Did you know, there are a number of places to visit in Kisumu County apart from Lake Victoria? Moreover, tourist attractions in Kisumu County blend perfectly with the friendly Luo culture and people.
In this article guide, Naicef shows you the top 10 tourist attractions in Kisumu County with the best hotels in Kisumu.
Therefore, expect fun and unique things to do in Kisumu County.
Whenever anyone says they’re going to Kisumu, the first thing that comes to mind is fish. And why is this so?
Well, The Great African lake, Lake Victoria is located in the western part of Kenya specifically Kisumu County. The Lake Victoria is known for having fish in abundance and those who reside around the lake know their way with cooking the fish.
Caution, the fish is turned into a delicious meal with the African cake, which is Ugali and Kachumbari (mixture of onions, coriander, tomatoes and pepper- optional). The food is finger-licking, and yes, the residents can show you how to cook it the proper way.
Also, tourist attraction sites in Kisumu County make Kisumu County a perfect stop and a must see place in Kenya in the western part.
Want to visit the top 10 tourist attractions in Kisumu County? Contact [email protected] or call +254799922277
Sail with me to see the best of Kisumu County.
Welcome to Kisumu Dala- read along to find out why it is called Dala.
Interesting Facts About The Best Places To Visit In Kisumu County
Culture, history and natural beauty blend perfectly in Kisumu County, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Kenya.
Kisumu County is a major port city on Lake Victoria which is why it is known as the lakeside city.
Did you know, Kisumu County is a recognized millennium city by the United Nations. This is because, it is one of two cities in East Africa that has a national park and is within the central business district. The other recognised city is Nairobi.
Remember the tongue twister, the sun shines on the seashore? Well, that applies to the waters of Lake Victoria, too!
This is to say, the sun always shines in Kisumu as it is on the equator, it experiences sun shine all year round.
Festivals define the Luo culture and with every festivity, comes a vibe with the art, culture and dances.
Tourist Attractions In Kisumu County
Here are the unique places to visit in Kisumu County. These tourist attraction sites are in the list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Kisumu County.
1. Lake Victoria
Topping Naicef’s list of top tourist attraction sites in Kisumu County is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.
The sunrise and sunset on Lake Victoria are an impeccable sight to behold whether on a boat ride or at the lake’s shore.
The lake is the source of the River Nile and is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
Boat rides on Lake Victoria are unique things to do in Kisumu. Moreover, boat rides on Lake Victoria opens guests up to see Islands on Lake Victoria.
2. Kisumu Museum
Displays of cultural artefacts, aquatic life and an educational centre are found in the Kisumu Museum, that started in 1980.
The National Museum of Kenya manages the museum, preserving Western Kenya’s heritage of rich culture.
Behind the museum, there is a Luo cultural homestead where dances and cultural songs are performed by the Luo artists.
Tour with Naicef to Kisumu Museum, which is one of the best tourist attractions in Kisumu County.
3. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
Saiwa Swamp National Park isn’t the only national park with the rare Sitatunga antelopes in Kenya.
Moreover, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is known for hosting graceful Impalas and other wildlife species. Ever heard of dancing gazelles? Well, Malka Mari National Park graces you with untouched wilderness and lively gazelles.
Furthermore, there are 115 bird species making the sanctuary a perfect bird spot. The best times to visit Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is June to February, the peak seasons.
Birdwatching at this sanctuary is worth it at the sanctuary so, make sure to carry binoculars!
This is one of the unique places to visit in Kisumu County with friends and kids, too!
4. Ndeere Island National Park
This park is located on Lake Victoria and is accessed after a 20-minute boat ride to the Island. The Island is named by the locals as the Red Island because of the Themeda grass species.
Interestingly, the park hosted the World Tourism Day celebrations on 27th September 2024.
From the Island, one can see Mageta Island, Homa Hills and glimpses of Kampala, Uganda from the horizon.
The sun rising and setting on the Island is beautiful in that, with every rise and setting of the sun, it experiences different destinations!
For hikers, Ndeere Island National Park is one of the hangout places to visit in Kisumu County.
5. Kit Mikayi
This Kit Mikayi historical site is one of the unique places to visit in Kisumu. This is because this attraction is surrounded by rocks and herbal trees. Did you know, herbalists from all over the world come to get herbs from the trees that surround Kit Mikayi.
Moreover, it is a recognized UNESCO heritage site.
The stone was and is still being used as a sacred place of prayer where portraits of their leaders are stored.
During the visit to the Kit Mikayi crying stone, there were remains of rituals that were being performed.
See how the Kit Mikayi was formed, where it is located and learn its history.
6. Dunga Beach
This is one of the romantic places in Kisumu County that offers private boat rides on Lake Victoria.
Dunga Beach is one of the best places to enjoy fresh fish and ugali at affordable prices.
Also, the beach is a hotspot for spotting birds and hippos.
7. Kisumu Railway Museum
History lovers will love this museum due to its rich history of rail transportation in the region.
Train artefacts from the colonial era are stored here, just like in the Nairobi Railway Museum.
With guided tours, the picturesque view of Lake Victoria creates a fun and engaging tour of the railway museum.
8. Kisumu Yacht Club
Kisumu Yacht Club is one of the best places to visit in Kisumu with family or friends. Kisumu Yacht club is one of the best yacht clubs in Kenya where guests can enjoy the lake’s ambience and peaceful environment.
