Rusinga Island Lodge

Thatched cottages • Birding • Watersports • Fishing • Game viewing • Malaria

A private retreat in one of Africa’s most remote and historical corners, Rusinga Island Lodge is on Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria in Western Kenya. Rusinga is 80 miles due west of the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve andd exudes an atmosphere of serene tranquility. Manicured lawns stretch to the water’s edge, and the grounds, with its exotic trees, are haven for a myriad of bird species – many of which are unique to this small corner of Kenya. Rusinga’s renowned hospitality, delicious home-grown, home-cooked food and indulgent accommodation combine to offer an ideal base from which to explore other areas of East Africa.

Rusinga’s spacious grounds offer a safe environment for children to release energy and the more active to catch up on exercise. On the lake, guests may enjoy invigorating water sports and, for the keen fisherman, Lake Victoria’s shallow waters are home to legendary Nile perch growing up to 300lbs. Part of Rusinga’s charm lies in her gracious hospitality, personalised service and fine cuisine. Each guest’s stay is tailored specifically to their individual needs. A place of infinite beauty to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body, providing a welcome break before, during or after a rigorous and exciting East African safari. With their high-thatched roofs, spacious verandahs overlooking lush gardens and the sparkling waters of Lake Victoria beyond, Rusinga’s accommodation comprises six self-contained cottages plus a family cottage with twin room and double room and an interconnecting door. Combining intimate charm and privacy with the highest level of personal comfort, the cottages are crafted from local materials.

Rusinga offers a vast array of activites. Around the lodge genet cats are often seen at night as well as hippo grazing on the lawns. If lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the nocturnal Egyptian mongoose. For the active, Rusinga offers some exhilarating activities. As well as a variety of watersports – waterskiing, donutting, knee-boarding – there are also mountain bikes.  A circumnavigation around Rusinga Island by mountain bike not only affords welcome exercise, but also an opportunity to meet the local community and watch life go by on this small island.

Nearby Mfangano Island is home to ancient rock art, untouched for centuries.  A short boat ride across to the island is followed by a hike up to the caves housing the rock art where guides explain the history and significance. A gentler stroll can be taken to visit the archaeological sites close to Rusinga Island Lodge. For those seeking revitalisation before, midway, or at the end of a hot and dusty safari, Rusinga’s Wellness Spa blends peace, personal indulgence and relaxation. The Spa’s up-to-date treatments include indulgent Kenya Coffee and Highland Tea wraps & scrubs; a variety of massages using locally blended oils; Spa manicures & pedicures.

Fishing: Troll for enormous Nile perch along the shores and in the shallow waters of Lake Victoria, or cast for tilapia at sunset from the jetty. Both fish make delicious eating and the kitchen is always on standby to cook your catch of the day! There are 6 well-equipped fishing boats crewed by experienced and good-humoured Boat Captains to give you the best chance of catching ‘the big one.’

Birding: From stately Fish Eagles (which nest within the grounds) and elusive Double-toothed Barbets to tiny iridescent Sunbirds and arrow-fast Kingfishers, Rusinga truly is a bird-lover’s paradise. The grounds are home to more than 369 species of local and migratory birds, many not found elsewhere in Kenya.   Throughout the day, from dawn to dusk, the air is filled with an enchanting chorus of bird calls and songs. Nearby Bird Islands – a short board ride from the lodge – are one of the most important breeding sites for water birds on Lake Victoria.  Vast flocks of cormorants can be seen – wings outspanned to catch the sun’s rays in the early morning, or keenly watching the water for fish during the day.  Magnificent fish eagles soar overhead and swoop low giving excellent photographic opportunities. Bird Islands are also host to Spotted-necked Otters and huge, prehistoric-looking monitor lizards.

There are also lots of fun family activities at Rusinga. The swimming pool is designed with both children and adults in mind – the shallow end slopes gently towards the deeper end offering safe waters for young children to play. On the lake, watersports provide great entertainment for children and adults alike and on land, children are free to explore the lodge grounds in safety, searching for monitor lizards and mongoose. The friendly Luo community fish along the shores of the lake in their colourful canoes and sailing dhows. Guests are welcomed with open arms at their villages where the night’s catch is set out to dry in the sun and larger fish are smoked.  It is also possible to visit local schools and community projects whilst staying at Rusinga.

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.

At Rusinga we are dedicated to improving the welfare of our neighbours and continually strive to improve basic standards of living whilst also preserving the natural habitat.

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