5 Fun Places to Visit in Kisumu and Their Costs

Kisumu, Kenya's third-largest city, offers a blend of natural reserves, historical sites, and cultural experiences.

Whether you’re a curious traveler, a family on a budget, or a local looking for a weekend escape, Kisumu offers plenty of fun and affordable destinations.

From wildlife sanctuaries and cultural landmarks to lakeside hangouts and modern entertainment, here are fun places to visit in Kisumu County and how much they’ll cost you.

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, a tranquil conservation area, serves as a haven for a variety of wildlife.

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, it hosts impalas and other species, including the rare Sitatunga antelope, lions, as well as a diverse range of birds. The sanctuary provides a calm environment for nature walks and wildlife viewing in close proximity.

To access the park, Kenyan adults are charged Ksh215, while children pay Ksh125 to access the site.

Foreigners' entrance to the sanctuary is charged at 22 USD (Ksh2,845) for adults and 13 USD (Ksh1,681) for children.

Kisumu Museum

The Kisumu Museum offers a deep dive into the cultural and historical heritage of the Luo people and other communities in the Lake Region. 

Its main exhibits include a traditional Luo homestead known as Ber-gi-dala, a cultural history gallery with artifacts and tools, and a snake park and aquarium. The museum is an educational destination for both local and international visitors.

The entry charges to the museum are as follows: Resident adults pay Ksh100, while resident children are charged Ksh50. School groups from primary and secondary levels also pay Ksh50 per student, whereas tertiary and university groups are charged Ksh100 per student. 

Non-resident adults from outside East Africa pay Ksh500, and non-resident children from outside East Africa pay Ksh250. For non-residents within East Africa, adults pay Ksh400, while children are charged Ksh200.

Kit Mikayi

Kit Mikayi is a cultural and geological landmark located approximately 30 kilometers from Kisumu city. 

The site is a fascinating rock formation that holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning for the local Luo community. Visitors can explore the caves at the base of the rock, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, and learn about the legends and folklore associated with the site.

"According to Luo oral tradition, an old man named Ngeso became deeply enamoured with the stone. Each morning, he would enter the cave in the rock and spend the entire day inside, compelling his wife to bring him food," the National Museums of Kenya explains.

"When people inquired about his whereabouts, his wife would say, 'He has gone to his first wife (Mikayi)', hence the name Kit Mikayi."

The entrance fee is charged between Ksh200 to Ksh300, depending on the age and nationality of an individual.

Ndere Island National Park

Located in Lake Victoria, Ndere Island National Park is a sanctuary for nature lovers and birdwatchers. 

The island is accessible by boat from Kisumu and is a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including fish eagles, hippos, monitor lizards, and crocodiles. Visitors can enjoy guided excursions and hiking trails to experience the island's lush greenery and biodiversity.

To access the park, Kenyan adults are charged Ksh300, while children pay Ksh215 to access the site.

Foreigners' entrance to the sanctuary is charged at 22 USD (Ksh2,845) for adults and 13 USD (Ksh1,681) for children.

Lake Victoria Boat Rides (from Hippo Point or Dunga Beach)

Those visiting the lakeside city can also experience Lake Victoria by undertaking boat rides.

Tours of the lake area can also be undertaken through the attraction hubs such as Hippo Point or Dunga Beach, where visitors can also undertake activities such as hippo viewing, bird watching, and sunset cruises. 

These excursions provide a unique perspective on the lake's ecosystem and the surrounding fishing communities.

A bought cruise can range from Ksh2,000 to Ksh4,000 for Kenyans and between Ksh3,000 to Ksh6,000.