Lake Victoria

Western Kenya is one of Kenya's least known and visited regions. The west coast is endlessly diverse and has lush green highlands, tropical rainforests, the great expanse of Lake Victoria - the legendary source of the Nile - and much, much more. The region is home to fascinating cultures, mythology and a history that lives and breathes in sacred sites and thriving traditional festivals. Stunning landscapes, wonderful wildlife, adventures, bird watching and more all await the visitor to Kenya's west coast.

Balmy tropical weather and the clear cool waters of Lake Victoria, make Mbita an ideal place for relaxing. The lake is ideal for exploration by boat and is regarded as one of Africa's finest fishing grounds.

Lake Victoria Safari Village is a small hotel situated on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria in peaceful surroundings 3 km from Mbita town and just inland of Rusinga and Mfangano islands. The village consists of attractive round traditional huts thatched with papyrus reeds. Each double room has its own bathroom with shower and a private veranda overlooking the lake. It is a comfortable place with a friendly and relaxing atmosphere - a perfect place to relax while gazing out over the lake and the islands beyond.

The lake is famous for its fishing. There are plenty of tilapia, a local favourite caught along the lakeshore, but the real draw here is the Nile Perch, the world's largest freshwater fish. Nile Perch reach massive proportions and is a formidable fighting opponent. The lake’s current record is a 90 kg trophy. Fishing trips on the lake, in traditional canoes powered by an outboard engine or modern speedboats can be arranged.

Nearby Ruma National Park, one of Kenya’s smaller parks, is about a 45 minute drive away and is situated southwest of Homa Bay and east of the Gembe and Gwasi Hills. It lies on the flat floor of the Lambwe Valley, bordered by the Kanyamaa escarpment and includes a section of Lambwe Hills Forest Reserve to the southeast. The terrain is mainly rolling grassland, with tracts of open woodland and thickets dominated by species of Acacia and Balanites. The park is home to a diverse number of animal species including the very rare roan antelope and other antelope, such as oribi and Jackson’s hartebeest that are rarely found elsewhere in Kenya. In 2012 the Kenyan Wildlife Service released White Rhino into the park and the chance of seeing one of Kenya's most endangered large mammal species is a big attraction.