The Sanctuary is located about 3km from Kisumu city. It was gazetted in 1992 and later branded in March 2010 as ‘a lakeshore walk with impalas’. It is a home to both free ranging and captive animals as well as a home to over 115 species of birds, a variety of trees, grass & herbs amongst others.
The sanctuary has all the big five animals except the Elephant. Captive animals include the leopard, spotted hyena, blue monkey, patas monkeys, grey parrots, buffaloes, grey duikers, ostriches, hartebeest, cheetahs, lions, lionesses, white rhino, guinea fowls, tortoises and serval cats amongst others.
The free ranging animals include hippos, impalas, zebras, monitor lizards, Sitatungas, red tailed mongoose etc.
The sanctuary holds its annual Kisumu Impala conservation boat racing event in November which is a fundraising event aimed at conserving the endangered Sitatunga antelope found within the sanctuary as well as its neighborhood.
The sanctuary is a key site for research, education and recreation in the world
Access
- Roads: Kisumu is located 355 km North of Nairobi, the sanctuary is 3 km from Kisumu city centre, borders the Yacht club, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) & it’s near Hippo Point.
- Air: The flight from Nairobi takes around 30 minutes to Kisumu and there are regular scheduled flights to Kisumu International Airport.
- Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and Mbita
Size
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary: Less than 1 km2
Climate
- Hot and humid
Safari card required?
- Entry is by Cash only. Proof of identification will be required.
- Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
- Residents – Valid Passport
Major Attractions
Wildlife
- over 115 bird species have been recorded
- Captive and free ranging animals
- All the big five animals except the Elephant
- The lake Victoria
- Away from the city experience
Where to stay
- Kisumu Impala: There is a 24 bed capacity ecolodge named Lake Victoria Impala Ecolodge situated inside the sanctuary which offers state of the art accommodation to the sanctuary visitors. The ecolodge also has a restaurant where food and drinks are served
- Visitors can stay in Kisumu city which offers plenty of accommodation options
- The sanctuary has a campsite named state lodge campsite and tents are available on hire
- The sanctuary also borders the Park view apartments, Sunset hotel, Kiboko Bay hotel etc
Activities
- Game viewing
- Picnicking
- Boat rides
- Bird watching
- Nature Walks
- Camping
- Partying
- Wedding
What to take with you
- Drinking water and picnic items.
- Also useful are binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
Facilities
- Lake Victoria Impala ecolodge
- State lodge campsite
- Four (4) picnic sites
- Sundowner tower
- Railway trail (about 250m long)
