Kisumu impala sanctuary was established to protect the impalas from unnecessary poaching, the park is situated in Nyanza province – Kisumu. The sanctuary boasts the big four, excluding the elephant, and over 115 species of birds, while the plains provide a good grazing area for hippos from the lake.
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary covers an area of less than 1 square kilometer and features various walking trails that allow visitors to explore the impalas down to the lakeside; additionally, a boat-riding race is held every November to raise awareness in the local community about the protection of impalas.
Kisumu impala sanctuary was gazetted in 1992, before its establishment Kisumu sanctuary was teamed up with plains of wildlife that roamed about the vast grasslands but the building of the east African railway led to human settlement, hence heavy poaching.
The Kisumu Impala sanctuary has also been extended to the animal orphanages that protect several animals, mostly the Sitatunga antelopes. The sanctuary is also commonly known as a Lakeshore walk with impalas.
Activities at Kisumu Impala sanctuary
Game watching
In addition to impalas, the sanctuary is home to many other animals, including hippos, hyenas, jackals, vervet monkeys, hartebeest, white rhinos, leopards, red-tailed mongooses, ostriches, zebras, duikers, bushbucks, cheetahs, lions, buffalos, baboons, Sitatunga antelopes, and Guinea fowls. The dangerous animals are caged at the animal orphanage.
Birding
Kisumu sanctuary reserve boasts with over 115 species of birds; some are migratory, while others being residential some of the birds to see are
Picnicking
Tourists can enjoy picnics at the sanctuary at several picnic sites and have a wilderness experience the sites can also be used for wedding receptions, cooperate events and other functions. The picnic sites are five in number namely; Impala, baboons, fig tree, Albizia and Sunset.
Camping
For tourists who would love to sleep close to the wild can opt for a camping Kenya safari there are private and public campsites providing tourists with all the necessary basic needs like state lodge campsite whichgives great opportunities enjoy their adventure while being awakened by the chattering birds of the wild.
Where to stay
There are a variety of accommodation units where tourists can stay. Examples of some hotels are: whirlspring hotel, Twiga sanctuary guest house, park view safari hotel, sovereign hotel, Sunset set hotel, the Clarice house, triple Trojan hotel, Kiboko bay resort, shalom hotel and imperial hotel Kisumu. Where to sleep will vary on the tourist’s budget and choice.
How to get there
Kisumu Impala sanctuary can be accessed by road, air and water transport. By road, it is 355 kilometers north of Nairobi and 3 kilometers from Kisumu town. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary can be accessed by water via a ferry from Mbita Bay, Home Bay, and Kendu Bay. For tourists interested in air transport, domestic chartered flights to Kisumu are available, taking about an hour.
Best time to visit
Kisumu sanctuary can be visited all year round, as it’s very accessible and passable; it’s one of those places you can go for a day trip and explore the wild in hours.
