Things to do in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Things to do in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary : Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is situated within Kisumu city and spans less than 1 square kilometre along the beaches of Lake Victoria. 1992 saw the facility’s gazettal. Described as “a lakeshore walk with impalas,” the refuge debuted in March 2010. There are many different types of flora, including grass, plants, and trees, as well as confined and free-ranging wildlife. A total of 115 bird species have been identified. It host all the Big five safari animals with the exception of the elephant, all five of the big game are currently present in the refuge. Customers can also choose from a variety of circuits on natural trails. Due to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary’s close proximity to Kisumu town, visitors who are adventurous and want to explore wildlife, especially those with limited time, can partake in a variety of tourism activities that will allow them to discover all the amazing habitats of this small area. These activities include;

Game viewing

One of the main kenya safari tourist attractions at Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is game viewing. In addition to watching impalas, visitors can also see a variety of other free-ranging animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, olive baboons, rescued grey parrots, guinea pigs, leopard tortoises, and several species of primates, including vervet monkeys. Big cats, including the African leopard, Maasai lions, hyenas, Tanzanian cheetahs, side-striped jackals, and endangered Sitatunga antelopes can also be seen in the sanctuary’s swampy areas.

Glass bottomed boat safaris

Enjoy this exciting offer of Kisumu Impala Sanctuary’s tourist activities on a boat ride on the lake and get to enjoy an adventure with hippo populations, water birds, Nile crocodiles in the lake, fish species among numerous habitats. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, close to the hippo point.

Birdwatching

One of the best activities in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is bird watching. It is one of the birding safaris destination in kenya with 115 species of recorded migratory and resident birds, the sanctuary is home to a diverse array of birds, including rescued grey parrots and guinea fowls, among many others.

Nature walk

The sanctuary is a tiny area that can be quickly visited on foot on guided nature walks, providing an amazing opportunity to see its wildlife and other natural habitats without losing any nuances.

A fantastic Kenya wildlife experience may be had at Kisumu Impala Sanctuary by engaging in additional activities like camping and picnics, which complement the other activities offered there.

What to see in Kisumu impala sanctuary

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is home to a vast range of flora, including trees, grass, and herbs, as well as both free-ranging and confined species. The main draw for tourists is the impala population.

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, also known as a “lakeshore walk with the impalas,” offers additional attractions at the moment, such as wildlife species that include all five of the big five game—lions, African leopards, rhinos, and cape buffaloes—aside from the elephant. On the other hand, the animal sanctuary is home to three of the big cats, namely hyenas, Tanzanian cheetahs, and side-striped jackals. Other animals seen in the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary include giraffes, olive baboons, rescued grey parrots, guinea fowls, leopard tortoises, and numerous primate species, including vervet monkeys. There are also several species of reptiles, such as butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, and monitor lizards in addition to snakes.

The swampy sections of Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which have been expanded to accommodate animal orphans, are home to the rare and endangered Sitatunga antelopes, who are also one of the sanctuary’s other tourist attractions.

Situated near the hippo point, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary offers crucial open grazing for the hippopotamus population. Additionally, the neighbouring marshes provide as a haven for the critically endangered Sitatunga antelope. There are several circuits of nature trails where visitors can see wildlife. The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary’s plethora of birdlife, which includes rescued grey parrots and guinea fowls among over 115 species, is one of the sanctuary’s key safari in Kenya  tourist attractions.

Along with a variety of picturesque picnic areas by Lake Victoria, including Impala, Sunset, Albizia, Baboon, and Simba sites, the sanctuary’s territory has 3 km (2 km) of well-maintained pathways. In addition to offering breathtaking lake views, these picnic spots are perfect for corporate gatherings, parties, and weddings. To complete your experience, take a glass-bottom boat ride to the lake.

How to reach Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Utilising air transportation is the most convenient method to reach Kisumu Impala Sanctuary from Nairobi. Kisumu International airport routinely hosts flights that connect Nairobi metropolis to Kisumu. The airport is used by several airlines, including Silverstone Air, Jambo Jet, Fly 540, and Kenya Airways.  After arriving in Kisumu, which typically takes an hour by air, you can take ground transportation to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which takes a few minutes.

By road

Road transport is an other option for reaching the sanctuary; however, it is not as advised if you are departing from Nairobi due to the lengthy travel time, but it is more affordable for low-budget visitors. The sanctuary lies 3 kilometres from Kisumu, next to Hippo Point. Kisumu is about 380 miles to the north of Nairobi. During the day, driving is advised; at night, it is dangerous. Take Chimoro Road towards Gitaru, then turn onto the A104 (Waiyaki Way) and continue via Naivasha and Nakuru for approximately 30 km, after which turn left onto B1 heading towards Kisumu. The beautiful vistas of Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, and Kericho make this road trip a 5- to 12-hour journey, depending on your stopovers. When arriving in Kisumu town, visitors who are driving typically use the Sitatunga gate, while walk-in visitors are advised to use the Main gate. A new gate, called Sunset Gate, has been opened to facilitate guest access from the Sunset Hotel, connecting the sanctuary with the hotel. Various public buses, including Easy Coach and Modern Coast, are available on a regular basis from Nairobi to Kisumu. The journey takes approximately eight hours to reach Kisumu town.

By water

Since Kisumu is a port city, it has ferry connections to neighbouring countries, linking them to Kendu Bay, Homa Bay, and Mbita. This makes using water transportation to enter Kisumu city an alternative means of reaching the sanctuary.