Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary spans about 38 ha. It was created to provide a home for threatened Impalas within Kisumu city and its environs. It also provides a safe grazing area for hippos from the lake.

The sanctuary consists of two portions, separated by private developers. KWS is coming up with ideas on how best to utilize Impala for conservation. Located just a Kilometre from Kisumu CBD, It lies close to Hippo Point and features 3km of nature trails and a selection of picnic sites.

This walking sanctuary is a holding area for animals which require special protection in this densely populated area.

The Sanctuary’s focus is herds of impalas and zebras which roam freely in the sanctuary. This is where it derives its fitting slogan: A Lakeshore Walk With Impalas…

Within the sanctuary is an animal orphanage that contains a collection of caged lions, leopard, cheetahs, baboons, hyena, jackals, bush duikers, bush buck and buffaloes.

The sanctuary also provides important open grazing for the local hippo population while the threatened sitatunga antelope exist in the nearby swamps and can be seen early in the morning.

With over 115 bird species recorded, the sanctuary is a delight to birdwatchers especially in the morning and late afternoon. There is a new public campsite in the sanctuary, State Lodge Campsite, which has modern amenities.

There are also several picnic sites within the sanctuary that offer excellent v The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary - A Lakeshore Walk With Impalas enues for weddings, corporate events and functions.

The Sundowner tower which faces the Railway trail is a perfect area for sundowners on the shores of the second largest fresh water lake in the world.

A new gate (Sunset Gate) connecting the sanctuary with Sunset Hotel has been opened to ease access by the guests from the Hotel.

A shady and peaceful place, with its abundance of birdlife and picnic areas beside the lake the Sanctuary provides an ideal refuge away from Kisumu’s busy town centre. The Sanctuary is open all year round.

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary was gazetted in October 1992, after which a holding facility for captive animals in the Western Conservation Area (WCA) was developed within the sanctuary to enhance tourism.

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 to kisumu and there are regular scheduled flights.
Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, homa Bay and Mbita

ACTIVITY OPTIONS