Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation or action and adventure -or maybe a little of both – Homa Bay County beckons.

The tranquillity, fresh breeze, white sandy beaches and the whispering palm trees dotting the shores of some beach hotels on the eastern side of Lake Victoria offer an experience comparable to that of the Kenyan coastline.

Homa Bay is also the place for you if you are simply looking for an escape from crowded cities to work remotely in a comfortable environment in these times of Covid-19.

While Western Kenya is known to attract local travellers, these salient islands on Africa’s largest fresh-water lake have experienced a steady rise in the number of international tourists seeking to explore the refreshing panorama of the Lake Victoria island getaways.

The clear waters of the lake in Homa Bay make perfect the signature sunset. The magnificent early morning sun rays at the beach hotels of Mfangano, Rusinga and Takawiri islands provide an ideal vacation and photographic opportunities for those keen to explore the hidden archaeological destinations.

Takawiri Island has a natural forming beach along Lake Victoria with all the attractions of the Kenyan coast.

In trying to conform to international standards, the hospitality sector players on these islands have been expanding their tourism products and incorporating local adventures to provide memorable experiences for discerning visitors.

Beyond the famed Tom Mboya Mausoleum that lies on family land at Kaswanga village on the northern side of Rusinga Island, Mfangano Island boasts a number of attractions like the Abasuba Museum.
Some of the retreats popular with foreign guests are Rusinga Island Lodge, Takawiri Island Resort and Mfangano Fishing Camp that was formerly part of the prestigious Governors’ Camp Collection.

Rusinga Island Lodge manager David Imbugi maintains enthusiasm and optimism despite Covid-19’s significant challenges and changing travel landscape.

Before the ruthless march of the pandemic which has disrupted travel worldwide and sent the tourism sector reeling, the exclusive getaway with 11 cottages usually had full bookings when international tourists visited between June to October after experiencing a roller-coaster safari crowned with wildebeest migration at the famous Masai Mara.

“Instead of travelling to the coast to enjoy warm sandy beaches, most tourists make extension safaris to our facility to rejuvenate their bodies in the lap of luxury, mixed with a traditional twist,” he says.

Visitors can simply fly to Rusinga from Nairobi on a chartered plane from Wilson Airport and land on the lodge’s private airstrip.

Mr Imbugi says the availability of the private airstrip has also given them an edge over their competitors as some visitors opt to fly directly from Wilson to have a feel of the warm hospitality of the Suba people.

He also promises culinary delights: “We do both local and international cuisines since we draw visitors from all parts of the world.”

Rusinga Island Lodge rooms go for a local rate of Sh22,000 for full board a day while half-board costs Sh16,000, he said, adding that their conference facility can accommodate up to 30 people.

Their attractions include fishing expeditions, a wedding venue, visits to Birds’ Island and a boat ride to the neighbouring islands of Migingo and Remba, both of which are rich fish catchment areas.

But advance booking is required for one to enjoy the vast tourism offerings on Takawiri Island, including unreserved access to any of the six serene getaways on the edge of the island. Failure to make reservations will cost you Sh500 per person in landing fees.

Mfangano Fishing Camp boasts a traditional touch, with grass thatches and stunning mud-walled family houses and honeymoon suite close by the shores of the lake.

It costs Sh120,000 a day per couple to stay at this ultimate holiday destination that also has picturesque tropical gardens tucked away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

On the other hand, to cater for a blend of both local and foreign visitors travelling on a budget, the proprietor of White Stone Beach Resort Barrack Ooro has set up a modern beach hotel about 10 minutes from the Mbita Causeway.

The eight executive rooms go for as little as Sh4,500 during off-peak period and Sh5,500 during peak time, a sure bet for visitors looking to take advantage of cheap travel deals on hotels and airlines as Covid-19 bites.

“Our clientele is 90 per cent locals who travel from all regions of the country to marvel at the lake and have a taste of our fresh fish and kienyeji chicken, among other traditional foods,” said Mr Ooro.

The Land Economist from the The University of Nairobi, who started the enterprise in 2018, says they also have a boat on standby to ferry visitors to other tourist sites on the lake.

The chief executive officer and the owner of Siambi Resort on Mfangano Island, Mr Martin Siambi, is targeting local visitors with competitive prices. A single bed cottage costs Sh5,000 whereas a double-bed cottage is Sh6,500.

“We provide boat rides from between Sh2,500 to nearby destinations like Takawiri Island and a maximum of Sh12,000 to Migingo Island as well as a hike to Kuitutu mountain,” he says.

The former employee of McDonald’s restaurant in a number of European countries is further seeking to set up an exclusive camping site by August, this year.

“Most of the clients just require some space to erect their tents and need a conducive environment to enjoy themselves,” he said.

Other top beach hotels on Mfangano Island are Wakula Resort and Chill Spot while Rusinga Island has Blue Ridge, Rusinga Guest House and Wanyando Eco Lodge.

One can access Rusinga Island via the Mbita Causeway while you have to navigate the lake using a water bus or hire a motorboat to get to Mfangano or Takawiri islands.

It takes approximately one hour to travel by water bus from Mbita mainland to Mfangano and drop off passengers at the nearby Takawiri Island. From Rusinga Island by road to Kisumu is about a three-hour drive.

There aren’t many worries and stress that a touch of sunshine, white sand and crystal-clear water can’t soothe. And where better to unwind than on these beautiful Lake Victoria getaways.