From: Sheena Orr <sheens59@gmail.com>
Date: 2013-01-04 18:39
Subject: Re: [KENYABIRDSNET] Advice for upcoming birding trip to Lake Victoria and Kakamega
Homa Bay Tourist hotel is fine but better to pay a little bit extra for the tents (with hot shower and flushing loo) as the rooms are small and pokey.
Before heading off to more exciting birding areas (which I haven't been able to visit so far because always been passing through on work) check out the pier which is a short walk from the hotel - gonolek, sunbirds and weavers in abundance plus coucal.  Also a wander into the fields in front of the hotel (accessed from the pier road) usually yields a few things.

In Kakamega a cheap but safe hotel with parking and a neat little bar and restaurant is SIAYA GUESTHOUSE on the right heading up towards Nakumatt.  (0733614010).  

Hope this helps. Sounds a fab trip.  
Enjoy the birding!
Sheena


On 4 January 2013 13:15, stewardpeter@ymail.com <peetmate@gmail.com> wrote:
 

Hello,

a group of us are planning a trip to Lake Victoria and Kakamega and are fishing for advice for birding sites and accomdation?

Our rough plan at the moment is:

1) Homa Bay & Rusinga Island (2 days)

We're planning on staying at Homa Tourist Hotel as the Rusinga Lodge is too expensive, does anyone have any other good alternatives in the area?

We're not sure where the best birding spots here are, we are planning to go to Bird Island but other than that any suggestions would be welcome.

2) Ruma National Park (1 day)

Again we haven't been here before so any tips on specialties and sites would be welcome.

3) Kisumu (1 day)

The IBA map shows 3 swamps: Dunga, Koguta and Kusa. We only have time to do one swamp on our way to Kakamega so which of these is best for birding?

4) Kakamega (3 days)

Has anyone stayed in Isikuti Guesthouse or Udo's Bandas? if so what did you think? We are looking for some cheaper alternatives (preferably with food) to Rondo Retreat for part of our group.

Is the site for the Rock Pratincoles on the Nzoia River at the bridge over the river just before Mumias on the Busia-Mumias Road (C33)? Has anyone seen them recently?