KWS-Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

About

Reserve for rare antelopes, buffalo & giraffes, with glass-bottomed boat rides on Lake Victoria.

Google reviews

• JKJenna K.Google review · 22 Sep 2025

  You cannot pay tickets with cash or card at the main gate; there is a QR code (and free WiFi) to buy tickets online with a debit/credit card, then you just show it at the gate and you’re good to go. Unfortunately, that was the smoothest part of the visit. Price: Over $20 for foreigners — which might be okay for a proper park experience, but this felt like a very poor and sad “zoo” setup rather than a sanctuary. Positives: Zebras, impalas, and monkeys roam freely and are lovely to see. Negatives: All the other animals are kept in extremely small, barren enclosures, often alone, with no enrichment and nowhere to hide and showed clear evidence of stress; either obsessive pacing, lethargy etc. I.e. Lions were pacing repetitively in an enclosure roughly 20m x 15m or monkey alone in a 4m*4m cage. What is happening at Impala Sanctuary directly violates the Kenya Wildlife Service’s OWN legal and welfare framework: Captive Wildlife Management & Welfare Policy Guidelines: Requires suitable enclosures, adequate space, veterinary care, conditions that allow natural behaviour, and minimal stress. Wildlife Conservation & Management Act (2013): Mandates the protection, conservation, and humane treatment of wildlife, including those in captivity. Conservancy & Sanctuary Regulations (2015): Sets minimum standards for sanctuary design, registration, and welfare monitoring — which this facility fails to meet. This place has potential, but in its current state it does more harm than good. Until these conditions are brought up to legal and ethical standards, this facility should not be supported by visitors, and KWS should enforce its own regulations to protect these animals.

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• AHAlex H.Google review · 1 Aug 2025

  My visit to Impala Sanctuary Kisumu was nothing short of incredible. The sanctuary is very well maintained—clean, organized, and surrounded by lush greenery that immediately puts you at ease. What stood out most were the animals were very majestic, healthy, and clearly well cared for. Seeing the towering giraffes, massive lions, and graceful zebras up close was such a memorable experience. Being right next to Lake Victoria adds a whole other layer of calm and beauty. The views are stunning, and the lake breeze makes walking through the sanctuary even more enjoyable. Whether you’re into nature, photography, or just looking for a peaceful outing, this place delivers. The staff were warm, welcoming, and always ready to assist or answer questions. Their friendliness really made the visit feel even more special. For Kenyan citizens, entry is just Ksh 225, and if you’re driving in, the vehicle entry fee is Ksh 300 very fair prices for such a refreshing experience. Highly recommend visiting if you’re ever in Kisumu. It’s truly a gem you don’t want to miss!

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• KNKawira N.Google review · 22 Aug 2024

  Impala Sanctuary in Kisumu :in 2024 it's way different, more animals, boat rides and a much more improved camping site! I was wowed, here are a few things to note: 1. Payment is via ecitizen platform. 2. They charge ksh 215 for adults plus ksh. for the wifi, so ksh. 265..confirm fir kids in the video or their website. 3. They have the best guides I have ever seen in any Kenyan park. 4. Best time to visit : Morning hours say around 9-10 am, in time to catch animals having breakfast, less school kids, more Zebra+ birds + antelopes.

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• ZMZuhura M.Google review · 27 May 2021

  Awesome place for a nature walk. A few caged animals with a history but not so much. Atleast the king of the jungle rules there. You can get a boat ride into the lake. Affordable rates. It's ok for a picnic but you may have to share it with the monkeys. It's not a big place to run wild but the air is awesome. Do not carry plastic bottles... We are keeping the place clean. Do NOT feed the animals. Oh.. plenty of hyacinths. Overall.. it's an awesome place for you and your family especially the children to learn a thing or two about animals.

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• EOEsther O.Google review · 26 Sep 2018

  Great place to see some of our wildlife in captivity. It's a bit expansive. Walking around the sanctuary took me about 1-1/2 hours so come prepared with water and a snack. It borders the lake so at most points you can see the lake. It has around 4 picnic sites with wooden benches to sit and enjoy a meal. You can also get boat rides onto the lake. There is also a railway line trail but I didn't go down the trail....

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