Rusinga Island Lodge exudes an atmosphere of serene tranquility. The manicured velvet lawns stretch to the water’s edge and the grounds, with its exotic trees are a haven for a myriad of bird species – many of which are unique to this area of Kenya.
The Lodge’s renowned hospitality, delicious home-grown, home cooked food and indulgent accommodation combine to offer an ideal home from which to explore other areas of East Africa. Rusinga Island Lodge with its luxurious accommodation is a great place to relax before, during or at the end of a rigorous and exciting East African Safari.
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.)
Activities
Rusinga is a place of quiet and beauty to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. Life here revolves around the lake and the region’s birds. From stately Fish Eagles to tiny iridescent Sunbirds and arrow-fast Kingfishers, The Lodge is truly a bird lover’s paradise. The well-watered park like grounds are home to more than 369 species of local and migratory birds, many not found in other parts of Kenya. Throughout the day, from dusk to dawn, the air is filled with an enchanting chorus of bird calls and songs. You don’t have to go anywhere to find the birds, they are right there in front you.
The nearby Bird Islands, a short boat ride from Rusinga Island Lodge, are one of the most important breeding sites for water birds on Lake Victoria. Giant monitor lizards and spotted-necked otters are often seen on the rocks around the island. Magnificent fish eagles soar overhead and swoop down low giving excellent photographic opportunities. Also a short boat ride away is the Ruma National Park, home to a variety of Savannah birds and where the endangered Blue Swallow can be seen.
For the keen fisherman, the shallow waters of Lake Victoria are home to legendary Nile Perch growing up to 300lbs, and even the most reluctant fisherman can reap gratification casting off the jetty for abundant tilapia. Troll for enormous Nile Perch along the shores and in the shallow waters of Lake Victoria, or cast for Tilapia in the evening from Rusinga Island Lodge’s superb jetty. Both fish make delicious eating and the kitchen is happy to cook your catch for you. The Lodge’s record for Nile Perch, which can weigh as much as 300lbs, is 203lbs. There are six well equipped and speedy fishing boats, with experienced boat captains available to give you the best chance of catching the ‘big one’.
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.
The Lodge’s newly opened Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, whilst on the lake guests may enjoy invigorating water sports such as water skiing and doughnutting.
