opened in 2004, it has quickly established itself as the hotel of choice for travelers to the lake city. And, in true Kenya safari style, guests reside in "luxury tents" rather than the mundane hotel rooms.

This is the hotel to go for if you value a personal touch from the owners, the incredibly professional Darbar family.

Having been in existence for decades, Imperial Hotel is the most tried and tested of all the Kisumu hotels. Located in the heart of the city, it is loved for the consistent quality of service it offers - clean lovely rooms, a swimming pool and multi-cuisine restaurants.

Sunset Hotel is a modern hotel with reasonably comfortable rooms. It has huge lush grounds and offers priceless views over Lake Victoria. Because the sunsets are particularly awesome, it is true to its name.

Weather

Although it rains a lot, the Lake Victoria city is balmy all year round. It is therefore advisable to carry light cotton clothes which will keep you cool and allow your skin to breathe.

While lightweight sandals will help your feet cope better in the city's tropical heat, remember to pack a pair of sneakers or ankle boots if you intend to sufficiently explore the outdoors.

Getting Here

Kisumu is 355km (221 miles) from the capital of Kenya, Nairobi. You can get here in about 6 hours by bus and overnight by train.

The fastest way to get to the city is, of course, by air. Several airlines such as Kenya Airways, Fly 540, Jet Link and East African Safari Air operate daily scheduled flights to Kisumu Airport.

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