Details
A place of infinite beauty to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body, Rusinga provides a welcome break before, during or after a rigorous and exciting East African safari. Exuding an atmosphere of serene tranquility, Rusinga’s manicured lawns stretch to Lake Victoria’s edge.
Rusinga’s grounds, with its exotic trees, are haven for a myriad of bird species – many of which are unique to this small corner of Kenya. These spacious grounds offer a safe environment for children to release energy and the more active to catch up on exercise.
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.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 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 veranda 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. Electricity is provided by both generator and inverter power offering an electrical supply 24-hours a day.
Dining
Rusinga Island Lodge mealtimes are flexible and wherever possible, ingredients are home-grown – an extensive vegetable garden provides fresh, organically grown vegetables and the grounds are dotted with fruit trees.
Breakfast is usually served al fresco on the lawns – fresh tropical fruits, homemade mueseli, home-made pastries and eggs cooked to order accompanied by bacon, sausages and tomato.
Lunch is also served al fresco – chilled soups, a selection of salads and delicious Nile perch cooked in a variety of ways to Rusinga’s secret recipes and accompanied by mouth-watering home-made breads.
Dinner can be served in the Mess, candlelit on the jetty (wind permitting!), at the gazebo in the grounds or BBQ-style around the floodlit pool.
Wellness & Beauty
Rusinga Island Lodge Wellness Spa provides a perfect spot for those seeking revitalization before, midway, or at the end of a hot and dusty safari, blends peace, personal indulgence and relaxation.
The Spa’s up-to-date treatments include aroma massages, Spa manicures & pedicures, Reiki and meditation.
Rusinga’s lawns are dotted with ‘lounging’ furniture under gracious trees – relax with a good book or simply recline and listen to the abundant bird life.
Activities
Rusinga offers some exhilarating activities for the active, as well as a variety of water sports– water skiing, 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. (see Archaeology & History) For those keen on jogging, as the island has no dangerous animals, it’s possible to take a jog on the airstrip or further afield.
Accessibility
Alternatively you can take the daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kisumu where African Spice can meet you and drive to the lodge. Journey takes 3 hours and a 45-minute ferry ride across the lake Victoria. En route you’ll see impressive Cambrian rock formations.