Country Kenya Location Western Kenya, 80 miles due west of the Masai Mara on Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria, the world's second largest freshwater lake. ACCESS By air: One hour and thirty minutes from Nairobi and thirty minutes from the Masai Mara by private charter. Rusinga Island Lodge's airstrip is directly in front of the lodge. DESCRIPTION Rusinga Island Lodge exudes an atmosphere of serene tranquillity. The manicured, velvet lawns stretch to the water's edge and the grounds, with its exotic trees, are a haven for a myriad of bird species - many of which are unique to this area of Kenya. The lodge's renowned hospitality, delicious home-grown, home-cooked food and indulgent accommodation combine to offer an ideal base from which to explore other areas of Kenya and the perfect mid-safari break. The spacious grounds offer a safe environment for children to release their energy, the more active to catch up on their exercise, and those wishing to relax, a halcyon oasis in which to unwind and take respite. Whilst on the lake guests may enjoy invigorating water sports such as waterskiing and ‘donuting'. The romance of Rusinga Island Lodge began many years ago when archaeologists Mary and Louis Leakey camped under her gracious fig tree - the base for their ground-breaking discovery nearby of Proconsul Heseloni. Today romance still lingers at the lodge - breathtaking sunsets over the lake, moonlit dinners on the jetty, candlelit pre-dinner champagne in the Jacuzzi, golden sunrises and enchanting cottages with king size beds draped with netting. Recent innovations include a stunning new swimming pool complete with health beauty spa & full time trained Beautician offering a range of luxurious treatments. THE ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is in 7 individual cottages and 1 family cottage comprising a twin room and double room with interconnecting door. Each cottage is en suite and has its own veranda overlooking the lake. Bedrooms are either twin (with 2 queen size beds) or double (with 1 king size bed). Bathrooms are spacious with double sink and ‘soup plate' showers.Electricity is provided by both generator and inverter power offering an electrical supply 24-hours a day. THE FOOD Everything possible is home grown and no artificial fertilisers or chemicals are used. The fruit and vegetables are collected fresh each day. The Rusinga Island Lodge team take great pride in the food served and all breads, pastries and cakes are homemade. The speciality is fish dishes as both Tilapia and Nile perch are plentiful and make delicious eating in many different ways - whole grilled over coals, smoked or Zanzibar-style with coconut, lime and coriander, to name a few favourites. Breakfast and lunch are usually served under sweeping fig trees in the garden whilst dinners are taken either in the dining area, by the floodlit pool or on the jetty. THE TEAM Two experienced, hospitable Managers run the lodge together with a team of 40 staff, mostly from the local area, offering a warm welcome and a high level of service. THE SEASONS The lodge is open all year round. ACTIVITIES Boat Trips - to Bird Islands where thousands of water birds roost. Giant monitor lizards and spotted-necked otters are often seen on the rocks around the island. Magnificent fish eagles soar overhead and swoop down low giving excellent photographic opportunities. The friendly Luo community fish along the shores in their colourful canoes and sailing dhows. The lodge's guests are welcome to visit their villages where the night's catch is set out to dry in the sun and larger fish are smoked. Ruma National Park - one of Kenya's most unusual and beautiful national parks. The last surviving group of Roan Antelope in Kenya can be seen here - a large antelope with magnificent black and white facial markings and swept-back horns. Other special animals include the Jackson's Hartebeest and Rothschild's Giraffe, Oribi, Bohor Reedbuck and Topi. Leopard may also be sighted. Due to the remoteness of the park, it is unlikely that guests at Rusinga will see another visitor. Guests visiting Ruma enjoy a bush breakfast in the park. Exploring Archaeological Sites - A short walk behind the lodge brings you to the site where Mary Leakey found Proconsul Heseloni in 1948 - the last common ancestor of the great apes and man. This caused a sensation at the time and made worldwide headlines. Fossil remains dating back to 20 million years can be seen scattered about on the surface. Bird Watching - Life a the Lodge revolves around the lake and the island's birds - from stately Fish Eagles to tiny iridescent sunbirds and arrow-fast kingfishers, to name but a few of the 369 species of local and migratory birds, including several that only occur in Western Kenya. Many birds including fish eagles and the colourful double toothed barbet nest in the grounds. Fishing - Trawl for Nile perch along the shores or cast for tilapia in the evenings. Both fish make delicious eating and the chef is happy to cook your catch for you. Water Sports - Modern equipment is available for all age groups for water-skiing and ‘donuting'. Spa - The lodge's Spa offers a range of treatments including aromatherapy massage, reflexology, manicure, pedicure, Indian head massage. THE CLIMATE At 3,718 feet above sea level Rusinga Island has a temperate climate making all its activities both pleasurable and viable all year round. During the months of April and May the long rains - usually falling during the night - may prohibit some activities. The days are generally sunny and hot and the evenings clear and warm. In the afternoon an on shore breeze stirs up, making it very pleasant and carries on into the evening. THE RATE (valid from 15 December 2008- 14th December 2009) High Season: 15/12/2009 - 14/4/2009 & 01/6/2009- 31/10/2009 Per person sharing US$ 400.00 Single occupancy US$ 605.00 Child extra bed (12yrs & under sharing) US$ 330.00   Low Season: 15/4/2009 - 31/5/2009 & 01/11/2009 - 14/12/2009 Per person sharing US$ 330.00 Single occupancy US$ 440.00 Child extra bed (12yrs & under sharing) US$ 220.00 All rates are inclusive of taxes, service charge & training levy. In the event of any changes in Government taxes or park/conservation fees, we reserve the right to adjust the rates accordingly. Included: Full board Accommodation Soft drinks Beers & house Wines Mineral water All activities inc. water sports, fishing & boat trips Laundry   Excluded: Champagne Spirits Special wines Park fees for Ruma National park Health insurance, gratuities & items of a personal nature   Day Trips from Mara (Minimum - 2 Pax) US$ 485.00   Included: Flight, fishing, fossil walk, lunch, birding, soft drinks, house wines, beers & mineral water.   Excluded: Water sports, champagne, special wines, spirits, health insurance, gratuities & items of a personal nature. WHAT TO BRING Sun protection (hats, sun cream, glasses), ankle-length walking boots and trousers for walking, light windproof jacket, jersey, swimwear, binoculars, cameras and film. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed and traditional sarongs are often worn in the evenings. CONTACT DETAILS Private Wilderness Ltd. PO Box 6648, G.P.O. 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel +254 20 882028/882598 Fax + 254 20 882868 Mobile: + 254 721 733149 Email: info@privatewilderness.com Website: http://www.privatewilderness.com/ Rusinga Island Lodge Website: http://www.rusinga.com/