A small, family-run lodge on the shores of Lake Victoria, Rusinga offers a unique combination of special activities and wildlife.

Location
Rusinga Island is in the northeastern corner of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake and source of the river Nile. In Kenyan waters, it is 80 miles west of the Masai Mara.

Grounds and Accommodation
Guests arrive by air and walk into the beautiful club grounds surrounded by exotic trees, flowers and birds. A wide stretch of lawn grows to the water's edge, dotted with huge, wild fig trees. Six cottages accommodate 16 guests, each room with an ensuite bathroom and its own view of the lake. The rooms are attractively decorated with local baskets and colorful fabrics. The shop displays many gift items, which support the local people.

Management
Rusinga is owned and managed by the Roberts family. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed; the Lodge is proud of its reputation for excellent meals.

Access
By air, Rusinga is only a 40-minute flight from the Masai Mara where scheduled flights land daily from Nairobi and Nanyuki. The Lodge owns a Cessna 206 and can collect guests from any part of Kenya.

Activities

Boat trips to explore the islands and visit a fishing village:
Take a boat trip to Bird Island where thousands of water birds roost. Giant monitor lizards and spotted necked otters are often seen on the rocks around the islands. Fish eagles soar overhead and swoop down beside the boat to catch fish thrown out by your captain! The Luo fishermen catch fish along the shores in their colorful dhows; only sail and paddle are used here. The people are friendly and you are welcome to visit a village where the night's catch is set out to dry in the sun and larger fish are smoked.

Game drives in Ruma National Park to view unusual wildlife and birds:
Ruma is one of Kenya's most unusual and beautiful National Parks. The last surviving group of Roan antelope in Kenya can be seen here, which is a large antelope with magnificent black and white facial markings. Plains game includes an abundance of Jackson's hartebeest, Rothschild giraffe, oribi, Bohor reedbuck, impala, topi, waterbuck and buffalo. Leopards are often sighted. Due to its remote location, guests have yet to meet another visitor! A bush breakfast is provided here.

Fish for Nile perch and tilapia:
Troll for Nile perch or cast for tilapia in the evenings. Both fish make delicious eating. The club holds several line class records for Nile perch; all tackle is provided.

Bird watching for the 100 plus species that are recorded in the lodge grounds:
The bird life is incredible; over 100 species have been recorded in the club grounds. Many birds nest in the garden including a pair of fish eagles and the exotic double-toothed barbet. Several unusual species that only occur in western Kenya can be seen here.

Archaeological walks to the site where Mary Leakey found Proconsul Heseloni:
A short walk brings you to the site where Mary Leakey found the earliest common ancestor of the great apes and man dating back 17.5 million years.

Water sports:
Feel free to use the 16 ft Hobie Cat or one of the two windsurfers. Modern water sports equipment is available for all age groups.

Safaris:
Only 40 minutes by air from the Masai Mara, Rusinga is the perfect place to relax in warm and informal surroundings before or after your safari!

Gardens:
Visit the large, organic garden, which supplies the Lodge with vegetables and fruit.

Conservation:
William Roberts has for many years been actively involved in conservation, particularly in the Masai Mara. He and his family are also involved in projects to support widows and orphans at Rusinga Island.