Rusinga Island Lodge :: Holiday Destinations

THE LODGE

Rusinga Island Lodge lies on the north eastern shore of Lake Victoria and is accessible by air from anywhere in Kenya. Rusinga rests on the edge of this magical lake, the water's edge dotted with the huge wild fig trees. Its magnificent garden is home to exotic trees, flowers and birds, many of which are unique to the area. In this idyllic setting, you will be accommodated in one of the delightful thatched cottages, decorated with local ornaments and colourful fabrics. Each is en suite and has its own verandah, except for the family cottages, which share a verandah. To maintain the relaxed and casual ambiance, occupancy is limited to 16 persons at a time.

The camp is open all year round. At 3,718 feet above sea level Rusinga has a temperate climate making all its activities both pleasurable and viable year round. The days are generally sunny and hot and the evenings clear and warm. In the afternoon there is a pleasant on shore breeze.

ALL RUSINGA'S VEGETABLES ARE HOMEGROWN AND PICKED DAILY FOR FRESHNESS. BREADS AND PASTAS ARE HOMEMADE. THE SPECIALTY OF THE HOUSE, TASTY NILE PERCH OR TILAPIA, IS PRESENTED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS - SUSHI, COAL-GRILLED, SMOKED OR ZANZIBAR STYLE WITH COCONUT, LIME AND CORIANDER.

ACTIVITIES :

The abundance of fish attracts an immense variety of BIRDLIFE. African fish eagles, kites, kingfishers, little egrets and hummerkops are a common sight, as are over 100 species in and around the lodge.

Nearby excursions include a game drive to the exquisite RUMA NATIONAL PARK where you can see the last surviving group of Roan antelope in Kenya as well as Jackson's hartebeest, Rothchild's giraffe, oribi, leopard, buffalo, topi and impala. A short walk from the lodge brings you to a gorge in which FOSSILS dating back 20 million years can be seen scattered on the surface. It was here, in 1946, that Mary Leakey found Proconsul Heseloni, the last common ancestor of the great apes and man.

For the sporting type, AQUATIC ACTIVITIES include sailing a traditional dhow, skiing, windsurfing and fishing. You can troll for Nile perch (Rusinga's records is currently 208 pounds) or cast for tilapia off the shore in the evenings, either make a delicious meal.

Boat Trips – to bird islands where thousands of water birds roost. Giant monitor lizards and spotted-necked otters are often seen on the rocks around the island. Magnificent fish eagles soar overhead and swoop down low giving photographic opportunities. The friendly Luo fishermen catch along the shores in their colorful canoes and sailing dhows, Rusinga’s guests are welcome to visit their villages where the nights catch is set out to dry in the sun and larger fish are smoked.

Ruma National Park – one of Kenya’s most unusual and beautiful National Parks. The last surviving group of roan antelope in Kenya can be seen here, a large antelope with magnificent black and white facial markings and swept-back horns. Other special animals include the Jackson’s hartebeest and Rothchilds giraffe. Oribi, Bohor reedbuck, topi, waterbuck and buffalo. Are common here and leopard are often sighted. Due to the remoteness of the park guests at Rusinga are yet to meet another visitor. A bush breakfast is provided in the park. Visitors either drive (1 hour) or go by boat to the mainland and the park is 15 minutes from here. The drive one way is popular as it gives visitors a chance to see the village life of the lake people.

Exploring Archaeological Sites – A short walk behind the lodge brings you to the gorge where Mary Leakey found Proconsul Heseloni, the last common ancestor of the great apes and man in 1946. This caused a sensation at the time and made world wide headlines. Fossil remains dating back to 20 million years can be seen scattered about on the surface.

Bird Watching – The bird life is incredible and over 100 species including several that only occur in W. Kenya can be seen here. Many birds including fish eagles and the colorful double toothed barbed nest in the grounds. Walks, boat trips and trips to Ruma Park are all very rewarding.

Fishing – Troll for Nile perch along the shores or cast for Tilapia in the evenings. Both fish make delicious eating and our expert chef will be happy to cook your catch for you. The club holds several ‘line class‘ records for Nile perch and until recently held the ‘all tackle’ record for many years.

Water Sports – Modern equipment is available for all age groups for water-skiing. There is a 16" hobie cat and two wind surfers.

CRUISE ALONG THE SHORES OF LAKE VICTORIA AND DISCOVER THE LOCAL VILLAGERS WITH THEIR COLOURFUL AND BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED BOATS FISHING THE SHORES AND LAYING THE NIGHT'S CATCH OUT TO DRY IN THE SUN. GIANT MONITOR LIZARDS AND FAMILIES OF SPOTTED NECKED OTTERS BASK ON THE ROCKY SHORES.

ACCOMMODATION :

The cottages are made from local papyrus, stone and wood and decorated with traditional fabrics and baskets. Accommodation for 16 guests. 4 cottages with own verandah and en-suite bathroom plus 2 family cottages made up of two rooms each with en-suite bathroom and shared verandah. Each cottage overlooks the lake.

GETTING THERE :

By air: There are no schedules to the area, the nearest point would be the Masai Mara where there are both daily schedules from Nanyuki and Nairobi, the lodge is a further 35 minutes by private charter. The lodge owns a Cessna 206 and can collect guests from any part of Kenya. From Nairobi the flying time would be approx. 80 minutes and from the Mara30 minutes.

By road: Via Mbita causeway. Kisumu-Rusinga is a 2 hr drive. Kisii – Rusinga 3 hours. Visitors from Tanzania are collected at the Migori airstrip (20 minute flight from Rusinga). The Isabanya border is quick and efficient and TZ vehicles are allowed over the border to drop guests at Migori airstrip with no formalities. We are working to encourage this route, as Rusinga is a natural extension to the Serengeti rather than backtracking through to Arusha.

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PHOTO GALLERY :

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