Ferry Mbita - Luanda Kotieno
When you look on the map of Kenya, you'll see that Kisumu is at the end of an 'extension' of Lake Victoria. That stretch of water is called the Winam Gulf. At the mouth lies the small town of Mbita. The car-ferry service described here runs across that mouth, from the very small town of Luanda Kotieno to Mbita. It warrants its own page because of the great boat trip it offers for a quick visitor.
What is there to see?
The ferry trip takes about 50 minutes. The great scenery with islands and hills slowly floats by, the breeze in your hair. On the way you'll encounter small fishing boats setting nets (colored floaters are everywhere) and you might see the resident flock of pelicans.
How do we get there?
From Kisumu, take the Busia Road (past the airport). Turn left in Kisian (after about 11 km). Turn left again at Ndori after about 40 km onto a newly done tarmac road. Follow that and, after the completed section has ended, the deviations around the road works. One kilometer after a big concrete water tank (on the left) it should make a left turn while the original road continues onwards to Bondo. The road on the left, where also the road works continue, is the road towards the Luanda Kotieno and the ferry. The part that hasn't been done is drivable when it is dry, but very bad (lots of deep mud) after rains. After very heavy rains it is impassable.
The ferry goes per day 4 times up and down from Mbita to Luanda Kotieno. It leaves from Mbita at 0700h, 1000h, 1400h and 1600h. From Luanda Kotieno departure times are 0800h, 1100h, 1500h and 1700h. They leave on time so be on time! Another reason to be there in time is that the ship can sometimes be quite full with vehicles, even small trucks. It is not nice to arrive and find out you have a wait a few hours because your car can't fit anymore.
If you want to make it a day trip from Kisumu, the morning road journey from Kisumu to the ferry takes 2 to 2.5 hours in good conditions, longer after it rained. Don't miss the boat departure back! Alternatively, you can drive back through Homa Bay and Kendu Bay.
What else is there to see nearby?
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