By Alphayo Otieno in Kisumu

About 20 minutes drive from the Kisumu Airport lie some 10 units of self catering tented single and double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms suspended on short pillars erected from well manicured lawns on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The five-year old Kiboko Bay Resort situated in an old quarry at the Dunga shoreline is fast becoming a must-visit international destination, thanks to its unique package for both the business as well as the leisure traveler.
 
From Kiboko Bay, one can enjoy spectacular views of the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria and in the morning one wakes up to the chatter of different birds while hippos graze on the shores of the lake.

Unlike many hotels in Kisumu city, the Kiboko Bay Resort offer huge savings in costs, easy access to popular destinations, tranquil surroundings, and unique opportunities to experience local culture.

From Kiboko Bay guests can sit outside on a wrap-around balcony to enjoy the sceneries of the world’s second largest fresh water lake or swim in the well maintained pool which borders the Lake Victoria.

“We do arrange tailor-made safaris, adventure sport safaris, gorilla trekking safaris, bird watching Safaris, Honeymoon packages, Tailor-made weddings, Camping Safaris, luxury safaris, family tours, and custom tours all over East Africa.”, says the resort manager, Rudolph Mathias.

The resort proprietor, Nirman Darbar says since its inception, the resort has aimed to offer the best of Kenyan hospitality with clean simple accommodation, availability of fresh food, 24 hrs of the day, and a commitment to quality service.

“Our rooms are full optional with air condition and elegant linen, mosquito-net all over the bed and windows, night lamps, emergency light, beautiful furnished, coffee table, work desk, armchairs, sun beds”, says Rudolph.

Laid back and warm with loads of broad smiles from the staff, Kiboko Bay boasts as the only international class resort in western Kenya that kisses the turquoise waters of the Lake Victoria.

All double bedrooms have air conditionings, mini bar fridges with wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages, TV, telephones and PC-plug socket. The resort also offers car hire reservations, Fax, E-mail service, Laundry service, and Guest Internet Station (ADSL with web cam) ADSL Hotspot in all rooms.

The facility is a haven for relaxation on a sunny break; an ideal place to explore with friendly people. It is also a preferred location by single people, couples and families alike who are seeking an affordable sunny holiday on an idyllic tropical beach atmosphere.

There’s a main restaurant and then by the swimming pool, there’s a lovely open air restaurant. The food is amazing - fresh fish right from the lake and absolutely fresh veggies from the interior countryside. The beers are chilled to perfection and they have a lovely drinks selection.

“From here, one can take a boat ride and see the islands of Lake Victoria, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch”, says Rudolph.

The Sandy beaches of the bird sanctuary are ideal for walks while watching different species of birds in their natural breeding habitat.

Rudolph says: “Visits to the fishing village can also be organized where one gets a chance to watch how traditional fishing is carried out by local fishermen on the lake”.

Ndere Island (a National Park) is lo within easy reach and guests can track to the top of the hill which commands a magnificent view of the Winam Gulf.

The resort is an exquisite hotspot in Kisumu and a visit to the lakeside town is incomplete without a stop here.
From the resort, there is a panoramic view of Lake Victoria and a night spent at the tented rooms completes the course.

Visitors to the resort marvel at the beauty of the lake and get entertained from the chirping of birds in the bird sanctuary.
“One can take a cruise to the lake with the guidance of competent guides and be able to see the islands around,” says Rudolph.

To book lovers, there is a well stocked library t Kiboko Bay which has become popular with foreign visitors eager to sample the ancestral home of US President Barrack Obama.

Just a walking distance from Kiboko Bay is the Impala wild life Park? a consortium of leafy trails which hosts caged and wild roaming animals, which include lions, baboons, silver black jackals and spotted hyenas.

After sojourning in the park, you can walk down to the Lake Victoria. I’m enticed by the waves as they hit the shores and then roll back. A cool breeze flaps on fallen tree leaves. Above the ground, trees whistle musically.

There is also a pontoon where a visitor can take a closer look at the lake. A dive into the deep water is dangerous so the resort has two swimming pools to appease those who love to swim.

 When I got there, children were enjoying themselves while the adults watched in amusement.

At the restaurant, the Resort offers both international and traditional cuisines. Not surprisingly, fish is a constant highlight.

Besides offering sanctuary to birds, Kiboko Bay Resort is also a camp for hippos. “They come out of the water at 7am so guests can see them then,” says Rudolph.

 ”Afterwards, they can enjoy boat rides at the lake.”
The neatly manicured lawns provide children with a great playing ground. A walk along the shores of Lake Victoria is therapeutic both for the eye and soul.