This page was last updated 29 January, 2003
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The
lake is famous for its fishing. There is plenty of tilapia (local name is ndege),
a sweet tasting local favorite caught along the lakeshores. But the real draw
here is the Nile Perch
(local name is mbuta), the
world's largest freshwater fish. The Perch reaches massive proportions and is a
formidable fighting opponent. The lakes 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. Local, English speaking fishermen, who know the area well, operate the boats. The chances to catch a record breaking Nile Perch, 20- 60 kg should be good. Lunch and drinks can be provided if you plan a whole days safari on the lake.
For
birdwatchers, the west is one of Kenya's richest regions. Visit
Mbasa Islands for bird and reptile viewing. These
twin islands are about an hour's boat ride from the Village.
Kenya
is known worldwide for its great wealth of wildlife, and western Kenya is no
different. The lakeside Ruma National Park is a refugee for two very rare
species of antelope, the large Roan and the tiny Oribi.
The Park
is about 1 - 1 ˝ hours drive away. Guided tours for those who do
not have a
four wheel drive vehicle on their own can be arranged.
If you're looking for an active safari, western Kenya is the ideal place to mix exploration and relaxation. For the trekker, there is plenty of opportunity to strap on a pack and head for the hills.
The Gembe Hills, in the vicinity of Safari village, is ideal hill walking country, gently rising to a peak of 3957 m. There are extensive series of tracks and paths that wind through a varied landscape of semi-arid scrub, farmland and open fields. There is excellent birding and stunning views. There are no set routes, just the freedom to explore in wild, tranquil surroundings. Experienced and knowledgeable guides can be made available.
On the nearby, Mfangano Island, a high plateau towers high above the beaches. Visitors can climb a winding path that leads its way through tiny villages and rocky slopes to a magnificent viewpoint across the lake. But the reward for this relatively tough climb is more than just the view. In the shelter of a high curved overhang, a series of cave paintings, are ranged along the length of a wall.
The
nearby islands offers plenty of opportunity for special interest
travel. If prehistory is your interest, the islands of Lake
Victoria are a treasure trove of fossils. Work on Rusinga Island has uncovered
plenty of prehistoric insect, reptile and human fossils. Rusinga was the scene,
in 1948, of Mary Leakey's discovery of the scull of a man's earliest ancestors-
Proconsul africanus.
On Mfangano Island, on one of the
viewpoints in the shelter of a high curved overhang, a series of
cave
paintings along the length of a wall can be seen.
The
waters of Lake Victoria are a natural wonder, filled with shimmering shoals of
tropical cichlid fish and massive Nile Perch. The green shores and islands
are alive with birds and monkeys. Hippo and crocodile wallow in the shallows
while the air rings with the haunting cry of the majestic Fish Eagle.
There are
several interesting places to visit such as bird islands, fishing villages etc.
Locate
and catch your own cichlid specie and bring it home to your aquarium. We have
what is needed for you to safely transport the valued species to your home.
African Cichlids are prized and adored for their beautiful coloration. You
cannot find freshwater fish that are more colorful than these fish from East
Africa. Look at this picture of a Lake Victoria Hap (©Marc Elieson) for
example. Read more about the Lake Victoria cichlids and see photographs of more species on.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/index.php
[ Home | Hosts | Our Rates | Contact Us| Useful links | Activities | The Lake | The Islands |
Ruma park | Lambwe Forest | Area Map | Other Mbita Hotels | Safari proposals ]
