Perched on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is the third-largest city in Kenya and a lively port that serves as an important trade and transport hub in the Great Lakes region. It’s famed as being the hometown of Barack Obama’s father and has been designated by the United Nations as a “Millennium City”, the first of its kind in the world.
Things to do in Kisumu
Soak up stunning views across Lake Victoria from Dunga Hill Camp or Hippo Point, which is a popular launching point for boat excursions around the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for resident and migratory birds as you cruise through the water or head to Maboko Island to learn about the Middle Miocene primate fossils that have been discovered here.
Also on the waterfront is the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which provides a refuge for rare antelopes, impalas and big cats. Join one of their informative guides on a nature walk to spot buffalos, giraffes and zebras or embark on a glass-bottom boat ride to see what lurks below the waters of Lake Victoria. Dedicated birdwatching walks are also available through the sanctuary’s grassland and papyrus swamp to spot African pied wagtails, kingfishers and sunbirds.
Interested in the cultural history of Nyanza Province? Pay a visit to the Kisumu Museum, which features a traditional Luo homestead exhibit. The local crafts market on Nairobi Road is the place to browse for Maasai-made souvenirs while African textiles can be purchased at the bustling Main Market in the heart of Kisumu.
Getting around Kisumu
Kisumu Airport is the main gateway to the city and has flights to destinations across Kenya, with taxis readily available for the 15-minute journey into town. Buses, matatus and boda-boda motorcycle taxis are all available for getting around Kisumu.