West Coast of Kenya, A New Tourist Circuit in Africa

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

West coast of Kenya is the New tourist circuit being promoted by Victoria Safaris, a tour operator based in Nairobi, Kenya. www.victoriasafaris.com

Citation preview

West Coast of Kenya Lake Victoria offers the West Coast of Kenya. This is the least visited part among the tourist sites in Kenya. From Kisumu City, along the Winam Gulf, Kit Mikaye, Ndere island, Kamito Beach, Kogelo Village, Jaramogi Odinga Mausoleum, Got Ramogi, Usenge Beach and Osieko Beach, Uhanya Beach and Mageta Island and Consequently to Mbita point, Mfangano Island, Rusinga Island, Mbasa and Mholo Islands, Ruma National Park and back through Homabay,Pala Hot Springs, Simbi Nyaima Crater lake,kendu Bay and past the Odinio Falls - Soundu Miriu Hydro Electric Power station and back to Kisumu through Kisii and Ahero Rice Irrigation Plantations, one will have explored the West Coast of Kenya This part of Kenya is least visited by tourists but at the same time is more touristic than most visited tourists circuits. The West Coast of Kenya The Lake Victoria Gulf;encompasses the Kisumu City, The Mbita and The Kendu Bay and Homa Bay areas, not to mention Kamito Beach, which is well-known for fishing and other excursions. Victoria Safaris has since discovered this virgin touristic circuit The West Coast of Kenya and is booking various tourists to these rich touristic areas. The most visited in this region is the Mbita Area, which is now open for tourists who would want to do surfing, swimming, boat riding, bird watching and having an exclusive beach resort stay without beach boys. From Mbita Point we have the magnificent Lake Victoria Safari Village, which is a tourist resort owned and managed by a Norwegian by name Odd Bredo, who fell in love on his first visit, never to return to Norway, due to the natural resource, untapped virgin touristic circuit as others call it. Activities Sport Fishing on Lake Victoria is great in this region. Boat Riding and Surfing, Cultural Community Visits, Community Volunteerism among other activities for tourists is great in this area. Other attractions on the West Coast of Kenya Ndere Island This is a small island (4.2 km2) in Winam Gulf of West Coast of Kenya. It was gazetted as the Ndere Island National Reserve in November 1986 and has since that time been uninhabited.Ndere means "meeting place" in Dholuo. According to Luo folklore, early tribal migrants rested up near Ndere after their long journey south up the Nile River Valley. They found the lush shoreline so pleasing that they stayed.Wildlife associated with the island include African fish eagles, swifts, hippopotamus, and Nile crocodiles.Impalas and other animals have been introduced to the island by Kenya Wildlife Service. A boat ride to this Island Cabn be arranged from Dunga Beach and Wath Bao Beach where the KWS has pitched the Ndere Island Park Headquaters. Impala Park The Impala Park Sanctuary in Kisumu City is a replica of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the Safari Walk. This is a grassland and woodlands ecosystem which is is located about 3km from Kisumu city. The ecosystem hosts leopards, hyena, olive baboons and vervet monkeys. It also provides grazing lands for Hippos, habitat for numerous small mammals including the threatened Sitatunga, and supports a variety of reptiles and birds species. It is a walking park for visitors. Recently, the park opened a gate at

the Sunset Hotel in kisumu which serves the hotel residents who want to have a walk in this park. The Equator Line at Maseno The West Coast of kenya has one touristic site at Maseno. This is the Equatre line. The Lions Club of Kisumu has since built a site for Photo session at this spot. For those clients who live far from the Equator, a photo session on the line is memorable. It takes 30 minutes drive from kisumu city to this site. Mbita Point This is the launch pad of the West coast of kenya. From Kisumu city, Nairobi city and from Maasai mara Game Reserve, Mbita is accessible by Flight and by road. The Mbitas' Lake Victoria Safari Village offers several rooms with luxurious accommodation facilities, fine cuisine which includes local and western dishes. Lake Victoria Safari Village has been chosen by Victoria Safaris to be its launch pad for the West Coast of Kenya activities. Mholo and Mbasa These are twin islands between Mfangano and Mbita which offers terefic birdlife in the west coast of Kenya. The islands are uninhabited and thersfore offers a perfect bird sanctuary with millions of water birds perching on them.The West Coast of kenya is rich in bird life which are found on the two main islands from Mbita Point, thus, Mholo and Mbasa Islands. These are the bird islands. On these islands, there are millions of birds of different species well admired by those who visit them. The view of these birds is by boat and clients are instructed not to step on the island due to conservation of the ecosystem, but view the same from their seats in the boats. Rusinga Island Rusinga Island is overlooking the Mbita point and right opposite the Lake Victoria Village. Ruisnga Island is is popular for game fishermen. Rusinga Island is connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway. This island is rich in fossils and the skull of 'proconsul Africanus' was found here by anthropologist Mary Leakey. This anthropoid ape is said to have lived on the Rusinga island three million years ago. This Island is the birthplace of Tom Mboya, a political hero among the Luo. His mausoleum is on the northern side of the island. Over100 species of birds have been recorded around the island and other residents include hippos, giant monitor lizards and spotted neck otters. Rusinga Island is visited by Victoria safaris' clients, some from the Masai Mara , or by ferry from Lwanda kotieno or by road from Nairobi through Rongo. Mfangano island This Island lies in the eastern reaches of Lake Victoria. The island also has some ancient rock art, which is thought to have been created by the early Twa people who also inhabited the island. The Island is rich in Fishing, Rock Paintings and one can also visit the famous Abasuba Community Peace Museum on Mfangano Island which is famous for rock paintings archives. It's home to the Suba people, who are fishermen and subsistence farmers. The island is electrified by Generator. A daily boat ride to this Island is arranged by Lake Victoria Safari Village. Ruma National Park From Mbita Point, tourists are able to access the famous Ruma National Park which is a few kilometers away. This park is famous for the endangered Roan Antelope which is found in this park alone in

