Rusinga Island Lodge

Accommodation

With their high thatched roofs, spacious patios looking out over the lush gardens and the sparkling Lake Victoria beyond, Rusinga Island Lodge's accommodation consists of 6 individual cottages and 1 family cottage comprising a twin room and double room with interconnecting door. Each cottage is en suite and has its own verandah overlooking the lake. Bedrooms are either twin (with 2 queen size beds) or double (with 1 king size bed). Bathrooms are spacious with double sink and 'soup plate' showers.

Combining intimate charm and privacy with the highest levels of personal comfort, the cottages are made from stone, wood and grass thatching and decorated with elegant fabrics.

(Electricity is provided by both generator and inverter power offering an electrical supply 24-hours a day.)

Getting there

Rusinga Island Lodge is a 20 minute flight from Kisumu; a 35 minute flight from the Masai Mara and an hour and a half from Nairobi. All flights are by private charter aircraft.

The airstrip is adjacent to The Lodge's impressive entrance, where you are greeted with cool and refreshing drinks and towels.

Kisumu to Rusinga Island Lodge is 3 hours by road, ferry and the Mbita causeway.

Activities

There are lots of fun family activities for all to enjoy at Rusinga Island Lodge.

Equipment is available for all age groups for water-skiing, mono-skiing, knee-boarding, tubing and mountain biking. There are many walks available around the island or, for the more adventurous, take a short boat ride to Mfangano Island and then hike uphill to explore ancient rock art.

Alternatively why not take a walk around the beautiful Rusinga Island Lodge grounds with their exotic trees, flowers and birds, many of which are unique to the area. A wide stretch of velvet green lawn grows to the water's edge, dotted with huge ancient wild fig trees on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The friendly Luo community fish along the shores in their colourful canoes and sailing dhows. The Lodge's guests are welcome to visit their villages where the night's catch is set out to dry in the sun and larger fish are smoked.

You can also take a boat trip to Bird Islands where thousands of water birds roost. Giant monitor lizards and spotted neck otters can often be seen in family groups around the island.

Wellness

For those seeking revitalisation before, midway or after a hot and dusty East African safari, Rusinga Island Lodge with its spa, blends peace, personal indulgence and relaxation. The spa's modern health and beauty treatments include aromatheraphy, manicures, pedicures and a soothing variety of massages are delivered by The Lodge's highly trained masseuse.

Part of Rusinga Island Lodge's unique charm lies in its gracious hospitality, personalised service and fine cuisine. Each guest's stay is tailored specifically to their individual needs, with breakfast and lunch served al fresco on the lawns overlooking Lake Victoria. Sumptuous dinners are served in Fish Eagle house or candlelit on the jetty or by the pool.

Those needing a bit of 'retail therapy' can spend a little time browsing in Rusinga Island Lodge's little boutique for momentos and those special gifts to take home.

Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park is one of Kenya's most unusual and beautiful national parks. The last surviving group of roan antelope in Kenya can be seen here - a large antelope with magnificent black and white facial markings and swept-back horns. Other special animals include the Jacksons Hartebeest and Rothschild giraffe. Also seen in abundance are oribi, bohor reedbuck, impala, topi, waterbuck and buffalo. Leopards may also be sighted. Due to the remoteness of the park, it is unlikely that guests from Rusinga Island Lodge will see another visitor. A bush breakfast in Ruma is something very special.

A short walk behind Rusinga Island Lodge brings you to the site where Mary Leakey found Proconsul Heseloni in 1948 - the last common ancestor of the great apes and man. This find caused a sensation at the time and made worldwide headlines. Fossil remains dating back 18 million years can be seen scattered about on the surface.

Value for money

At rack rates of US$350 per person per night, valid until 15th December 2006, the price includes full board accommodation, house wines, beers, soft drinks and bottled water; all activities such as Nile perch and Tilapia fishing, waterskiing, sightseeing, bird watching, visits to archaelogical sites and ancient rock art, sundowners, trips to Ruma National Park (excluding park entry fees) and laundry.

Contact Details

No 531, Langata Rd, P.O. Box 6648, Nairobi, GPO 00100, Kenya

Tel: 254 20 882028 Fax: 254 20 882868 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it