Arrive in Kisumu, the capital of Western Kenya and gateway to Lake Victoria. After checking into your hotel, take some time to explore the town’s lively markets and waterfront areas.

Lunch: Head to a local restaurant at Dunga Beach to enjoy freshly grilled tilapia from Lake Victoria, seasoned with local spices and served with sides like kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) and ugali (a maize-based staple). Tilapia here is famous for its succulent flavor, thanks to the lake’s natural ecosystem.

Afternoon Boat Tour: Embark on a boat tour of Lake Victoria, where you’ll have a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s ecology and the lifestyle of the fishing communities that depend on the lake.

Evening Meal: Enjoy a dinner of omena (small dried fish), a delicacy often fried and served with kale or spinach, along with chapati (soft, layered flatbread).

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Kisumu or Acacia Premier Hotel, both offering comfort and great views of the lake.

After breakfast, depart for Kakamega Rainforest, Kenya’s only surviving tropical rainforest and a paradise for nature lovers. This lush, ancient forest is home to rare bird species, butterflies, and primates, as well as towering trees that create a cool, green canopy. Embark on a guided hike through the forest, with a chance to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest, featuring local treats like samosas, roasted groundnuts, and fresh tropical fruit.

Afternoon: Continue your hike, reaching the Lirhanda Hill viewpoint for panoramic views over the forest and surrounding hills. Take in the sounds and sights of the forest, with its array of birds and small mammals.

Evening Meal: Return to Kisumu for dinner, featuring Nile perch, another local fish served fried or grilled with spices and accompanied by traditional sides like sukuma wiki (collard greens) and mbuta (spicy fish stew).

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Kisumu or Acacia Premier Hotel.

Start your day with a visit to the Crying Stone of Ilesi in Kakamega, a natural rock formation that appears to “cry” as water flows down its sides. Learn about the cultural legends and significance of this unusual landmark to the local Luhya community, who regard it as a symbol of resilience and fertility.

Lunch: Enjoy a Luhya-inspired lunch of ingoho (chicken stew), a celebratory dish prepared with traditional herbs and often served during special occasions. It’s typically enjoyed with ugali or sweet potatoes and local greens like managu (African nightshade) and kunde (cowpea leaves).

Afternoon Cultural Visit: Visit a local Luhya village to experience traditional music, dance, and daily life. The Luhya are known for their bullfighting events and energetic isukuti drum music. Try your hand at drumming or learn a few dance steps, with villagers eager to share their culture.

Evening Meal: Back in Kisumu, indulge in a popular Luo dish, aliya (sun-dried beef) cooked in rich spices, served with sweet potato and a side of chapati.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Kisumu or Acacia Premier Hotel.