Kenya among other animals. Thim Lich Ohinga One can also visit the famous Thimlich Ohinga , a Heritage Site which is a cultural stone wall in the nearby where you will be told the folklore of why the rocks were arranged on line. Thimlich Ohinga literally refers to a "frightening dense forest" in Dholuo language, a Nilotic group who occupy the region. Archaeological record of materials found within the site goes beyond 500 years ago. Since the present inhabitants of the area arrived probably some three centuries ago, it seems most likely that Bantus who initially occupied this region prior to the arrival of Luos first built the stone structures. The stone structure enclosure has walls ranging from 1.0 to 4.2 meters in height were built of loose stones and blocks without any dressing or mortar. Kanam prehistoric site The site was gazetted in August 1933. Kanam is situated along the shores of Lake Victoria on Homa Peninsular around Homa Mountain. In 1932, Louis Leakey?s expedition discovered a fossil human mandible together with Pleistocene fauna and pebble tools in the early Pleistocene Kanam beds at Kanam West. Initially, it was thought to be Australopithecus. Doubts were thrown against this specimen, and Leakey suggested that the fossil was that of Homo sapient but later Leakey supported Sir A. Keith?s view of Australopithecus. Today, they are seen to be Neanderthaloid. Recently, researchers found palaeontological bones dating between 1 and 6 million years ago at the site. Pala Hot Springs The hot spring of Karachuonyo is a touristic site as the one in Lake Bogoria. The hot springs of Pala produces Bala mineral salt for animal feed on the eastern slopes of Huma-Hill. Tourists are asked to Carry eggs for boiling at this site. Simbi Nyaima Crater Lake The Luo attach great importance to the site because of the legendary story. Simbi Nyaima means the village that sank in the local language - Dholuo. Simbi Nyaima is actually a crater lake a few kilometers from the shores of Lake Victoria. It is said that the people of Simbi were celebrating their success at the chief?s home. An old woman appeared at the scene looking for shelter and food. But the chief threatened to beat her up if she stayed. She was forced to leave and one lady sympathized with her and gave her food and a warm bath. She advised the kind lady to leave the village with all her children and husband. No sooner had they left than a heavy storm swept the whole village and it sank. The locals believe it happened in the olden days. The Simbi Nyaima Crater Lake is home to the Flamingo from Lake Nakuru. Corporate Team Building and incentive Tours The West Coast Of Kenya is also good for corporate team building activities, sport fishing the famous Tilapia and Nile perch, hippo hunting by camera, night fishing expeditions accompanied by local residents when they are fishing the famous omena which is the fingerlings caught by night using floating lanterns. Tourists can have night fishing as they do have night game drives in the Kenyan wilderness. Cultural visits can be arranged for those who want to enjoy cultural experiences without having a cultural shock. These includes staying overnight amongst the inhabitants while sharing with them their daily chores. Daily luxury boat rides can be arranged by Victoria Safaris for the use of the only luxurious motorboat powered by 200 horsepower engine driven by none other than the owner of the Lake Victoria Safari

Village. The sandy beaches The West Coast of Kenya offers perfect honeymoon vacation for honeymooners since the beaches are exclusive and not polluted. The sandy beaches have soft white sand better than what you see in Mombasa or other coastlines since the water of Lake Victoria is fresh and has no salt at all. Lake Victoria Safari Village Resort offers a magnificent honeymoon suite in its lighthouse facing the Lake shore and this offers a fantastic sunsets. The beaches have no beach boys as such safety is guaranteed. In other parts of this West Coast, the sandy beaches are cropped with the Palm Trees and in the neighborhood, you will locate the defunct Takawiri Island Resort which has not been in operation for about 10 years. At its shore, the sandy beach at this resort offers a fantastic walking and swimming experience. Reaching there Victoria Safaris will take you to the West Coast of Kenya. A journey to the West Coast of Kenya starts from Kisumu City by either road, Lake or by Flight. By Road This starts from Kisumu City through to Ndori and consequently to Lwanda K'Otieno Beach where you will have to take the famous Mbita Ferry for 45 minutes before you reach Mbita Point. The other route by road is from Kisumu City past Katito Junction through to Kendu Bay then to Homa Bay and consequently to Rongo and then to Mbita Point. The former is fully tarmacked anew while the latter is under construction. By Air For up-market clients, flights are taken from Nairobi, Masai Mara or elsewhere and the airstrips are at Mfangano Island and Rusinga Island. There are two luxury lodges in each of these two islands which can take the up-market clients. By Lake From Kisumu City, Dunga beach, one can take a boat ride across the Gulf to Mbita Point which offers a boat adventure trip. The trip takes at least 3 hours depending on the horsepower of the boat engine. Visitors are urged to venture into this virgin tourist circuit for discovery. Victoria Safaris offers escorted trips to this area since we know it better.

========================================================================= Lake Victoria Wildlife, Boating, Cultural and Kogelo Community Village Tour - 3 Days / 2 Nights (Ndere Island National Park inside lake Victoria, Kit Mikaye, Dominion Farm, Lake Victoria Beaches, Kogelo Village and lastly Mbita point and Ruma National Park) Tour Highlights; This is a three days trip that takes you to the community of Nyangoma Kogelo village where the father of

the USA President Barack Obama was born and bred. You will be able to visit the Kisumu Municipal market, pass through the equator line at Maseno and visit the local Kogelo dispensary, Kogelo market where President Barack used to help Grand mother Sarah sell vegetables and Senator Barack Obama Secondary School just behind the homestead. You will also visit the local villages in the surrounding time allowing, Ndere Island National Park inside Lake Victoria, Kit Mikaye, Dominion Farm, Lake Victoria Beaches, Kogelo Village and lastly Mbita Point and Ruma National Park. This tour will start from Kisumus International Airport. You will travel in three tour mini vans with a capacity of 6 persons each with guaranteed window seats. Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival Kisumu City Kogelo Village On arrival at Kisumu International Airport, you will be met by our tour manager who will brief you on your memorable safari and community visit to Ndere Island inside Lake Victoria, Kit Mikaye, Dominion Farm, Lake Victoria Beaches, Kogelo Village and lastly Mbita Point and Ruma National Park before you are transferred to your hotel for check in. After check in and refreshments you will depart to visit the Kit Mikaye, where you will be told of the Luo folklore then drive to Kaloka Beach where you will chat with the local fishermen before boarding a boat to Ndere Island National Park for game viewing on this island inside Lake Victoria. After the island visit we will disembark to Kisumu City for lunch at your hotel. After Lunch we will depart for Kogelo Community village; this is the Africa home of USA President Barack Obama. You will depart Kisumu after lunch and head through Kisumu-Busia road. You will then reach Maseno University gates and proceed just 150 meters from the Maseno University gates to the Equator Line Point. After a photographic session on the Equator line, you will proceed to Luanda town, a bustling town in Western Kenya then you will divert to the left heading straight to Ngiya Market. You then proceed and divert onto the left just before you reach Mbeji Academy onto the Murram road. You will then take about 15 minutes before you arrive at the Kogelo Dispensary on your right. After a visit of the dispensary proceed to the Kogelo Market, Kogelo Primary School and Senator Barack Obama Secondary School. You will then enter Granny Sarah Obamas home behind the secondary school. Kogelo is the ancestral home of Barack Obama Snr., the father of current United States President Barack Obama. Barack Obama Snr. was buried in the home. Some of their family members, including his paternal grandmother of USA president; Sarah Anyango Obama, still live in the home. In the home (Sarah Obamas home) you will find both the grave sites for Barack Obama Sr. and his father. You will also find in the homestead, Sarahs house, the security tents, visit the vegetable garden, the cattle Boma and sit under the big mango trees where Sarah usually has interviews with visitors. After the visit, you will proceed to Siaya town through Ulafu Village, which is my home village and onto Yala Swamp Dominion Farm before you cross the River Yala and onto Bondo district and then back to Kisumu City via Kit Mikaye for dinner and overnight at your Kisumu hotel. ( You will be entertained by Luo traditional dancers at various stages, Luo cultural music and boat rides on the Lake Victoria). Kogelo Village , also known as Nyangoma Kogelo, is USA President Barack Obama's Africa home, a rural village in Alego - Siaya District, Nyanza Province, Kenya. It is located near the equator, 40 kilometers west-northwest of Kisumu City, the provincial capital. Dinner and overnight at your Kisumu city hotel. Day 2: Kisumu City - Mbita Point Ruma National Park Mbita Point After an early breakfast, depart for the Lwanda Kotieno through Ndori and Aram markets and then onto the Ferry to Mbita point. You will check in at the Lake Victoria Safari Village and then drive to Ruma National Park. Packed Lunch will be served inside the Park. In the afternoon, return to Mbita Point back to Lake Victoria Safari Village arriving in time for dinner and overnight. Time allowing, you will have a boat ride to Mfangano and Takawiri Islands in the vicinity. Dinner and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village on the shores of Lake Victoria. Day 3:Mbita Point Nakuru - Nairobi city - Departure After breakfast, depart for Nairobi. Lunch will be served at Merica Hotel in Nakuru. After lunch, proceed to Nairobi arriving in the late afternoon by 5.00pm and being dropped at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your departure flight. End of services. Cost: US$ 580 per person sharing. (minimum 2 persons travelling in 3 mini tour vans)

