Kisumu Tourist Places to Visit in Kisumu, Kenya, Africa

Kisumu Tourist Places to Visit in Kisumu, Kenya, Africa

Kisumu is the 3^rd largest city of Kenya, after Nairobi and Mombasa, geographically positioned at 0°6′0″S 34°45′0″E, around 1,130 meters above sea level. It is the important city of western Kenya, functioning as the administrative centre of Kisumu County. Kisumu is the country’s one of the top tourist destinations, which has made possible by its landmark sites like the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Dunga Beach and Kisumu Museum.

Lying on the shore of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is situated around 330 km northwest of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Kisumu is home to one of the recognized universities of Kenya, the Maseno University.

History of Kisumu:

Kisumu may be derived its name from the Maragoli people who use the word Kisumu for trading as their major occupation is trading since the historic period. The port of Kisumu was established in the year 1901 under name Port Florence during British rule in Kenya. Kisumu also witnessed the visit of the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, in 1907.

How to reach Kisumu?

Kisumu International Airport is situated around 10 km west of the heart of Kisumu and operates regular flights from the national capital, Nairobi, served by East African Safari Air, Fly540, Jambo Jet and Kenya Airways.

By bus, Kisumu can be reached from all the major cities of Kenya, including the national capital, Nairobi and Mombasa.

Options for local travel in Kisumu include bus, minivan-bus, bicycle taxi and rental cars.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Kisumu:

Kisumu Museum is the central point of the Kisumu’s culture housing different exhibitions on local people’s culture and tradition and also showcases the features of the local animal population.

Masai Market in Kisumu is a crafts market and also the city is famous for African print cloths.

When comes to restaurants, Kisumu offers dozens of options spread up all around the city.

Things to do in Kisumu:

Bird watching
City tours
Shopping

Places of interest in Kisumu:

Town Clock:

The Town Clock of Kisumu is situated on the main street of the city, which was dedicated to Kassim Lakha and was unveiled on 19 August 1938. It is in the centre of the Oginga Odinga Road, receiving almost all tourists coming to the city.

Kisumu Museum:

Established in 1980, the Kisumu Museum is dominated by the UNESCO sponsored Ber-gi-dala, a traditional recreation homestead. The museum is also known for numerous outdoor pavilions that are used to showcase sea creatures, traditional exhibits like jewelers and farm tools.

Dunga Beach and Wetlands:

The Dunga Beach and Wetlands is a winsome eco-cultural site, home to the Dunga Wetland Pedagogical Centre founded by Ecofinder Kenya. This scenic spot is a heaven for those who are fond of nature.

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary:

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is spread over an area of 0.4 square miles, making it as the Kenya’s one of the smallest wildlife refuges. The sanctuary houses a herd of impala, reptiles and around 115 different species of birds.

Hippo Point:

The Hippo Point is a famous sightseeing point, situated in the vicinity of the village of Dunga, covering an area of 600 acres. It is on the Lake Victoria, offering a striking view of sunset. Hippos are rare to see.

List of other places of interest in Kisumu includes:

Imperial Hotel
Kit Mikayi
Lake Kanyaboli National Reserve
Kisumu Harbour
Lake Victoria
Ndere Island National Park
Lake Kanyaboli National Reserve
Thimlich Ohinga Pre-Historic site

Best time to visit Kisumu:

The best time to visit Kisumu depends on visitors’ interest, although for outdoor activities, visitors can choose month either January or February or between June and September.

Accommodation options in Kisumu:

Kisumu is a city with dozens of tourist favor accommodation options including star rated hotels as well as budget hostels. Price depends on season and amenities provided by hotels. Some prominent hotels in Kisumu are listed below: