Where to see Sitatunga antelopes in Kenya
Where to see Sitatunga antelopes in Kenya : The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a small gazetted area that is home to rare threatened wildlife species. It is located in the Kisumu District of Nyanza province, 3km from Kisumu City, close to the Hippo Point. Because of its close proximity to Kisumu town, it is easier for tourists who are already there to visit the sanctuary; however, one should know how to get to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary for easy accessibility and, more importantly, the planning of your safari adventure. Nairobi, the largest transportation hub and primary entrance point for foreign tourists travelling to Kenya, offers three distinct routes to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. Kisumu town, where the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is situated, is a port city in the country’s far west. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a peaceful retreat on the banks of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, located about a km from Kisumu CBD. This sanctuary, which is less than one square kilometre in size, offers a unique experience with peaceful shoreline walks beside impalas. The varied flora and wildlife that create a lovely setting, along with the close vicinity to Hippo Point, add to the attraction.
Rare antelopes and Sitatunga impalas roam freely in the reserve. With the exception of elephants and giraffes, African big game roams freely, but Kenya tour visitors are enthralled by the sight of lions, African leopards, hyenas, Tanzanian cheetahs, side-striped jackals, and other primate species. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a birding safari in kenya destination with more than 115 bird species, including guinea fowls and rescued grey parrots, the refuge is a haven for ornithologists. It also provides an open grazing habitat for colonies of hippos. Kenya safari activities in the Sanctuary available to visitors include glass-bottom boat excursions, camping, picnicking, nature hikes, game and bird watching, and more. Observe large cats, impalas, and other untamed animals in safe confines. For those who love nature, the sanctuary’s abundant biodiversity guarantees an unforgettable safari in kenya experience. Giraffes, olive baboons, guinea fowls, rescued grey parrots, leopard tortoises, and other primates, including vervet monkeys, are among the creatures that can be observed in the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. There are several reptilian animals, such as snakes, monitor lizards, dragonflies, frogs, and butterflies. The swampy sections of Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which has been converted into animal orphanages, are now home to the highly endangered Sitatunga antelopes, another popular tourist destination.
The Best time to visit Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
The best time to visit Kisumu Impala Sanctuary depends on the precipitation in the sanctuary and the safari experiences during various weather patterns. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located on the shores of Lake Victoria along the equator, meaning that it experiences hot and muggy year-round weather with little annual rainfall of about 1,200 mm. Kisumu experiences low temperatures of 60 degrees, high temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees, and an average temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The sanctuary also experiences morning humidity levels of 80 to 90 percent and evening humidity.
During the dry months of June to October, there is less precipitation, which means that there is more game and excellent nature walks through the sanctuary when the grass and herbs are scarce for safaris. Nevertheless, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is easily accessible with passable roads and connecting sanctuary trails, making it simple for visitors to explore and adventure this amazing wild sanctuary within hours of one day. Additionally, the dry season is perfect for camping and picnicking at the several picturesque locations within the sanctuary, which typically go well with the other popular activities there.
How to get to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a small gazetted area that serves as a home to rare threatened wildlife species. It is situated in the Kisumu District of Nyanza province, 3km from Kisumu City, close to the Hippo Point. Because of its close proximity to Kisumu town, it is easier for tourists who are already there to visit the sanctuary; however, one should know how to get to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary for easy accessibility and, well, the planning of your Kenya safari adventure.
There are three ways to get to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary from Nairobi, the largest transportation hub and primary entry point for foreign tourists travelling to Kenya. Kisumu town, where the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located, is a port city in the former Nyanza Province in the far west of Kenya. Access to this town can be made by air, sea, or road.
How to Reach Kisumu Impala Sanctuary by Air
The simplest way to go from Nairobi to Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is by air; flights between Nairobi and Kisumu are often scheduled at the Kisumu International Airport. Several airlines, including Kenya Airways, Jambo Jet, Fly 540, and Silverstone Air, operate out of the airport. These aircraft often arrive in Kisumu in an hour, and once there, you may take ground transportation to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which will take a few minutes.
How to reach Kisumu Impala Sanctuary by Road
Road transport is another option for getting to the sanctuary; however, while it is more expensive for low-budget travellers, it is not advised if you are departing from Nairobi due to the vast distance. Nairobi is 380 kilometres north of Kisumu, while the sanctuary is 3 kilometres away, close to Hippo Point. It is advised to go by road during the day, although it is dangerous at night. Take Chimoro Road to Gitaru, then turn onto A104 (Waiyaki Way) after passing Naivasha and Nakuru. After about 30 kilometres past Nakuru, turn left onto B1 to Kisumu. This road trip, which offers scenic views of lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, and Kericho, can take anywhere from five to twelve hours, depending on your stopovers. A new gate (Sunset Gate) connecting the sanctuary with Sunset Hotel has been opened to facilitate access for guests from the hotel. After arriving in Kisumu town, visitors who drive typically use the Sitatunga gate, while walk-in visitors are advised to use the Main gate. A variety of public buses, including Easy Coach and Modern Coast, are available daily from Nairobi to Kisumu. The trip takes approximately eight hours.
How to reach Kisumu Impala Sanctuary by water
Due to its status as a port city, Kisumu is connected by ferry to neighbouring countries, Kendu Bay, Homa Bay, and Mbita. This provides a another means of entering the sanctuary via water.
