Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located within Kisumu City and is set on the shores of Lake Victoria, the sanctuary covers less than 1 square kilometres and lies within Kisumu City limits. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary was gazetted in 1992 purposely to create to provide a home for threatened impalas within the lake region.
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is an ideal destination to relish the natural beauty that abounds on the lakeside.
ATTRACTIONS IN KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY
Landscape
It provides an ideal refuge away from the busy and noisy Kisumu town centre, the sanctuary borders Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater in the world and the largest in Africa. The lake provides scenic views and remarkable picnic sites for visitors on a Kenya wildlife safari.
The Sanctuary is animal orphanage.
Birdlife
The Sanctuary is a home to over 115 species of birds recorded, these birds include guinea fowl, ostriches, parrots, Fischer love birds
Wildlife
Kisumu Impala sanctuary hosts several species of wildlife, the sanctuary provides a sanctuary to abundance of wildlife including lions, African leopards, cape buffaloes, olive baboons, hyenas, Tanzanian cheetahs, side-striped jackals, impalas, leopard tortoises, sitatunga antelopes, Tanzania cheetahs, duikers, warthogs, bushbucks, patas monkeys, blue monkey, serval cats, vervet monkeys, hippos among others. The sanctuary is also a home to various species of snakes, monitor lizards, dragon fly, frog and butterflies. These animals freely range in the indigenous forest, swampy papyrus areas and grasslands.
SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY
Wildlife viewing
Thus is a thrilling destination to wildlife viewing safari while on a Kenya safari, game viewing in this thrilling sanctuary is done in 4X4 wheel safari vehicle with pop roof and open windows for clear spotting of the animals.
Game viewing experiences in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary takes on an exploring expedition on which you will spot a verity of wildlife such as African leopards, cape buffaloes, Tanzania cheetahs, impalas, lions, side-striped jackals, primates like olive baboons, Patas monkeys, blue monkeys and vervet monkeys among others.
You will also be able to enjoy scenic views of the landscape and spot several bird species.
Birding
This is a great destination for birding safaris in Kenya, the sanctuary is a home to recorded 150 bird species making the sanctuary a haven for birders. Birding in Sanctuary is an opportunity to watch and identify different bird species such as grey parrots, guinea fowls, Fischer love bird, ostriches among others.
Guided nature walks
For nature lovers, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a paradise to explore on foot, nature walks in the sanctuary are guided by an experienced guide and on this activity you are able to explore the different habitats of the sanctuary and get a chance to see various animals and birds.
Nature walks in the Sanctuary lets you explore its different habitats. A guided nature walk in this wildlife sanctuary gives you a chance to explore a variety of plant species, birds, wildlife, butterflies and many others.
Other activities to do in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary include camping, hiking, trekking, corporate and special events, glass-bottom rides, scenic viewing, boat race which is done in November each year to create awareness of wildlife particularly the sitatunga antelopes.
Others safari activities you can do in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary include
- Camping
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Corporate and special events
- Sailing in a glass-bottom boat
- Scenic viewing
- Boat race which is organised in November each year.
HOW TO GET TO KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary is located 355 kilometers North of Nairobi and about 3 kilometers from Kisumu City near the Hippo Point, the sanctuary is accessed using three modes of transport that is by road, Air and water.
By Road
By road, you can use either public and private means of transport from Nairobi city and the sanctuary is accessed using Sitatunga gate for Drive-in visitors and walk-in visitors are advised to use the main gate.
By Air
Domestic chartered flights are available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kisumu International Airport, from Nairobi to Kisumu is one hour flight.
By water
Kisumu area where the sanctuary is found is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and Mbita and the neighbouring countries
ACOMMODATION IN KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary feature wide range of accommodation options, these accommodation facilities include Impala Eco-Safari Lodge with 24 beds and one campsite – The State Lodge Campsite, The Sundowner Tower which overviews the railway trail.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KISUMU IMPALA SANTCUARY
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is open for visitors on a Kenya safari all year-round, however the best time to explore the wildlife in the sanctuary is the dry season which begins in June, July, August, September, December, January and February. The wet season in Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is also a good season for bird watching, the wet season begins in March, April, May, October and November.
