Step straight out of your plane into an atmosphere of tranquillity. With Lake Victoria's calm waters gently lapping the shores, Rusinga Island Lodge's lush semi-tropical gardens abound with a myriad of vibrantly-coloured birds, the air sweet with frangipani and jasmine. Relax on the calm waters and enjoy meeting the friendly people, a variety of activities or simply relax in the spa or the pool. Rusinga Island Lodge is ideal either for couples or families.
Rusinga Island is located in Western Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake and is 80 km from the Masai Mara, making it an ideal add on to a safari. It is only a 35 minute flight from the Mara or 1½ hours from Nairobi.
Activities include boat rides on the lake to nearby fishing villages or other islands or the Ruma National Park, water skiing, swimming, fishing, tubing or there are local walks or bike rides, nearby is the site where the Leakeys made their famous discovery of the Proconsul Heseloni skeleton (the missing link between man and ape). At 3,718 feet above sea level, Rusinga Island has a temperate climate making all its activities both pleasurable and viable all year round. During the months of April and May the long rains - usually falling during the night - may prohibit some activities. The days are generally sunny and hot and the evenings clear and warm. In the afternoon an on shore breeze stirs up, making it very pleasant and carries on into the evening.
Accommodation at Rusinga Island Lodge is in 6 individual cottages and 1 family cottage comprising a twin room and double room with interconnecting door. Each cottage is en-suite and has its own veranda overlooking the lake. Bedrooms are either twin (with 2 queen size beds) or double (with 1 king size bed). Bathrooms are spacious with double sink and large showers. Electricity is provided by both generator and inverter power offering an electrical supply 24-hours a day, there are phone and internet connections and an interesting craft shop selling locally made goods. The food is all freshly prepared and home cooked and the local specialities of course include fish -Nile Perch and Tilapia being the most common.
Fair Trade / Responsible Travel:
Rusinga Island lodge employs around 30 local staff, all from the island. As much food as possible is home grown and free from artificial fertilisers and chemicals. Local crafts and curios are supported and sold in the lodge shop. The local villages are treated with respect and the people incredibly friendly. As this is an area where tourism is not well-established, relationships with the local people are key to the success of this lodge.