Cost includes- Road transport using 3 mini tour vans with pop-up roof for viewing and photography - All airport transfers - All meals while on this trip 3 meal plan - Accommodation in Kisumu city and at Mbita point Lake Victoria Safari Village - Park entry fees where applicable Ndere Island and Ruma National parks - Driver and vehicle allowances - All Government taxes - Service of an English speaking driver guide - Game viewing drives as per the itinerary Cost excludes:-Local and international airfares. - Tips to driver guides and potters - Extras at the Hotels and Villages -tips, drinks, telephone, laundry etc - Items of personal nature ================================================ Maasai Mara Wildlife Annual Migration trail Under Canvas / Lodge Safari from Kisumu city - 3 Days / 2 Nights Trip highlights: This is a 3 days safari starting from Kisumu city to Maasai Mara and end in Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This safari takes you from Kisumu to Maasai Mara through the Kericho tea zones into Narok. This is a time for the Wildlife Annual Migration from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara. While at Maasai Mara, you may be able to see plenty of wildlife varying from Kenya's Big five, the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and the cheetah among a host of other different animal species. You will travel in 3 tour mini buses and stay in a tented camp while on this safari.Enjoy! Itinerary: Day 1: Kisumu City - Maasai Mara On this day in the morning at Kisumu city, you will be met by our tour manager who will brief you on your safari before departing for Maasai Mara through Kericho, Sotik, Mulot and into Maasai Mara. You will arrive in time for lunch. After lunch, enjoy your first afternoon half day game viewing drive till dusk. The Maasai Mara is the New 7th Wonder of the world and the 4th preferred tourist destination in the whole world. In November 2006 the Masai Mara was named as the New 7th wonder of the world because of what experts termed as "the uniqueness of the area and the preservation it provides to so many species living in harmony". It is understandable because this annual migration is the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. The Masai people are so significant due to their culture. Starting from their dress code, the color red is so significant in that they scare away wild animals as they co-exist with them. They believe that God, Enkai, gave them cattle, therefore they believe that all the cattle belongs to them. That's the reason why they have been known due to their cattle rustling. Although the Maasai are known for their nomadic life and cattle keeping, they is a group of agricultural Maasai, known as IL Loikop, are look down upon by the cattle keeping group, the Wakwavi since they believe they are the true Maasais created to keep cattle. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Big time tented Camp or Similar / Standard Lodge. Day 2: Maasai Mara After breakfast, you will spend a full day game viewing, which includes going around the Maasai Mara where the immigration of wildebeests and zebras crossing takes place annually from Serengeti, popularly known as the Great Annual Migration. You will then stop for an early picnic lunch and proceed with the drive till dusk.

OR Optional in the morning between 5.00am and 7.00am go for Balloon Flight; Maasai Mara Balloon Flight Take the opportunity to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon provided at an extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild! If you can spare the money, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. Dinner and Overnight at Big time tented or Similar / Standard Lodge . Day 3:Maasai Mara Nairobi After breakfast depart for Nairobi by road from the Maasai Mara arriving in time for lunch at the Famous Carnivore restaurant before being transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport for your connecting flight to your next destination. Package cost: US$ 580 per person sharing in a Custom Basic tented camp. ( Minimum 2 persons travelling) US$ 740 per person sharing in a Standard Lodge . ( Minimum 2 persons travelling) Package Includes: - Transport based on 3 safari minibuses with pop up roof for game viewing - Park entry fee @ US$ 80 per person per day( includes US$ 20 conservation fee) - Accommodation and 3 Meals Plan at the Maasai Mara. - Service of an English-speaking driver guide - Game drives as per the itinerary - Government taxes Package Excludes: - Hot air Balloon flight in Masai Mara - US$ 450 per person extra (Price is subject to confirmation at the time of booking.) - Tips to driver guides and porters. - Extras at the lodges - tips, drinks, telephone, laundry etc - Items of personal Nature.

================================= Maasai Mara and West Coast of Kenya - Lake Victoria Wildlife Safari, 5 Days and 4 Nights Trip highlights: This is an exciting 5 days wildlife safari that will give you the best of Maasai Mara and Lake Victoria . The trip will start immediately upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport passing through the Great Rift Valley into the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Afterwards you will depart the Mara Reserve and pass through the Oloololo gate into Kisii and into Kisumu city where you will spend the night. Later on you will proceed to Lake Victoria . During your safari, you will have a chance to spot plenty of wildlife varying from the big five amongst a host of other different animal species found in the plains. You will travel with your guide/driver in a private 4x4 minivan and stay in camps. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival - Nairobi - Maasai Mara National Reserve In the morning, you will be met at your residence in Nairobi or at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our Tour Manager and driver/guide who will brief you on your safari before escorting you to your vehicle for departure to Maasai Mara National Reserve by road. It takes about five hours to get there via Narok town. Arrive in time for lunch at your camp and then go for afternoon game viewing till

evening. In the evening you will return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay. The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is Kenya 's finest wildlife reserve. Everything about this reserve is outstanding. Maasai Mara is one of the best plains' Game Reserve which is a haven for viewing a congregation of all sorts of animals in a five-mile radius: A pride of lions can be spotted ready to make a run for a gazelle, a cheetah and its cub taking a nap on a rock, a pair of ostriches walking the open stretches of the savannah or a gazelle giving birth. Herds of elephants wallowing at a water pool or a herd of buffaloes feeding, crocodiles down hunting the migrating wildebeest or the migrating gazelles. Other live feeding expeditions may include a herd of hyenas fighting for a hunted meal, the vulture tearing the carcasses and the giraffes galloping as they feed on top leaves of acacia trees. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Big Time Camp or similar Day 2: Maasai Mara National Reserve (Full Day) Spend the full day within the extensive Mara Reserve looking out for the big five as well as other different wildlife species. You will enjoy a packed picnic lunch to avoid disrupting game viewing. In the evening, you will be transferred back to your camp for dinner and overnight. Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (US$ 450 per person extra) In the Maasai Mara it is possible to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. These balloons take off at dawn to avoid the heat which develops as the day progresses. They drift high over grazing herds which cannot be accessed by vehicles. After approximately an hours flight, a gentle landing is followed by a champagne-style bush breakfast on the landing site, where pilots and passengers toast yet another memorable experience. All meals and overnight stay at Big Time Camp or similar Day 3: Maasai Mara National Reserve Kisumu City In the morning you may opt to go for a cultural visit to the Maasai Villages or a hot air balloon flight safari at an extra cost. If not, you will go for pre breakfast game viewing then return to your lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, depart the Mara Reserve with a packed picnic lunch and head to Kisumu arriving in the evening for check in at your hotel. You will spend the night at the shores of Lake Victoria in Sunset Hotel with a beautiful view of the lake from the balcony of your room. Dinner and overnight stay at Sunset Hotel Day 4: Kisumu City - Ndere Island Mbita Point - Lake Victoria Region After breakfast, you will drive to Dunga beach and take a leisure boat ride to Ndere Island National park for game viewing and bird watching. Afterwards ride the boat to Mbita Point, which is at the shores of Lake Victoria. After lunch break, spend the rest of the afternoon at the lake side talking to fishermen and taking boat rides as you get to know about the culture of the neighboring tribes. In the evening, you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water lake in the world, being only 100 meters at its deepest. The Lake guarantees you uncrowded and uninterrupted game viewing and bird viewing. Although

