Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

 

By the early 1980s, what could be seen was a pitifully small herd of Impala that roamed the town and neighbouring areas. The Sanctuary, a 0.4 square km of marsh, grassland and forest was created to provide a home for this herd of Impala. It then developed into a holding point for captured problem animals. 

 

Today, it provides grazing for hippos and habitat for numerous small mammals, and a variety of reptiles and birds. It also hosts two leopards, one spotted hyena, two olive baboons and several vervet monkeys held in captivity. Sightings of the reclusive and acutely threatened sitatunga have also been made. 

 

Climatic conditions - Hot and humid

 

Major Attraction - Impala, caged leopards, baboon

 

Wildlife - Wildlife: impala, leopard, hyena, jackal, ostrich and vervet monkey. Birds: over 115 species have been recorded

 

Access - Roads: Kisumu is located 355 km north of Nairobi, the sanctuary is 3 km from Kisumu near Hippo Point. Air: The flight from Nairobi takes around one hour and there are regular flights. Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and Mbita

 

Best time to visit - All year round

 

Activities - Camping, walking, bird watching