Think of stunning views, spectacular sites to behold, glaring sunsets and shimmering waters, and the Rusinga Island offers all that and more, making it the perfect destination for holidaying and winding down.
Located in Lake Victoria, which is in the southwestern part of Kenya, the island is about 16 km long.
By visiting the island, revellers get the rare chance to be away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and enjoy the serenity and splendid views.
The area is largely dominated by the Luo and Abasuba communities, which are subgroups of the river lake Nilotes who settled in the area from Uganda.
Visiting the isle will give you the chance to interact with their epic culture, which is quite intriguing, to say the least.
One could get to the area via a couple of means. The fastest way to get there, especially if you’re pressed for time, is by air, via the Kisumu international airport.
However, travelling by road will give you the chance to sightsee along the way, especially if you make stopovers.
Below is a list of places to visit, and the respective activities to engage in while in and around Rusinga Island.
1. Lake Victoria
This is the water body that surrounds the isle and has one of the most attractive views.
Watching the shimmering waters stretch for thousands of kilometres is sure to do justice to relaxing your mind.
The local community uses water from the lake for domestic purposes and is also a source of livelihood for the fishermen.
Engage in fishing activities where the locals will teach you how to catch fish, quite an enjoyable activity to engage in.
Go on boat rides where you get to cruise the waters and interact with the locals as well as the vegetation.
With extremely high temperatures, a good swim or skinny-dipping would definitely do justice to your body. Get to do that at the shores of the lake together with other revellers.
Looking for that adrenaline surge? Engage in extreme water sports such as skiing, surfing and diving, all at a cost-friendly price. These activities will leave you exhilarated, fighting for breath and definitely craving for more.
2. Rusinga Island lodge
After a long day of tours and travels, you’ll need a place to retreat where your every need will be catered for, and what better place to do that other than this state-of-the-art facility?
Tastefully furnished and oozing elegance, their services are to die for. Its proximity to the lake allows you excursions during the day as well as fishing expeditions.
Boats which are fully equipped with fishing gear are available, complete with skilled fishermen to engage you in the activity. The lake is well known for its abundance of Nile perch.
The chefs at the lodge will be on standby, ready to turn your catch into an actual meal. As you wait for your meal, engage in bird-watching activities and get lost in the thrills of nature, as the chirping birds drown you in beautiful rhythms.
In the evening, grab your sundowner and treat yourself to the most spectacular sunset views, a classic of where the sky meets the sea. You might want to plug in one of those romantic songs for this.
3. Ruma National Park
While holidaying on the island, your visit is sure to be filled with nature vibes. This beautiful national park is home to hundreds of animal species, both rare and common.
The endangered roan antelope can be found here, standing out with its beautiful body pattern. Get to see the Rothschild giraffe as well as other animals such as monkeys, buffaloes and elephants.
Game drives within the park are available, giving you the chance to see the animals in proximity, so make sure to bring your camera with you.
If you are looking to burn some calories, go on nature treks within the vast park or bike ride and get acquainted with different types of plants.
Engage in bird-watching activities, or you could simply sit and absorb the air surrounding you.
What better way to climax your tour at the park other than a complete bush dinner? Get to savour tasty meals, surrounded by nothing but fresh, crisp air and chirping crickets. That experience is simply unbeatable.
4. Tom Mboya Mausoleum
For the history fanatics, this is just the perfect stop for you. The Tom Mboya Mausoleum was erected to celebrate one of the most outstanding and prominent figures in the history of Kenya.
Tom Mboya’s works before and after colonialism are greatly recognized, and this monument was set up as a remembrance.
Guards who are well versed in history will take you through segments of his life from birth in 1930, through his various achievements up to his death in 1969.
Still on that historic note, the island is largely a historic site, seeing that fossils of early man were discovered there.
Remains dating back thousands of years have been discovered by Mary and Louis Leaky, among other archaeologists. Tourists come from far and wide to get acquainted with these historical facts
5. Rusinga Cultural Festival
If you happen to visit the island during this festival, you will be in for a real treat.
The festival is organized annually to celebrate the Luo way of life, who are such ardent holders of their culture.
Tourists flock to the festival to get entertained, so be sure to catch a spot early.
Get entertained by traditional songs and dances, where you could actually join the entertainers and shed a few kilograms on the dance floor.
Listen to riveting and mind-blowing tales about the Luo origin from the older men, and even watch them perform traditional rituals to appease their ancestors.
Their language is beautiful, so be sure to learn a word or two before you leave the place.
No ceremony is ever complete without good food, and this festival will give you exactly that. Their food speciality is fish, whether wet fry or dry fried, traditionally cooked with herbs and spices that will leave you craving for more.
It is served with different accompaniments, but you might want to try it with Ugali.
Afterwards, bonfires are lit and guests get acquainted with each other as they are entertained by different performances till late in the night.
6. White Stone Beach Resort
This luxurious resort oozes pomp and elegance right from the moment you walk in if the architecture is anything to go by.
Looking for a place to stay and rest while enjoying your holiday? Then look no further. Hospitable and kind staff are ready to welcome you and give you a detailed description of the place.
Accommodation facilities are available, whether in single, double, or deluxe rooms and are up to standard, cleanliness is highly observed, and room service is 24/7 in case you have an emergency.
The rooms are strategically positioned to face the lake, so you wake up to breathtaking views of the nearby waters.
You can go on boat rides to cruise the waters, or you could simply sit on the terrace as you soak in the sun rays as you read a book or simply let your mind wander off.
Take an evening stroll by the beach as you enjoy the cool breeze and scenic environment; this is sure to make you feel calm and relaxed.
Afterwards, indulge in different delicacies, whether local or international cuisines made by the best hands and have a taste of what good food is really like.
7. Rusinga Blue Ridge Hotel
You get spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing luxurious places to stay in while on your tour.
This is the perfect stop for you if you are looking for a family-friendly place. At affordable prices, stay in cosy rooms-single, double and triple, complete with air conditioning and overlooking Lake Victoria.
A variety of group activities such as board games are offered as well; the perfect way to bond with your family or friends.
They have well-mowed lawns where occasions such as birthday ceremonies, grad parties and wedding receptions are held, surrounded by beautiful waters.
With the searing temperatures, enjoy swimming activities in their pool and bask afterwards in the sun.
A kid’s amusement park complete with amenities is also available to keep your child entertained and distracted.
Chefs who possess top-tier culinary skills are on standby to cook your favourite delicacy. Wash the food down with their wide array of drinks, either soft or if you would love to indulge a little, the bar has you covered.
For more fun and exploration, be sure to check our guide to the larger Homa Bay County, and Bondo which is only 100 km away.
