From stately fish eagles (which nest within the grounds) and elusive double-toothed barbets to tiny iridescent sunbirds and arrow-fast kingfishers, Rusinga truly is a bird-lover’s paradise.

Rusinga’s grounds are home to more than 369 species of local and migratory birds, many not found elsewhere in Kenya. 

Throughout the day, from dawn to dusk, the air is filled with an enchanting chorus of bird calls and songs.

Nearby Bird Islands – a short board ride from the lodge – are one of the most important breeding sites for water birds on Lake Victoria.  Vast flocks of cormorants can be seen – wings outspanned to catch the suns rays in the early morning, or keenly watching the water for fish during the day.  Magnificent fish eagles soar overhead and swoop low giving excellent photographic opportunities.

Bird Islands are also host to spotted-necked otters and huge, prehistoric-looking monitor lizards.

Around the lodge genet cats are often seen at night as well as hippo grazing on the lawns.  If lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the nocturnal Egyptian mongoose.