Nine places you should visit when in Kisumu

Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city, has been touted as the gateway to western Kenya’s rich tourism circuit. Yet, before one can even venture deeper into the region, Kisumu is a treasure trove of attractions.

Kisumu attractions

When visiting Kisumu and its immediate environs, arm yourself, at the very least, with enough time.

Here are some of the sights that will trigger a surge of adrenaline in the lakeside city.

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Located one kilometre from the city’s Central Business District, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a 38-hectare mini paradise that was created as a safe haven for impalas within Kisumu and its neighbourhood.

But the sanctuary cares for more than just impalas. It is a one-stop shop for visitors who wish to view some of the big cats at a close range. It boasts of several lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals. This might be one of the few places in Kenya where one can still see the endangered cat.

Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the sanctuary hosts more than 100 bird species. Apart from Nairobi, Kisumu is the only other city in Kenya to hold such wildlife in a natural setting.

Kisumu Museum

Located on the Kisumu-Kericho Road is Kisumu Museum that opened its doors to the public in April 1980.

The main attractions here are depictions of lifestyles and diverse cultures of western Kenya, including the community’s original clothing styles, pottery, basket weaving and weaponry and fishing styles.

A typical traditional Luo homestead, Ber Gi Dala, will give you a sneak preview of how it was to be one of the many wives of a polygamous Luo man. Visit here, too, if slithering reptiles do not freak you out. Crocodiles, spitting cobras and some of the world’s oldest tortoises are found here.

Lwang’ni ‘Hotel’

For decades, the fish eating outlets set up by the shores of Lake Victoria, popularly known as Lwang’ni Beach, have provided a favourable setting to enjoy sumptuous meals.

Despite the temporary shades that have seen better days, Lwang’ni, which translates to housefly in Luo, provides the right atmosphere for visitors to treat their taste buds to the hot, tangy meals as they admire the eye-catching scenery of the vast lake.

To enhance tourism in the Western Tourism Circuit, the county government is planning to upgrade the standards of the nearby beach and improve the quality of services offered.

Kiboko Bay Resort

One of my favourite stopovers in Kisumu is the Kiboko Bay Resort. A picture of the sun “sinking under the lake” taken from a nearby jetty is a memorable experience. The resort is the perfect location on which to while a quiet evening away in Kisumu.

However, it is not called Kiboko for nothing. During the night, hippos are known to graze on the neat grass outside. No wonder the grass appears well mowed every morning. If spending the night in nearby cottages, then one is advised to get the services of an escort before venturing out after dark.

Town tour on ‘boda boda’ and tuk tuk taxis

The motorcycle has become a popular means of transport in many Kenyan towns. Kisumu is no exception. The term boda boda was initially used by the bicycle taxis that used to operate on Kenya’s western border region. They had a well-padded passenger seat. Today, the term refers to either the bicycle or the motorcycle taxi.

Boda bodas are preferred as they provide a quick means of transport around the lake city – if you can survive the hair-raising experience of dodging vehicular and human traffic.

On the other hand, tuk tuk, the three wheeled auto-rickshaw, is another alternative in Kisumu.

It may be a little more spacious than the motorcycle but the ride will still be bumpy.

Kisumu nightlife

From the dull town of yesteryears, Kisumu now commands a wide array of entertainment joints. Night owls will be spoilt for choice as the city now teems will clubs and lounges of repute.

Club Signature is perhaps one of the well-known hot spots in Kisumu. Word in town has it that everyone in Kisumu knows Club Signature even if few will tell the name of the building that accommodates it.

Barcadia Lounge, Club Samba, Latitude Lounge and Buddy’s Bar & Grill are other joints for whiling the evening away.

Riat Hills

If you are one of those travellers with an eye for investment, then take a drive up Riat Hills. Riat is the preferred destination for the region’s mega real estate projects. Among the developers here is former Prime Minister Raila Odinga whose new mansion is the talk of town. Besides, Riat Hills offers one of the most magnificent views of Kisumu City, the lake and the nearby international airport.

Kit Mikayi

The famed Kit Mikayi rock formations on the Kisumu-Bondo Road are buried in heaps of legend. In Luo, Kit Mikayi means “the stone of the first wife.”

An old man was said to love the stone so much that he would literally camp there and his wife would be forced to bring him food there. When others inquired about his whereabouts, she would say he had gone to see “his first wife”.

As with other folk tales in Kenya, verifying the veracity of such stories can take forever. Just enjoy the scenery and move on.

Shopping in Kibuye Market

On Jomo Kenyatta Highway in Kisumu is perhaps one of the largest open air markets in Africa. Kibuye Market is the chief outlet for much of the agricultural produce from western Kenya. Over 5,000 traders are based here while attracting over 100,000 customers on any given day from the East African region.

Visit the market and see first hand the hard haggles over the best prices to any product under the sun. Like other local markets, however, hygiene is wanting, with only three public toilets serving the large crowds.