Western Kenya is one of Kenya's least known destinations, it is an extremely scenic region with gentle hills and emerald tea plantations with lush green highlands, tropical rainforests. The lake itself is a legendary source of the Nile. The surrounding region is home to fascinating cultures, history and mythology that lives and breathes in sacred sites and thriving traditional festivals. Dinner and Overnight at Sunset Hotel Day 5: Lake Victoria Kisumu International Airport Nairobi After breakfast at your hotel, you will check out and depart for a Kisumu city tour before being transferred to the airport to catch your afternoon flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the international departures section to catch your outbound flight to your next destination. End of safari Cost: US$ 1220 per person sharing (Minimum 2 pax traveling) Cost Includes: - Park Entrance Fees - Boat Rides at Lake Victoria and Ndere Island - Accommodation in fixed tents while in the Mara and a hotel while in Kisumu - All meals while on this safari - One way flight on Christmas day from Kisumu to Nairobi - Service of an English speaking driver/guide - Transport in a private 4x4 safari minivan with pop up roof for game viewing and photography - Driver allowances - Park fees for vehicle and driver - Game drives as per the Itinerary - Government taxes Package Excludes: - Optional Hot air Balloon flight in Maasai Mara - US$ 450 per person extra (Price is subject to confirmation at the time of booking) - Extras at the lodges and camps i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc. - International flight fees and departure taxes - All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax / email bills etc. Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver/guide. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks -Laundry services ==================================== Western Kenya and West Coast of kenya Cultural and Ecotourism Private Safari -7 Days / 6 Nights Trip Highlights:This is a seven days safari starts from Nairobi and ends in Nairobi. It takes you into western Kenya Ecotourism and cultural visit to the Luo and Luhya tribes. You will be able to immerse yourself into the rich Luo and Luhya Community cultures while at the same time visiting scenic Nyanza

Lake Victoria region and Western province's Rain forests and cliffs.You will be travelling in a Mini tour van and staying in the best accommodations in every place you stop over for dinner and overnight. Itinerary: Day 1: Nairobi - Kisumu City Depart Nairobi in the morning, have lunch at Kericho town. Walk in the tea plantations then drive via Lwanda Magere (the Luo warrior who was killed and turned into a stone) continue to Kisumu arriving late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight. Dinner and Overnight at Sunset hotel / Kisumu hotel or imperial hotel in Kisumu city. Day 2: Ndere island National Park - Kisumu City Tour After breakfast drive to Dunga beach, take a leisure boat to Ndere Island National park to see some game and bird life. Ride the boat back to Dunga beach. Drive to Kit- Mikaye ( This rock is where Mikaye the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey down the Nile) drive back to Kisumu for Lunch. After Lunch, go for a Kisumu City tour which takes you to Impala park, Kisumu Museum ,The Kisumu city market, Children's Homes, women groups , Kisumu beach Resort, Tilapia beach, Kiboko Bay and back to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight at Sunset hotel / Kisumu hotel or Imperial hotel in Kisumu city. Day 3: Kisumu - Kakamega Forest After breakfast, drive to Kakamega via the weeping stone , have a full day exploration of Kakamega forest in search of birds, butterflies and animals such as debraza, colobus, blue and red tailed monkeys and olive baboons.Over 30 varieties of snakes including the deadly gaboon viper, Jamesons mamba and black mamba are found here among other animals. Great and very old indigenous trees, some are hundreds of years old. Have Lunch at the camp site and continue with your tour of the forest till 4.00pm when you retire at Rondo Retreat Resort for Dinner and overnight. Dinner and Overnight at Rondo Retreat Resort. Day 4: Kakamega - Kogelo Village - Kamito - Mbita point Depart Kakamega after breakfast, head through Kisumu Busia road. You will then reach Maseno University gates and proceed just 150 meters from the Maseno University gates to the Equator Line Point. After a photographic session on the Equator line, you will proceed to Luanda town then, you will divert to the left heading straight to Ngiya market. If you arrive on a Tuesday, then you will be lucky to have a glimpse of the market day at Ngiya. You then proceed and divert onto the left just before you reach Mbeji Academy onto the Murram road. You will then take about 15 minutes before you arrive at the Kogelo Dispensary on your right. After a visit of the dispensary proceed to the Kogelo market, Kogelo primary school and Senator Barack Obama Secondary School. You will then enter Sarah Obama's home behind the secondary school. Kogelo is the ancestral home of Barack Obama, Sr., the father of current United States PresidentBarack Obama. Barack Obama, Sr. is buried in the village. Some of their family members, including

his paternal grandmother Sarah Anyango Obama, still live in the home.In the home, Sarah Obama's home; you will find both the grave sites for Barack Obama Sr. and his father's. You will also find in the homestead Sarah's house, the security tents, visit the vegetable garden, the cattle Boma and sit under the big mango trees where Sarah usually have interviews with visitors Packed lunch will be served en route. Proceed to Lwanda Kotieno for your Ferry ride to Mbita point. You will arrive late in the evening and check in at Lake Victoria Safari Village Resort for Dinner and overnight. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village. (Note: If time cannot allow, you will put up for the night in a posh homestead at Kamito beach in readiness for the next morning trip to Lwanda Kotieno then to Mbita Point). Day 6: Mbita- Ruma National Park Depart after breakfast drive through hills and meandering road to Ruma national park with a picnic lunch, do game drive then drive out to Thim Lich Ohinga onto Gogo falls then back to Mbita point for Dinner and Overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village Resort. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village. Day 7 :Mbita Point - Nairobi - Departure Early morning boat ride on lake Victoria before breakfast to chat with the fishermen. After breakfast, drive past sugar plantations with a stop over at Tabaka soap stone carving site at Kisii and pass through the Great Rift Valley back to the city of Nairobi. Lunch at Nakuru town at Merica hotel. Arrive in Nairobi ready for your departure flight at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or overnight stay in Nairobi Hotel. Alternatively, on reaching Kisii from Mbita, drive back to Kisumu for your evening flight back to Nairobi arriving in time for your departure flight or overnight stay in Nairobi. End of Services.Cost of safari: US$ 1,680 per person sharing (minimum 4 adults traveling) Child aged 4-12 years pays 50% of adult cost

