Mfangano Island has been a popular tourist destination ever since English explorers John Speke and Richard Burton stepped on it in 1857.

Enclosed by the waters of Lake Victoria, the unspoilt island is a must visit spot for everyone visiting this great lake.

The tranquility of the island offers ideal conditions to forget the hustles and bustles of everyday life.

Besides being the largest island in Lake Victoria, Mfangano is renowned for its ancient rock paintings believed to be the work of Twa – a forager-hunter community closely associated with the pygmies of Eastern Congo. The reddish rock paintings are found in a scooped cave on the northern coast of the island. They are thought to have been made between 1000 and 4000 years ago and may have been used for ancestral rituals.

The bird life and wildlife here are fascinating. Fish eagle, kingfishers and pelicans abound in the island and you can occasionally see them swoop to pluck a fish from the waters. The soothing cry of the fish eagles and otters will help you relax and feel a million miles away from the modern life. Hippos are very much in evidence, as are monitor lizards sunbathing on enormous boulders.

Visitors are guaranteed of meeting friendly residents as they enjoy walks through lush vegetation along the lake shore. A majority of these residents have shunned the outside world in favour of the leisurely routine that makes Mfangano an ideal retreat getaway. In deed little has changed here since the days of Speke as the absence of vehicles, electricity and piped water can demonstrate.

And although residents are willing to put up visitors, accommodation at the island can be sought at the Mfangano Island Camp. The camp occupies an entire secluded bay on the western shores of the island, placed amidst ancient fig trees right by the shoreline. The camp boasts six rooms that have stunning views of the lake and offer spectacular sunsets, complete privacy, en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower, basin and flush toilet as well as hot and cold running water. All rooms have four poster beds and private verandas and are traditionally decorated; creating a special charm and romance for guests accommodation.

The dining tables at Mfangano Island Camp have enormous dishes to choose from. Fresh fish served with a variety of delicious accompaniments and chilled wine is just a part of your experience at this serene camp.

Mfangano Island is best explored in the months of July to October. November to March and June are also good, but can be humid. In April and May the camp is closed due to the rainy season. Getting to the island requires you to take a 40-minute charter flight from the Masai Mara Game Reserve straight to the island’s only airstrip, followed by a 15-minute boat ride along the shoreline. The Masai Mara can be reached by regular scheduled flights from Nairobi which take approximately 45 minutes one way. Flights to Mfangano can also be chartered straight from Nairobi.