Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey through Kenya's scenic landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. This tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and historical exploration.
DAY 1: KISUMU TO RUSINGA ISLAND
0700hrs Depart Kisumu after breakfast to Mbita, passing through some breathtaking sceneries like beautiful streams, rice fields and mountains. After some 2hrs of driving, arrive at Kendu bay town, branch into a dirt road to Lake Simbi Nyaima , the mythological lake.
The folklore cconnotation explaining the formation of this lake is: One day the chief of the village of Simbi in Kakseru Rachuonyo District decided to throw a big party in this tranquil and prosperous village of Simbi as they had just experienced a bountiful harvest. An old Woman appeared in the village when the celebrations were going on but was chased away by the chief and his friends. However, one of the wives of one of the members welcomed her with food and shelter. In the morning she advised the lady to leave with her children as there was going to be heavy rain which was going to sink the village. After leaving the Village, her predictions came to pass and everybody died.
The tour will also extend to Otok swamp which hosts the Flamingos from Lake Nakuru and Simbi Nyaima. The presence of the white Flamingos makes OTOK Village one of the many Tourism sites in the County. The Birds flock together in pattern and produce a rhythmic buzzing sound as one move too close to them. They get uncomfortable whenever someone moves too close. The Birds spend most of the day at the Swamp and fly back to Lake Simbi when dusk approaches and return to the Swamp the following day.
After 45 minutes of bird watching, hit the road again for Ruma national park. Enjoy some 2 hrs of game viewing in this beautiful small haven.( Kindly note that this Noah/Voxy might not be ideal for a game drive in wildlife parks depending on weather and road conditions on that day and guests might need to rent a KWS cruiser directly at sh. 7500 for the game drive as our driver waits for them at the gate)
Ruma national park is the only terrestrial park in Kenya’s Nyanza province. Christened as ‘ Last retreat of Roan antelope’ . The small park ( 120sq. km) protects the only indigenous population of the rare roan antelope within the whole country. There are only about 20 of them left roaming this wilderness. The park, established in 1966 is named after one of Kenya’s most powerful wizards, Gor Mahia, whose roots are engraved in this area.
Main attractions include leopards, roan antelopes, eastern black rhinos, southern white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, oribis, cape buffaloes, lelwel hartebeests , olive baboons, Bohor reedbucks, hyenas, servals, topis, honey badgers, bush pigs, vervet etc.
After the game drive, drive to your hotel, RUSINGA ISLAND LODGE, Mbita, for an overnight booked on full board basis.
RUSINGA ISLAND LODGE
A luxury haven, located on the shores of lake Victoria, it provides a welcome break before, during or after a long safari. 11km from Mbita causeway, the hotel is filled with lush green exotic trees and beautiful lawn that overstretches to the edge of lake Victoria, providing unparalleled serenity.
The rooms have high thatched roofs, with spacious verandas , overlooking lush gardens and sparkling blue waters of lake Victoria. It comprises 9 self-contained cottages with twin & double rooms and an inter connecting door.
Bedrroms are either double( with a king size bed) or twin( with 2 queen size beds) with a living and spacious dressing area.
Oversized, en-suite bathrooms have double basins and walk-in, 'soup-plate' showers.
Combining intimate charm and privacy with the highest level of personal comfort, the cottages are crafted from local materials.
DAY 2: LOCAL EXCURSIONS
1000hrs breakfast explore Tom Mboya mausoleum and Abasuba Cultural Peace Museum.
Located in family land in Kasawanga village, the Northern tip of Rusinga island, Homabay county, and about 7km from Mbita mainland, Tom Mboya mausoleum was built in memory of Kenya’s pre-independence hero, vocal minister and trade unionist Tom Joseph Mboya who hailed from Rusinga. He helped among others- write Kenya’s first constitution and economic roadmap, establish Kenya’s overseas scholarship for needy and bright students, among them Barack Obama snr, the father of the 44th US president who goes by the same name etc. Because of his growing influence and being a brilliant and young but aggressive politician its possible he brushed many shoulders the wrong way especially in the political domain and paid for this heavy price, when in a cold morning of 1969, in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, a lone gunman ran bullets on the minister in one of the busy Nairobi streets where he had just bought some drugs from a local chemist. His lifeless body, lay, bathed in blood, resulting to unrests and demonstrations all over the country. Some of his relics, including the black and white fly whisk, suits, writings are on display in this museum.
Located in Mfangano island, ( only accessible by boat ride) Abasuba cultural center showcases the culture and customs of Abasuba tribe, a very small bantu speaking community who came from Congo and settled in the southern parts of Nyanza province. Due to intermarriages and strong cultural overshadowing of their big luo neighbours, the Abasuba culture has undergone heavy erosion and integrated into the luo culture. You’ll rarely encounter any Abasuba speaker save for the very old, as most of them have been assimilated into luo culture. This museum is supposed to remind them of their heritage and provide an opportunity for the young ones to connect with their language.
In the afternoon , return to your hotel and do a 2hr boat ride in lake Victoria as you enjoy bird watching, sport fishing, hiking etc.
Enjoy your night at Rusinga Island lodge on full board basis.
DAY 3: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, check out and depart after a great holiday.
Good luck and enjoy.