Moreover, the club has an African, American and Asian cuisine to satisfy your taste buds.
From a distance, Hippos are seen enjoying the lake’s waters and the breeze.
Make sure to visit the Kisumu Yacht Club because is one of the tourist attraction sites in Kisumu County.
Care to engage in the best yacht experience in Kenya?
9. Art Markets
The creativity that is dispalyed in these art markets is worth deserving your attention and you can’t pass by the arts without asking the inspiration behind them.
Furthermore, Kisumu Art House is also an art collection facility that has displays of the Luo culture. From their paintings to crafts, indulge in an artsy session at the Kisumu Art House.
Kisumu Art House is one of the hangout places to visit in Kisumu County.
10. Kisumu Riat Hills
If you love excercise with nature to accompany you, Riat hills are one of the best tourist attractions in Kisumu County.
Wildlife and birds can also be seen as you hike the trails, which cater to all fitness levels.
Kisumu Riat Hills are not as challenging as Ngong Hills in Nairobi also has picturesque views creating a tranquil atmosphere of having picnic.
Therefore, Riat hills are one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Kisumu County that are a must visit.
Things To Do In Kisumu County
Activities in Kisumu County include
1. Boat Ride On Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria, seen from a distance, is best experienced by boat. So, go on a boat ride on Lake Victoria and enjoy the water waves of the second largets water lake in Africa.
2. Exploring Museums
Whether its the railway or the cultural museum, be sure to expect informaton on the heritage on Kisumu and its relevance to today’s world.
3. Fishing
Learn how to fish at Lake Victoria with the help of the fishermen. This is oen of the engaging and thrilling things to do in Kisumu County.
Also, visitors are taught how to prepare and preserve the fish for cooking the right way.
4. Tasting Kisumu’s Delicacies.
Fish is the staple food and source of income for most Kisumu residents. So, help generate income by eating at one of the local restaurants for eating fresh fish.
Eating fish in Kisumu is one of the best things to do in Kisumu County especially with Ugali and Coke. Taste the feeling!
5. Hiking
For the sake of keeping fit, one of the best things to do in Kisumu County is gong for a hike on Riat Hills.
The best feeling here is hiking with natural features seen from the hills.
This is one of the least challenging trails in Kenya
6. Visit The Equator Point
Here, water seems to move in an anticlockwise direction to the south and clockwise direction to the north.
7. Wildlife Viewing
At Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, view animals in the sanctuary to enhance your experience at Kisumu County.
Wildlife viewing is experienced in any of the best national parks in Kenya. So, our professional Naicef guide educates you on each wildlife and their characteristics.
The Best Time to Visit Kisumu County
The best time to visit tourist attractions in Kisumu County is June to February. These months are opportune especially for guests seeking wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures.
March to May and October to November are rainy seasons in Kisumu that can afect outdoor activities.
But, before travelling, consult the weather forecasts to be sure of the expected experience.
The Best Hotels in Kisumu County
Here are the best hotels in Kisumu county;
- Sarova Imperial Hotel
- Acacia Premier Hotel
- Ciala Resort Kisumu
- The Vic Hotel
- The Clarice Hotel
- Harry’s Kisumu Oasis
- Vittoria Suites
- Le Sovereign Hotel
- Sunset Hotel
- Imperial Hotel Express
- Grand Royal Swiss Hotel
- Jumuia Hotel
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best tourist attractions in Kisumu County include
- Lake Victoria
- Dunga Beach
- Kisumu Yacht Club
- Art Markets
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
- Kisumu museum
The best hotels in Kisumu County are
- Sarova Imperial
- Imperial Hotel Express
- Vittoria Suites
- Le Sovereign Hotel
The best things to do in Kisumu are:
- Boat safaris
- Game viewing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cultural exploration
- Participate in Luo festivities.
To have the best tour in Kisumu County, reach out to Naicef for the best local experiences.
We are the best tour company in Kenya in experiencing counties because we focus on;
- Customer Centricity: we customize the best experiences in Kenya and give the best to each traveller.
- Quality: we craft experiences in quality for the best memorable county experience in Kenya.
- Professionalism: our team is professional in creating a long-lasting relationship with all travel partners.
Moreover, on every safari/ experience you take with Naicef, you contribute to Sustainable tourism through our sustainable environmental and local community programs. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best county tours in Kenya contact Naicef via [email protected] or +254799922277
You can also opt for our Naicef savings plan to plan your visit to any national parks in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kisumu County
1. What is interesting about Kisumu County?
Kisumu County was once named Port Florence in the pre and post colonial period. Moreover, there county was a promient urban center during that perieod.
2. What is Kisumu County known for?
This county is known for being the 3rd largest city in Kenya, situated on the famous lake Victoria.
3. What is the weather like in Kisumu County?
Kisumu has a warm and humid climate year-round. But, as astated earlier, ensure to check the local weather forecast before going to Kisumu.
4. What does Kisumu Dala mean in English?
Kisumu Dala is the popular name for Kisumu County. This name is a Luo name meaning home in English.
5. Why was Kisumu called Port Florence?
The name Florence was named after the wife of railway engineer Ronald Preston. The railway line reached Kavirondo bay on Lake Victoria in 1901 near the fishing village, thus the engineer named it Port Florence.
