Discover Kisumu

As Kenya's third-largest city, Kisumu sits right on the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, where colorful fishing boats land and boat tours to offshore islands as well as bird watching in the papyrus swamps are offered.

The striking, multi-tiered rock formation made of huge granite boulders is considered a sacred site by the Luo people, with numerous legends surrounding the first wife of a tribal elder, and continues to serve traditional healers for ritual ceremonies amid the rural surroundings.

The small wildlife reserve right on the lakeshore is home to large impala herds as well as giraffes, baboons and occasionally leopards, making it ideal for a short safari walk with views of Lake Victoria, without any long travel.

The small fishing village on the edge of town offers a relaxed glimpse into everyday life on Lake Victoria, with traditional boats, freshly grilled tilapia at the lakeside restaurants and boat rides through the papyrus channels.

Kisumu International Airport lies only about 5 kilometers west of the center and is served several times daily from Nairobi, with a flight time of just under an hour. Alternatively, comfortable long-distance buses run from Nairobi in about five to six hours.

As Kenya's third-largest city, Kisumu sits right on the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, where colorful fishing boats land and boat tours to offshore islands as well as bird watching in the papyrus swamps are offered.

The striking, multi-tiered rock formation made of huge granite boulders is considered a sacred site by the Luo people, with numerous legends surrounding the first wife of a tribal elder, and continues to serve traditional healers for ritual ceremonies amid the rural surroundings.

The small wildlife reserve right on the lakeshore is home to large impala herds as well as giraffes, baboons and occasionally leopards, making it ideal for a short safari walk with views of Lake Victoria, without any long travel.