Cost Includes: - Airport transfer - All park entrance fees where applicable - Full board accommodation on safari / including home stays - Services of an English speaking driver guide - Transport based on a safari minibus with pop up roof for game viewing - Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver - Game drives as per the Itinerary - Government taxes Cost Excludes: - Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc. - Both local and International flights Fees - Airport Departure tax

- Tips to porters and drivers - Local charges and participatory fees Waiting for your response, =========================================================Western Kenya & West Coast of Kenya Ecotourism and Cultural Group Safari, 10 Days and 9 Nights (Saiwa Swamp, Kakamega Forest, Kogelo, Lake Kanyaboli, Ndere Island, Kaloka Beach, Mbita Point, Ruma National Park, Mfangano Island, Rusinga Island, Homabay, Kendu Bay, Pala Springs) Safari highlights: This is an exciting 10 days touristic and cultural safari which will give you an exhilarating experience within the Western region of Kenya. The safari starts in Nairobi, upon your arrival and takes you to all the above mentioned locations in Western Kenya where you will have an ecotourism safari to some of the beautiful parks and wildlife sanctuaries located here, as well as have a chance to interact with the local communities found within the region. You will travel privately with your tour guide/driver in a private safari minivan and spend the nights in hostels, camps and budget lodges as applicable. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival Nairobi Eldoret Town Assuming that you arrive in the morning at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and warmly received by the Tour Manager and Driver/guide who will brief you about your safari. After the briefing, you will depart to Eldoret where you will spend the night before proceeding with your journey early the following morning. Dinner and overnight at Wagon Wheel Hotel or similar Day 2: Eldoret Town Saiwa Swamp Kakamega Forest After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and head to Saiwa Swamp where you will have an opportunity to spot the Sitatunga Antelope, if you are lucky. You will then have lunch before proceeding to Kakamega Forest for wildlife viewing till evening. In the evening, you will be transferred back to your lodges for dinner and overnight stay. Saiwa Swamp National Park lies not far from Mount Elgon and was created primarily for the protection of the rare Sitatunga Antelope, the Saiwa Swamp National Park is a perfect example of how a small area can survive as a complete ecological entity. The semi-aquatic Sitatunga relying on a swamp habitat has evolved to survive in such conditions and despite the minute size of Saiwa Swamp National Park, it seems certain to continue to thrive there. The Sitatunga is a swamp-dwelling antelope found in Central and East Africa. It is about one and a half meters tall and has a water-proof coat that is dark brown in males and reddish brown in females. Their hooves are long and thin to cope with the Sitatunga's swampy habitat. Males have a mane as well as horns, which are twisted and can reach almost a meter in length. Other small numbers of Sitatunga in Kenya are being conserved in Lewa. The Sitatunga at Saiwa Swamp National Park is sufficiently numerous to ensure seeing them. In addition, there are De Brazza, Colobus and Velvet monkeys and an exciting variety of birds. Some 250 species have been noted in this small area. No vehicles are allowed in the park so this is another bonus as it is one of the few parks in which walking is permitted or in this case mandatory. Saiwa Swamp National Park has over 15 kilometers of walking trails. It also has four observation towers, where African Mecca guests have a birds eye view of the swamp. There are platforms built into trees overlooking the swamp, provided of course, for Sitatunga watchers but also a splendid perch in which to contemplate nature's glory. There are several home stay accommodation experiences in the area. Dinner and overnight at Udo Bandas or similar Day 3: Kakamega Forest Kogelo Lake Kanyaboli Kisumu Town After breakfast, you will check out of your camp then depart to Kogelo where you will have a visit to the ancestral home of Barack Obama, Sr., the father of current United States President- Barack Obama. Barack Obama, Sr. is buried in the village. Some of their family members, including his paternal grandmother Sarah Anyango Obama, still live in the home. In the home, Sarah Obama's home; you will find both the grave sites for Barack Obama Sr. and his father's. You will also find in the homestead Sarah's house, the security tents, visit the vegetable garden, the cattle Boma and sit under the big mango trees where Sarah usually has interviews with visitors. Packed lunch will be served en route. You will then proceed to Lake Kanyaboli for a boat ride. In the evening, you will be transferred back to Kisumu where you will spend the night.

Lake Kanyaboli is located at the north-eastern corner of Lake Victoria. It is one of the most important riparian satellite lakes around Lake Victoria. Lake Kanyaboli is part of the Yala swamp, which forms the mouth of both Rivers Nzoia and Yala. The lake is a freshwater deltaic wetland arising from backflow of water from Lake Victoria as well as the rivers floodwaters. It provides a very important habitat for refugee populations of certain fish species, which have otherwise disappeared from Lake Victoria. Lately, a population of the rare sitatunga antelope, the local name being Dwe has been sighted at this lake, thereby making the lake more touristic than ever. A boat ride on this swampy lake along various corridors of papyrus is unforgettable. The lake has an abundant supply of the small fishes which are very sweet when fried, namely, Dwele or Fulu in the local dialect. Dinner and overnight at a homestead in Jumuia Kisumu Guest House or similar Day 4: Kisumu Town Dunga Beach Ndere Island Kaloka Beach Kisumu Town After breakfast, you will drive to Dunga beach; then take a leisure boat ride to Ndere Island National park for game viewing and bird watching. Afterwards, you will ride the boat back to Dunga beach. Drive to Kit- Mikaye (This rock is where Mikaye the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey down the Nile); then drive back to Kisumu for Lunch. After Lunch, go for a Kisumu City tour which takes you to Impala park, Kisumu Museum, The Kisumu city market, Children's Homes, women groups, Tilapia beach, Kiboko Bay then back to your homestead or hotel for dinner and overnight . Dinner and overnight at a homestead in Jumuia Kisumu Guest House or similar Day 5: Kisumu Town Mbita Point Ruma National Park Mbita Point After breakfast, you will depart to Lwanda Kotieno for your Ferry ride to Mbita point with a packed picnic lunch being served en route. You will visit Ruma National Park where you will have a chance to spot the rare roan antelope, which is one of Africas rarest and third largest antelopes in Kenya. You will then take the ferry back to Mbita Point arriving in the evening and check in at a homestead around Mbita Point or a camp for dinner and overnight. Ruma National Park lies in western Kenya close to the shores of Lake Victoria and is an island of wilderness in a sea of intense cultivation. The park is situated in one of the most productive and populous regions of Kenya. It is also Kenyas last remaining sanctuary of the Roan antelope (also known as Korongo in Swahili), which exists nowhere else in Kenya. The park is also rich in birdlife and is the only protected area in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant is regularly recorded and blue swallows. The park is also home to the Rothschilds Giraffe, serval cat, hyena, impala, vervet monkey, roan antelope, Oribi, Bohor reedbuck, leopard, buffalo, and the Jacksons hartebeest Dinner and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village or similar Day 6:Mbita Point Mfangano Island Takawiri Rusinga Mbita Point After breakfast you will take a boat ride tour to Mfangano Island and get to experience the cool breeze of the lake. You will then proceed to Takawiri where you will have lunch before continuing to Rusinga Islands. In the evening, you will be transferred back to your homestead in Mbita Point where you will spend the night and have dinner. Dinner and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village or similar Day 7: Mbita Point Homabay Kendu Bay Pala Springs After breakfast, you will proceed to Homabay and have lunch at the Homabay Tourist Hotel. After lunch, proceed to Kendu Bay and Simbi Nyaima as well as visit the famous Pala Springs. In the evening, you will be transferred back to Kendu Bay where you will spend the night and have dinner. Dinner and overnight at a homestead in Kendu Bay or at Kendu Bay Tourist Resort Day 8: Kendu Bay Kisii Kisumu Town After breakfast, depart Kendu Bay and pass through Kisii for a visit to the Tabaka Soap Stone Centre before proceeding to Kisumu. You will have lunch on the way and dinner and overnight at Kisumu Town. Tabaka near Kisii in the Western Highlands, is home to Kenya's finest stone carvers. The Kisii / Gusii community are renowned for their artistic skill with the local soapstone. They have a long tradition of carving ornate

