LAKE VICTORIA
Known as Nyanza, Lake Victoria is the second world's largest freshwater lake (an area of 68,800 sq. km) and forms a natural boundary between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda where over 30 million people live . Lake Victoria have become a major source of tourist attraction, thanks to their exhilarating natural environs, exotic wildlife, flora and fauna. However, its ecological health has been affected profoundly as a result of a unsustainable development.
Best time to visit Lake Victoria is December - January and June - October.
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Get to the city of Kisumu
By plane from Nairobi (6.500 KES).
By bus (4 hours - 1.000 KES). or car.
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Accommodation in Kisumu
Sooper Guest House. Book in advance. A double bed room with mosquito net 1.000 KES/ person.
Mona Lisa Guest House & Restaurant. A double bed room with mosquito net 1.000 KES/ person.
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Restaurants in Kisumu
Simba Club. Great Indian buffet on Fridays (1.300 KES).
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Get to Mfangano Island
Take a matatu in Kisumu Matatus Station in early morning to go to Luanda Ferry (400 KES). There you can wait for the ferry (400 KES) or hire a speedboat (1.000 KES) from a local to navigate to Mbita (750 KES).
In Mbita, you must wait for the Waterbus to go to Mfangano Island (200 KES). There are two stops in Mfangano Inland, the main Terminus and other small village in the north of island (you must get off here to meet with George). From the waterbus you can view the a private luxury Takawiri island.
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Mfangano Island
George Ooko Oyuko is a local who manages a orphan of children whose parents were HIV infected (the highest rate of patients happens here). He has a project in which foreign volunteers help in diary tasks as teaching in the school, repairing houses or assisting in local church. George's house is always opened to visitors who want to know about the social project and give a hand.
He is also a perfect guide to visit the best locations in the island. He manages transports in motorbikes, introduces you to locals and gives you lots of information. Visitors must give a tip to support all expenses. Price: 2.700 KES (one night, lunch, dinner and breakfast).
Bear in mind that there are small shops to buy basic groceries.
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What to do in Mfangano Island
Attend to a children show at the George`s school.
Accompanying to the tilapia fishers at midnight.
See sunset from Mt Kwitutu near Governors' Camp. You must pay 200 KES.
Visit some of villages of fishermen,
Rock paintings.
Visit tilapia local farms, a new sustainable initiative that exports worldwide.
The Chillspot to have some beers.
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Rusinga Island
From Mbita you can find a motorbike to do a tour in the island (400 KES).
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What to do in Rusinga Island
Climb to an island viewpoint.
Rusinga Island Lodge. A great place to disconnect and enjoy sunset from swimming pool (using for non guests is 500 KES). There is also a restaurant with European style dishes.
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Go to Nairobi
From Mbita to Nairobi take a bus (such as Modern Coast) 4 hours - 1.000 KES.
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Note: The prevalence of malaria among the residents of the Lake Victoria basin remains high, therefore bring enough mosquito repellent. Having a bath in the Lake is forbidden as water is infected by bilharzia.
This region is one of the poorest regions in Kenya due to the high unemployment, therefore there is serious social issues such as alcoholism and drug addiction among young people.
