3 / 5 - One review
How to get there
3 h by car from Nairobi
When to go
All year round but May and November are very wet
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Lake Victoria (Tanzania)
©
Jonathan Stonehouse
Practical information about Lake Victoria
Reviews of Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake, the heart of the "African Great Lakes". In Kenya, its region is one of the country's least touristic: the lake is mostly dedicated to fishing and its industry. However, it is bordered by beautiful green hills.
My suggestion:
Go and visit Mfangano Island, one of the most beautiful stops on lake Victoria. It is hilly and authentic with a population of traditional fishermen.
Summary:
Despite my curiosity and its cultural interest, I did not really find my stay on the Kenyan coast of Lake Victoria charming. Its shores, although lined with very green hills, seemed to be quite monotonous after the festival of Turkana Lake or that of Nakuru. What is more, problems of pollution, fishing, tea and sugar cane growing on an industrial scale have definitely made a big dent in the lake's original attractiveness.
Kisumu, main port and Kenya's third city, is a somewhat sleepy town, with nothing of major interest besides its port, the economic fish-tank of the Victoria region. I was surprised by its Indo-Pakistanese community, very present...
The most appealing activity to really feel the lake and make encounters is to take the boat between Kisumu and Homa Bay, which is a small town that is quite lively and rather pleasant. From there, I particularly enjoyed going to Mfangano Island, the fishing island that has remained authentic. Near the lake, Ruma National Park is home to beautiful Savannah and many wild animals.
©
Jonathan Stonehouse
124 travellers' photos