decorative art and jewelry, together with functional items such as plates and bowls. A visit here is an excellent opportunity to experience this rich culture and to purchase some beautiful handcrafted works of art. The stone is found in a series of large open quarries throughout the Gucha area, which have also proved equally rich in uncovered fossil evidence and prehistoric artifacts. The success of this industry shows in the town of Tabaka, where every household seems to be busily engaged in carving, polishing, washing and packaging stoneware. This very success has meant the preservation of a very important cultural tradition. Cooperative workshops have been formed to produce work for the international market. Kisii stone is sold worldwide, and several works by Tabaka artists have found a place in major international art collections. Dinner and overnight stay at Jumuia Kisumu Guest House Day 9 Kisumu Town Nairobi After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and start your return journey back to Nairobi with stop overs and packed picnic lunch on the way. Upon arrival in the evening, you will be transferred to your hotel for rest, refreshment and dinner. Dinner and overnight at Kenya Comfort Hotel or similar Day 10:Nairobi Departure If your outbound flight is in the morning, you will be met by your driver/guide after breakfast and be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight. If your flight is in the evening, you may opt to take a Nairobi city tour which will give you a chance to familiarize yourselves with the most popular attractions found within this city. End of safari Cost of safari: US$ 1,580 per person sharing (minimum 4 adults traveling) Child aged 4-12 years pays 50% of adult cost Package Includes: - All park entrance fees - Full board accommodation and meals while on safari - Service of an English speaking driver/guide - Cultural visits during your safari - Transport in a private safari minivan with pop up roof for wildlife viewing and photography - Driver and chef allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver - Game drives and nature walks - All applicable government taxes Package Excludes: - Extras at the hotels, lodges or camps i.e. alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks, telephone, laundry etc. - Local or international flight fees and departure taxes - Any other extra activities on offer during your safari - Tips to porters and driver/guide or chef - Items of personal nature e.g. tissues and other toiletries - Personal Travel Insurance - Any other item not included in our itinerary

Around Lake Victoria, West Coast of Kenya and Uganda side Topographic and Cultural Safari 10 Days, 9 Nights (Kisumu city, Ndere Island National Park (inside Lake Victoria), Kit Mikaye, Dominion Farm, Lake Victoria Beaches, Kogelo Village, Mbita point, Rusinga Island,Takawiri Island, Mfangano Island,Busia border, Jinja Bujagali Falls(source of the Nile) Kampala city, Entebbe, Ssesse Islands,Masaka, Kibale, Goma.)

Tour Highlights; This is a 10 days trip that takes you around Lake Victoria both on the Kenya and Uganda sides and to the community of the Luo living around lake Victoria on the Kenya side and also a visit to Nyang'oma Kogelo village where the father of the USA President - Barack Obama's father was born and bread. You will travel along the lake on the outer ring road as close as possible to the lake and visit the beaches along the lake and see the fishermen fishing in the lake. You will also visit the local villages in the surrounding of Lake Victoria along the lake and view the topography of this second largest fresh water lake, time allowing, you will visit Ndere Island National Park inside Lake Victoria, Kit Mikaye: the holy rock of the Luo community, Dominion Farm at the delta of river Yala, Lake Victoria Beaches. This is a safari around the Gulf of Lake Victoria formerly known as Kavirondo Gulf. This safari exposes you to the famous Luo Culture and community lifestyle. You will then cross the Kenya / Uganda border at Busia and enter Uganda then travel to Jinja town at the source of the Lake Victoria. At Jinja, you will see the source of river Nile at Bujagali Falls, time allowing, you will go for water rafting on river Nile and then do a Bungee jump if you can hold your adrenalin. Proceed to Kampala and visit the Port Bell harbour at Kampala's industrial area. You will then visit Entebbe International Airport, take a boat to Ssesse Islands inside Lake Victoria before returning back to Kampala and then proceed to Mpiji town, Mtala Maria and then to Lukaya, Masaka, Kalisizo, Kibale and end at Goma town. You will then travel back to Entebbe Airport on the last day and fly out from the same Airport Or travel back to Kisumu and then fly back to Nairobi for your flight home as you sample the other places of interest. This tour starts from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport then to Kisumu International Airport where you will start your trip along Lake Victoria. You will end your trip at either Entebbe or at Nairobi International airports. You will travel in a 4x4 Rav 4 Toyota vehicle. Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival Nairobi - Kisumu City Upon arrival at Nairobi international Airport, assume you arrive in the morning, you will be met by our tour manager who will brief you on your memorable Safari and community visit around Lake Victoria. You will then transfer to Unit 3 of the same Airport for your local flight transfer to Kisumu city. On arrival at Kisumu International Airport, you will check in at a Kisumu hotel before you start your visit to Dunga Beach and then to a boat to Ndere Island inside Lake Victoria. Depending on your strength, after lunch, you will be able to visit the Kogelo Community village, Dominion Farm,, Kit Mikaye, Lake victoria Beaches and Kisumu City tour during the afternoon. If you arrive in the evening by evening flight, you will be able to start your trip the next day. Kogelo Village , also known as Nyang'oma Kogelo, is USA President Barrack Obama's Africa home, a rural village in Alego - Siaya District, Nyanza Province, Kenya. It is located near the equator, 40 kilometers west-northwest of Kisumu City, the provincial capital. All meals and overnight at your Kisumu city hotel. Day 2: Kisumu - Kamito(Aram) - Luanda Kotieno- Mbita point After an early breakfast, we travel to Luanda kotieno beach ready to board the ferry to Mbita Point, a major center for insect study that hosts the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), this is a 45 minutes ride across Lake Victoria Gulf.

