Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is set on the shores of Lake Victoria. The sanctuary covers less than 1 sq. km and lies within Kisumu City limits. The serene facility is an ideal place to relish the natural beauty that abounds on the lakeside. It hosts various diverse plant species and wildlife, free-ranging and captive.

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary was initially created to provide a home for threatened impalas within the lake region. Today, it is an essential habitat for the rare Sitatunga antelope, zebras, African leopards, Maasai lions, Tanzanian cheetahs, cape buffalos, hyenas, olive baboons, side-striped jackals, guinea fowls, rescued African grey parrots, leopard tortoises, and vervet monkeys among others.

Many species of snakes, monitor lizards, dragonflies, frogs, and butterflies are also present. It’s also a safe grazing site for hippos around Lake Victoria and hosts over 115 bird species which is a delight to birdwatchers, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

Major Attractions

Landscape: Kisumu Impala Sanctuary provides an ideal refuge away from Kisumu’s busy and noisy town center. The bordering Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater in the world and the largest in Africa, provides visitors with scenic views and great picnic sites. The animal orphanage holds species under special care.

Wildlife: Free-ranging herds of impalas, zebras, vervet monkeys, the local hippo population, and threatened Sitatunga antelope are the major wildlife attractions in the sanctuary. Other wildlife includes lions, leopards, baboons, hyenas, serval cats, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, bushbuck, patas monkey, bush duiker, tortoise, warthogs, guinea fowl, ostriches, parrots, Fischer love birds, and blue monkey.

The sanctuary has an abundance of birdlife, with over 115 species recorded.

Getting There and Away

Roads:  Kisumu City is 355 Km North of Nairobi. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is 3 km from Kisumu City near Hippo Point. Drive-in visitors are to use the Sitatunga gate, whereas walk-in visitors are advised to use the main entrance.

Air: Flights from Nairobi take around one hour to Kisumu with regular flights operated by local airlines.

Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay, and Mbita (as well as neighboring countries).

Other Details

Park Entry Fees: Check the Kenya Wildlife Service website to confirm prices.