Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
Annually, the sanctuary conducts the Kisumu Impala Conservation Boat Race event in November to help create awareness of wildlife, especially the endangered sitatunga antelope.
Apart from nature viewing and boat riding, the sanctuary is a key site for ecology and wildlife research and education.
Wildlife
The animal sanctuary houses lions, African leopards, cape buffalos, olive baboons, hyenas, Tanzanian cheetahs, side-striped jackals, rescued grey parrots, guinea fowls, impalas, leopard tortoises and vervet monkeys among others. Many species of snake, monitor lizard, dragon fly, frog, and butterfly are also present.
The sanctuary also provides an important open grazing for hippopotamus population and refuge for the threatened sitatunga antelope in the nearby swamps.
Facilities
Visitors to the sanctuary can find different types of accommodation according to their taste, ranging from the Impala eco-safari lodge with a 24-bed capacity and one campsite (State Lodge Campsite). There are also four picnic sites. The Sundowner tower overlooks the railway trail and is a breath-taking area for sunsets on the shores of the second largest fresh water lake in the world.
Park entry and charges
The sanctuary is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entry on foot is allowed. Security is available for vehicles parked. When Covid-19 struck, payment is by mobile money or credit card only.