If time allows, you will take a boat ride to Takawiri, Rusinga or Mfangano Islands inside Lake Victoria. You can also drive across the causeway to Rusinga Island; famous as a bird watchers' island and also home to the late Tom Mboya; a prominent Kenyan politician who was assassinated in 1969 and whose remains were interred in a Memorial Mausoleum on the Rusinga island. Lunch will be served on any of the islands before driving to Lake Victoria Safari Village for dinner and an overnight stay at this beautiful lakeside resort ; Lake Victoria Safari Village. Dinner and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village. Day 3: Lake Victoria Safari Village Ruma National Park - Awendo - Homabay - Kisumu An early drive further south after breakfast to Ruma National park , game drive followed by lunch at Ndhiwa then continue to Thim Lich Ohinga then to Gogo falls. Drive to Awendo in the centre of Sugarcane plantation. A tour of the sugar cane plantation is followed. Lunch at Awendo Sony Sugar Company Guest house Or similar After lunch, proceed to Homabay then to Kanjira Hot springs, and to Lake Simbi Nyaima. You will see different types of birds, talk to local people, then proceed to Kendu Bay visiting Odino falls where we see the rural development projects e.g. schools, churches and the hydro-electric power station. We then proceed to Kisumu via the Ahero rice irrigation scheme. You will have covered the entire Kenyan side of Lake Victoria. Dinner and overnight stay at your Hotel in Kisumu City. Day 4: Kisumu Busia Jinja - Kampala After breakfast, depart for Busia border by road from Kisumu city, cross the border and proceed to Jinja town. This is where you will see the source of the River Nile at Bujagali Falls. You will have lunch at the Jinja hotel overlooking river Nile. You will then drive around Jinja town crossing the Owen Falls Dam where you will see the biggest Power Generating Plant in Uganda before driving to Kampala City arriving in the afternoon. Lunch will be at a Kampala City hotel. After lunch, you will visit the Port Bell Habour at Luzira as you pass the Industrial area where all ships anchor. Thereafter, you will proceed to Munyonyo beach for relaxation till evening when you will put up at a hotel in Kampala city. Dinner and overnight stay at your Hotel in Kampala City. Day 5: Kampala Entebbe Ssesse Islands After breakfast, depart for Entebbe arriving in time for a boat transfer to Ssesse Islands. You will see and meet the local fishermen, see the Chimps Sanctuary and take your boat back to the Entebbe Hotel after lunch at a hotel on the Ssesse Island. On arrival at Entebbe, you will visit the Entebbe International Airport, The Public beach and the Old Airport. Drive back to Kampala. Alternatively, you can spend a night at Ssesse Islands or Entebbe Town. Dinner and overnight stay at your Hotel in Kampala City / Entebbe / Ssesse Islands Hotel . Day 6: Kampala / Entebbe Masaka - Bukakata After breakfast, depart for Masaka town pass through Mpiji, Mutala Maria, Lukaya and eventually reach the Bukakata Beach. You will stay in Masaka town as we explore the beaches along the Lake Victoria. Lunch and Dinner at a Masaka Hotel.

Day 7: Masaka Kibale Goma After breakfast, depart for Kibale and eventually reach Goma. You will be accessible to Fish Landing beaches. Lunch and Dinner at a Kibale Hotel. Day 8: Kibale Kampala After breakfast, depart for Kampala City with short trips to the lake shore fish landing beaches. Lunch will be served enroute. You will arrive in Kampala in the afternoon for Dinner and Overnight at a Kampala hotel. Day 9: Kampala Busia - Kisumu After breakfast, depart for Busia border and proceed to Kisumu city visiting the not yet visited beaches as you travel. You will arrive in Kisumu in the evening. Day 10: Kisumu Nairobi - Departure After breakfast, depart for Kisumu Airport for your flight to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward departure flight in the evening. End of services. Cost: US$ 4,800 (Solo person traveling ) staying in Luxury or mid range hotels (3,4 &5 star). Cost includesRoad transport using Rav 4 (4x4) vehicle plus fuel. All Airport transfers All meals while on this trip 3 meal plan All Accommodation in Kisumu city and around Lake victoria cities and towns in the best hotels wherever we visit Park entry fees where applicable Ndere Island and Ruma National parks if visited Boat rides where needed Driver and vehicle allowances Local air fare All Government taxes

Service of an English speaking driver guide Community visits and Game viewing drives as per the itinerary Cost excludes:International airfare. Tips to driver guides and potters Extras at the Hotels and Villages -tips, drinks, telephone, laundry etc Items of personal nature ======================================================== Western Kenya Ecotourism, Culture and Community Solo Lady Safari 12 Days and 11 Nights Trip highlights: This is an exciting 12 days ecotourism, cultural and community safari that will take you for a tour of Western Kenya and Lake Victoria. This safari will give you a complete tour of the Western circuit as well as give you an opportunity to interact with the local people and enjoy wildlife viewing. The trip will start immediately upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and after your safari; you will be dropped off at the same airport to catch your outbound flight to your next destination. This is a private safari whereby you will travel with the tour guide/driver in a safari minivan and spend the nights in hotels or lodges as applicable. Detailed itinerary: Day 1: Nairobi Town Nakuru Town Kericho Town Kisumu City In the morning you will be met and welcomed by the Tour Manager and driver/guide and be briefed about your safari. After your briefing, you will depart Nairobi and drive through the Great Rift Valley and have a stop-over at the view point to have a glance at the breathtaking escarpment. You will then proceed to Nakuru town then to Kericho Tea Hotel where you will have lunch. After lunch you will walk in the tea plantations before driving via Lwanda Magere into Kisumu where you will spend the night. Kitale town is at the heart of the tea-growing zone of the Rift Valley. Here you find the lush green carpet of tea bushes which is literally a gold nugget as tea remains one of Kenyas biggest foreign exchange earners. This region produces one of the worlds finest quality teas. Agritourism and agro tourism is becoming popular, and Kericho has grown into a reasonably big rural town. Kericho is the perfect base to launch a tour of the tea plantations. There are also horticultural farms producing cut flowers. A tour of the Finlay company flower farm will make even the ordinarily dull person appreciate the smell and beauty - and even value - of flowers. The company exports more than 90 per cent of the flowers it grows. Dinner and overnight at Sunset Hotel in Kisumu Day 2: Kisumu City Kit Mikaye Kisumu City Tour

After breakfast, you will start the day by visiting Kit Mikaye. Kit Mikaye is a rock where Mikaye the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey down the Nile. You will also have a chat with the local leaders about the history of Kit Mikaye. You will then drive back to Kisumu for lunch and afterwards enjoy a Kisumu City Tour whereby you will visit Impala Park, Kibuye Market, Kisumu Municipal Market, and Kisumu Museum. You will then return to your hotel in the evening for overnight stay. There are many spectacular rock formations which abound with myths and mythologies in western tourist circuit. The massive columns of Kit Mikaye in Seme are towers of boulders piled together into gravity defying columns. According to legend, this was once the homestead of a powerful man who used to abuse and mistreated his first wife. The woman returned to haunt him after her death, eventually turning him and his property into stones. The stones have been a source of solace for the Luo people for a long time. They believe that if any man with a problem visits the stones, his problems will be solved and his wishes answered, so long as elders sacrifice a goat at the site. In the past, only men were allowed near the rocks, but visitors are these days welcome. The site is managed by the Kit Mikaye Rock Development group which plans to construct a Banda where visitors can get refreshments and accommodation. Religious groups visit the rocks hoping that their prayers will be answered. Dinner and overnight at Sunset Hotel in Kisumu Day 3: Kisumu Ndere Island National Park After breakfast you will depart to Kaloka Beach where you will take a boat to Ndere Island National Park to see some game and bird life. You will carry packed lunch with you and after your wildlife viewing; you will board the boat back to Kaloka beach where you will spend the night. Dinner and overnight at Kaloka Beach Day 4: Kisumu City Kakamega Forest After early breakfast you will carry picnic lunch and drive to Kakamega forest for a full day exploration of the forest in search of birds, butterflies and animals such as Debraza, Colobus, blue and red tailed monkeys and olive baboons. Over 30 varieties of snakes including the deadly gaboon viper, Jamesons mamba and black mamba are found here among other animals. Great and very old indigenous trees, some are hundreds of years old. Drive to Kisumu past the weeping stone of Kakamega. You will then visit Riat hills for panoramic view of Lake Victoria and Kisumu city. In the evening you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kakamega Forest where you will have dinner and spend the night. The only rain forest in Kenya - is a "feast for the senses", a vibrant living spectacle of animal and plant life. The forest, which covers 240 square kilometers, has more than 380 different plants and is home to 400 species of butterflies, some unique and only found in the forest. The forest teems with bird life. There are gray parrots, blue turacos, hornbills and plenty of forest raptors. Reptiles also abound in this forest with 27 different species of snakes identified so far. Seven species of primates, including colobus and Sykes monkeys live in this forest. The forest is also home to Mama Mutere a tree scientifically known as Mysopsis Eminee. It is claimed to be the oldest tree in the forest and its seedlings have been

exported to many countries. The tree has medicinal value - its bark is said to cure stomach pains and prostrate cancer. This tree type produces highly valued timber and is, sadly, an endangered species. Local guides explain the great ecological significance of the reserve. Kakamega is a remnant forest, once linked to the great Equatorial forests of the Congo, and is home to a number of unique and endangered species. Dinner and overnight at Kakamega Forest Hotel Day 5: Kakamega Forest Kisumu City Kogelo Village Lwanda KOtieno Mbita Point After breakfast depart for Kogelo village, the African home for USA president Barack Obama. On your way, you will stop at the Equator line point at Maseno; have a photo session here and proceed to Lwanda Market before turning right on to the road to Ng'iya Market, you will visit a market day on your way on this day and see how market days are in this side of the world. You will then proceed to Kogelo and visit the Village dispensary, the Nyang'oma Kogelo Market where President Barack Obama used to help Granny Sarah selling vegetables when he visited his ancestral home. Proceed to the school and then to the actual home where you will meet Grand mother - Sarah Obama. You will have some tee party with the orphans of Kogelo who are taken care of by the Sarah Obama Childrens Foundation. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Lwanda KOtieno beach where you will board the ferry to Mbita Point. Dinner and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village Day 6: Mbita Point You will spend the day relaxing by the sandy beach of the village as well as taking part in some activities available in this establishment such as boat rides, swimming, tracking of hippos by boat, visiting fishing villages as you interact with the local people, visit to the Abasuba Community Peace Museum or fishing. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is a sight to behold. It has sandy beaches and is dotted with about many small islands. The lake is an endless expanse of blue, stretching as far as the eye can see and beyond into Tanzania and Uganda. The islands are also tourist sites, each with unique features. Rusinga Island, which is accessible by road, is the burial site of political genius Tom Mboya. At the site is the politicians mausoleum. There is also the Mary Leakey archeological site. Although the site is not developed, plans are under way to return the excavated fossil and construct a proper archeological site. All meals and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village Day 7: Mbita Point Ruma National Park Mbita Point After breakfast you will drive through hills and meandering roads to visit the nearby Ruma National Park for wildlife viewing as well as to have an opportunity to spot the rare blue swallows and Roan Antelope. You will have a bush lunch in the park before proceeding with game viewing. In the evening you will be transferred back to Mbita for dinner and overnight.

Ruma National Park, home to the rare Roan antelope, Jackson hartebeest and the tiny Oribi antelope is located near Mbita at Lambwe valley. This little visited park comprises 120 square kms of savannah and gently rolling hills. This is the last refuge of the very Roan antelope, with the worlds last remaining wild population found within the boundaries of the park. The Roan is easy to see on the wide open grasslands, grazing freely among stands of whistling thorn acacia. Ruma is also home to several other rare species, chiefly the Rothschild Giraffe, Jacksons Hartebeest and the tiny Oribi antelope. All meals and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village Day 8: Mbita Point After breakfast, you will carry packed picnic lunch and depart to visit the site at Ligongo Hills where Dr. Mary Leakey discovered the skull of early man - Proconsul Africanus. This archaeological finding is kept in the Kenya National Museum in Nairobi. You will also visit some islands on the lake such as the Birds Island, Mfangano Island, Takawiri Island and get to interact with the local Luo community. In the evening you will be transferred back to Mbita where you will spend the night. The Mfangano Island is situated on the un-spoilt island of that name in Lake Victoria and occupies an entire secluded bay on the islands western shores. A boat ride across the lake brings one to Mfangano Island. This is basically a fishing village, on it is where the Governors Camp, an exclusive club with six cottages and a capacity of 12 guests, is built. Visits to Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria provide a unique opportunity to see the colorful life on the lake, where enchanting Luo fishing villages have not changed in centuries, the bird life is unsurpassed and seeing the families of otters is an added bonus. All meals and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village Day 9: Mbita Point Rusinga Island and Mfangano Island Mbita Point After early breakfast, drive to Rusinga island with packed lunch to do a tour of the Island to the historical places including the museum (where the remains of the first man were found) by Doctor Louise Leakey, Tom Mboya Mausoleum where this accomplished nationalist cum- politician was buried after his assassination on a Nairobi street in 1969. you will also visit Mfangano Island for a visit to the local rock art centre. The local curator will explain to you what the rock art means as well as the origins of the arts. In the evening you will be transferred back to Mbita Point where you will spend the night. All meals and overnight at Lake Victoria Safari Village Day 10: Mbita Point Homabay Kendu Bay After breakfast at your hotel, depart Mbita and drive to Homabay before visiting Kendu bay experiencing the typical African rough roads. Upon arrival at Kendu bay you will proceed straight to Simbi Nyaima for a mythological story about this magical Lake followed by a visit to Oriang market to view the amazing pottery work by the Oriang Women Group. You will have lunch in Kendu bay, then drive to Kanjira and Pala Hot springs. This will give you an opportunity to interact with groups of men and women whose work is to transport the Soda Ash using Donkeys to Kisii Town for sale. This is

their source of livelihood. If you have an egg, you can boil it within 5 minutes at the hot springs. In the evening you will be transferred back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight at Kendu Bay Beach Resort Day 11: Kendu Bay Kisumu City After breakfast, depart Kendu Bay for Kisumu where you will visit the Sondu Miriu Hydro Electric Power station and the Ahero Rice Irrigation Scheme with lunch en route. in the evening you will be transferred back to your hotel where you will spend the night. Dinner and overnight at Sunset Hotel in Kisumu Day 12: Kisumu City Nairobi Departure After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and proceed to Nairobi with lunch en route arriving in the evening, at which time you will be transferred to a hotel for overnight stay or to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch your outbound flight. End of safari Cost of package: US$ 3,200 solo person traveling Package Includes: - All park entrance fees - Full board accommodation in lodges and hotels while on safari - All meals while on safari - Service of an English speaking driver/guide - Transport in a private tour minivan - Ferry transport - Boat rides to various islands within the lake and other activities included - Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver - Game drives and nature walks - All applicable government taxes Package Excludes: - Extras at the hotels and lodges i.e. alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks, telephone, laundry etc. - International and local flight fees and departure taxes - Any other extra activities on offer but not included in itinerary - Tips to hotel or lodge staff and driver/guide - Items of personal nature e.g. tissues and other toiletries - Personal Travel Insurance